VANCOUVER, B.C.—Energex Inc., a developer of advanced PIR occupancy sensors for control of HVAC and lighting energy, has been selected by Buildings Magazine as their 2007 Editor’s Choice Top Product Pick. One of the publication’s most popular exclusives, the Top Product Picks offer 100 solutions to ensure that facilities and staff are working at their peak. Earlier this year, thousands of products and services were reviewed by the Buildings editorial staff; the result is this elite group of 100, selected using a number of parameters: aesthetics (when applicable), ease of use, durability/life-cycle, efficiency or applicability, universal appeal, sustainable/green elements (when applicable),...

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.—The Furnace Creek Inn & Ranch Resort in Death Valley National Park has been accepted into the Environmental Protection Agency’s Performance Track program. The EPA’s Performance Track program recognizes top environmental performers that commit to “sound environmental management, continuous improvement, public outreach and sustained environmental compliance.” According to the EPA, Performance Track members demonstrate in their daily business operations that economic prosperity and environmental protection go hand in hand. Members of the EPA Performance Track Program receive incentives such as public recognition and low inspection priority. Members are also eligible for several kinds of administrative flexibility...

NATIONAL REPORT—For many reasons—aesthetics, noise reduction, energy efficiency—hoteliers have been opting for vertical package terminal air conditioners (vertical PTACs, aka VTACs) instead of PTACs for their guestrooms. VTACs, which are placed discreetly in an enclosed corner closet, are being implemented most often in suite environments with multiple rooms but also are appropriate for single-room configurations. “There are different reasons for opting for VTACs, but cost is an important one; they are less expensive than two PTACs,” says Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products for GE Consumer & Industrial. “Looks are also important. It looks like you have central air...

CHICAGO—Sloan Valve Co., a leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing systems, has made a landmark purchase of renewable energy credits to offset 100 percent of the electricity used in its manufacturing facility in Franklin Park, Ill. This is the largest renewable energy purchase in the plumbing industry, making Sloan the first flush valve manufacturer to purchase renewable energy credits to offset its electricity use. This purchase is also the largest corporate purchase of renewable energy in the state of Illinois. “Sloan Valve Co. is a leader in the sustainability movement, and that involves caring about our communities and respecting our environment,”...

MILWAUKEE, WISC.—Results from a first-time survey of North American business leaders indicate they expect energy prices to continue to rise, and plan to invest in energy efficiency measures to help fight rising costs. Despite the trend toward sustainability, executives cite a desire to decrease energy expenditures within their organizations as a greater motivator than environmental responsibility. Those are some of the findings of the research commissioned by Johnson Controls Inc. The Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator research identified individuals from a wide range of facilities and locations who were decision makers for energy management issues within organizations and asked how...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News welcomes Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. as a Founding Sponsor. Lutron is widely respected for engineering high-quality light control systems that deliver the right ambience for a hotel property. At Lutron, the goal always has been to provide the most appropriate light control solutions for single guestrooms or entire properties—whether new construction or those undergoing renovation. Less well known is that Lutron control solutions save a significant amount of energy, and can assist a building in receiving up to 20 points in four out of five categories required for LEED-NC certification. Lighting is often the largest power...

PEACHTREE CITY, GA.—In an effort to educate Californians on the excessive cost of heating water with inefficient tank water heaters, Rinnai Corp., a leading tankless water heating company, has posted a billboard on California’s 405 freeway displaying the millions of dollars wasted in California each day by homes and businesses heating their water with inefficient water tanks. According to an annual estimated cost from the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Assn. (GAMA) and Energy Factor (EF) from the May 2007 Consumers Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings, the 13 million single-family homes in California waste approximately $5.1 million daily heating water with...

TRYON, N.C.—Ozone Water Technologies Inc. announces the opening of its new office in Tryon, N.C. The company moved to a larger space to accommodate the increase in business volume and to add a parts and service warehouse. Jim Gross, president of Ozone Water Technologies, says his company is experiencing tremendous growth and will add more staff to meet these current needs. Ozone Water Technologies will expand with a complete new product line and parts warehouse for the North American market. The company has also developed a significant presence in markets outside of the United States for its ozone washing...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Some of the world’s leading technology companies gathered here June 25-28 at HITEC to unveil their latest products and chat about their plans for the coming year. The hub of activity at the trade show and conference was the Guestroom 2010 exhibit, where one could find everything from energy-efficient hair dryers to recyclable carpet. Elsewhere on the show floor, companies displayed new, state-of-the-art environmental systems. The following are highlights from Guestroom 2010: Andis Co. featured its fast-drying Quiet Ionic Lighted Hair Dryer. It generates negative ions that dry hair faster by breaking up water molecules. Faster drying time means less...

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—The Sandpearl Resort, slated to open in August, has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certification requirements. JMC Communities, the resort’s developer and owner, is resolute in following the specific LEED requirements, which include elements that preserve the beauty of Clearwater Beach so that it can be shared with generations to come. A prime example is the resort’s salt bromine pool filtration system, which, while costing twice as much as a standard system to install, was a required element of the owner. The Sandpearl resort is passionate about not putting chlorine waste into...