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...

DANVERS, MASS.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently recognized Osram Sylvania with the Energy Star Sustained Excellence 2007 award for its continued leadership in protecting the environment through energy efficiency. Sylvania’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 21. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Sylvania has been recognized as an Energy Star Partner of the Year, and the second year at this highest level of distinction. Osram Sylvania was honored for its long-term commitment to energy efficiency by producing energy-efficient products, installing highly efficient...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes American Dryer Corp. (ADC) as a Green Product Directory partner. ADC manufactures Solaris dryers, which lead the market in energy efficiency. Hotel owners can save up to 30 percent on energy with 100 percent axial airflow and reduce drying time with a moisture sensor and auto shutoff, thereby lowering utility costs. Go to American Dryer Corp., write to sales@amdry.com, or call (508)-678-9000 for more information.

PORTLAND, ORE.—The ongoing efforts of the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower—one of the country’s first hotels to green its operations and the largest hotel in Oregon—have been recognized by Green Seal with the coveted Green Seal Lodging Properties certification (www.greenseal.org). Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that promotes the management, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services. In 2005, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower turned its attention to greening hotel operations. Recognizing the enormous consumption and dramatic impact of the hospitality industry on the planet, hotel management decided to take action to decrease its environmental footprint....

ALSIP, ILL.—Litetronics International introduces its cold cathode compact fluorescent lamps. They range from 2 to 8 watts and are a direct replacement for incandescent lighting up to 50 watts without any loss of light output. Micro-Brite lamps have an expected life of up to 25,000 hours and can save up to 90 percent in energy costs when compared to incandescent lamps. Due to their extremely long life, Micro-Brite lamps also cut down on maintenance and replacement costs. Micro-Brite lamps can be used indoors or outdoors in extreme heat and cold. They are also flashable and dimmable down to 5...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Although travelers burn gas to get to their destinations, one answer to greener travel is to vacation by choosing an eco-friendly B&B. BedandBreakfast.com innkeepers are moving toward greener getaways by investing in earth-friendly practices to ensure guests the finest in eco-escapes. BedandBreakfast.com currently lists more than 35 earth-friendly special packages. Listed in alphabetical order by state, here are some examples of green packages offered by BedandBreakfast.com members. Strawberry Creek B&B, Idyllwild, Calif.: Relax on soft, cotton-like hammocks made from recycled soda bottles. This inn’s tranquil wooded setting is certified by the National Wildlife Federation as an...