CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Lodging Technology, Roanoke, Va., as a Founding Sponsor. Lodging Technology is a leading provider of innovative guestroom energy management systems. Lodging Technology, an EnergyStar Partner, is the originator (1980) and recognized leader of infrared sensor-based hotel energy conservation, and provides direct sales, installation, service, and leasing options. Lodging Technology’s products have been installed in thousands of hotel guestrooms over the past 27 years. GEM System Energy Management, and its optional features, will provide substantial savings of 35 to 45 percent, increase profits, and improve staff response,...

BUENA VISTA, COLO.—You can huff and you can puff but you will never be able to blow down the walls of the Las Manos Bed and Breakfast in Buena Vista, Colo. The walls are made of straw. Well, mostly. They are actually constructed from bales of straw and covered with concrete stucco. They are solid, fire proof, and have an energy efficient insulation value of R-50. The unique exterior wall structure is just one of the fascinating elements of the B&B set within view of Colorado’s majestic 14,000-foot peaks. The 2,600-square-foot home, which includes two large suites ranging from 600...

DANBURY, CONN.—FuelCell Energy Inc., a global leader in the development and manufacture of high temperature hydrogen fuel cells for clean electric power generation, announces an advanced fuel cell stack design that boosts the power output of its Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plants by 20 percent. The company is incorporating the enhancement across its entire line of power plants. This enhancement reflects the commitment of FuelCell Energy to provide its customers with ultra-clean and reliable distributed power—efficiently and economically. By improving thermal management of electrochemical activity within the fuel cell stack, the company has increased the power output from...

PHOENIX, ARIZ.—Aramark Parks & Resorts, a division of Aramark Harrison Lodging, announced that it has offset 100 percent of its traditional energy consumption with alternative energy solutions at its national and state park managed properties—selecting Earth Day 2007 to commemorate its first year of sustainable energy use. “Aramark Parks has continually developed cutting edge environmental and greening initiatives,” says Bruce Fears, president of Aramark Harrison Lodging. “Since protecting and preserving the environment is a personal passion of mine, it has been extremely rewarding to have participated in developing such innovative Aramark programs including PlanetEVERgreen, Green Suites EcoRooms; Sustainable...

TORONTO—As an environmental ambassador and industry pioneer in responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced it has launched the third edition of its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text for companies looking to “green” their operations. The ultimate source for companies looking to introduce or expand their green policies, the latest edition of Fairmont’s authoritative manual once again opens the vault on the brand’s environmental best practices. Forwarded by world-renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, the Green Partnership Guide focuses on key areas such as energy management, water conservation, and innovative community...

DALLAS—In honor of international Earth Day on April 22, Accor North America (NA), which operates more than 1,200 upscale and economy hotels, will launch Accor Earth Guest Week from April 15-22. As part of the Earth Guest initiatives implemented at Accor hotels worldwide, Accor NA will plant 20,000 trees representing each Accor employee in North America, implement a 65-point environmental checklist at all properties and corporate, and donate $375,000 to educational and charitable groups. The Accor NA Earth Guest Week efforts are designed to maximize Accor employee involvement in beautifying Mother Earth, educating and helping the community and...

ATLANTA—Onity, a global provider of electronic control and security solutions for lodging applications, announced that the company has achieved “Endorsed Direct Order Supplier” status for Best Western International, Inc. A signed four-year agreement between the two industry-leading companies allows approximately 2,400 Best Western properties in North America to take advantage of Onity’s extensive line of facility management technologies, including electronic locking solutions, in-room safes and energy management systems. The agreement also covers staff training on all Onity products by certified Onity technicians. Best Western members can choose to place orders through Best Western Supply, a division of Best...

JACKSON HOLE, WYO.—Proving that luxury and sustainability can join forces with unprecedented results, Hotel Terra will open in Jackson Hole this winter season. The first in a collection of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra will offer the exceptional amenities and services expected from boutique hotels, combined with environmentally sustainable building and operating practices. Green practices include Hotel Terra’s pending LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which will put it in an elite group of just five LEED-certified hotels in the United States. The 72 room, six-story Hotel Terra is a condominium hotel property built...

RIVERSIDE, N.J.—For the third time in the past four years, Sea Gull Lighting Products, LLC has been honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its commitment and promotion of Energy Star lighting and energy efficiency. In 2004 and 2005, Sea Gull Lighting was named the Energy Star Partner of the Year Award by the EPA for its efforts to actively develop, distribute, sell and market environmentally-friendly lighting products and ceiling fans that prevent greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. This year, the EPA presented Sea Gull Lighting with the 2007 Energy Star Sustained Excellence Award...

GREENSBORO, N.C.—The greenest hotel in North America? If not, it is certainly among the top few. Dennis Quaintance, CEO and CDO (Chief Design Officer) of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, developer of the 147-room Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., has his sights set on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The property, still under construction, will use 40 percent less energy and 35 percent less water than a comparable hotel. It is expected to open in August or September. What makes the eight-story Proximity Hotel so different than a typical luxury property? The roof is a good place...