CHICAGO—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of commercial refrigeration systems, recently unveiled its optional MBWA-1 digital walk-in alarm and light management system. The new factory-installed MBWA-1 replaces less accurate mechanical thermometers, separate alarms and light switches with one convenient unit. It saves energy with its door open alarm as well as its internal light timer, which automatically switches off the light. It comes equipped with a number of features including high/low temperature alarms, light management and a panic alarm. An optional battery backup is also available. The MBWA-1 is designed to help eliminate the two biggest energy wasters on a...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper Inc., a premium paper manufacturer, has joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). CCX is the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary but legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program. By joining CCX, Neenah Paper has not only committed to tracking and reporting carbon dioxide emissions, but also to achieving a 6 percent reduction by 2010 versus their baseline. CCX’s trading system establishes limits on overall emissions and sets company allowances for members. Businesses with emissions below their allowances can trade the remainder to other companies, whereas businesses that do not achieve their committed...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—GE Consumer & Industrial introduces its new HIR Plus lamp. The company says it is the highest energy efficient PAR 38 in the marketplace as measured by lumens per watt (LPW). A new instrument for retailers and other commercial end–users fighting to reduce energy wastefulness—available in 45–, 48–, 54–, 60–, 67– and 83–watt spots and floods—the HIR Plus is designed to replace higher wattage, standard PAR 38 lamps while delivering as much as a 54 percent reduction in energy costs. Because the new GE lamps offer over two times the rated life of standard halogen lamps (4,200 hours...

LAS VEGAS—Power Efficiency Corp., a developer and manufacturer of advanced energy savings technologies for electric motors, announced that Nevada Power and Sierra Pacific Power have qualified Power Efficiency Corp.’s technology for a prescriptive rebate on escalators throughout the state of Nevada with no further testing of the technology necessary. Qualified customers who install Power Efficiency’s technology on their escalators may receive a rebate of $20 per 1HP. For example, a 30HP escalator installation will result in a $600 rebate. Nevada Power consultants, KEMA and Paragon Consulting Services, conducted extensive testing of the technology on escalators in several major casinos...

NATIONAL REPORT—Operating a spa in an environmentally responsible manner requires a lot more than using natural personal care products. Yes, offering such treatments is smart and provides a competitive advantage, but it is just a small part of running a “green” operation. How you manage water, lighting, heating and cooling, cleaning, purchasing, and even cooking is much more important. What those who have implemented green programs have discovered is that they need not sacrifice luxury—or profits—for sustainability. To compete with leaders such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and others that operate green spas,...

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...