SOUTH WINDSOR, CONN.—UTC Power, a United Technologies company, announced that it has become an Energy Star Partner. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. “We are proud to be a partner,” says Jan van Dokkum, UTC Power president. “Energy Star tools and resources help product and service providers like us work more effectively with customers to design efficient cooling, heating and power systems that not only save energy but also ensure a healthier, cleaner environment...

ARLINGTON, VA—Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings Inc. and a supplier of renewable electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region, announced that it has been awarded a contract to supply wind power to The Fairmont Washington, D.C. The three-year contract calls for Pepco Energy Services to supply the 415- room Fairmont Hotel with more than 3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity generated from renewable resources. Beginning in March 2007, 10 percent of the energy will come from wind farms located in the Mid-Atlantic region. “Pepco Energy Services is pleased to be supplying environmentally friendly wind energy...

AMERICAN CANYON, CALIF.—Imagine a hotel with the sound of birds chirping on a green roof, swans gliding across a half-acre lagoon and koi swimming in a pond. Designed to appeal to eco-tourists who want luxury and comfort, Napa Valley’s first environmentally sustainable hotel, Gaia Napa Valley, will open next month. Cutting-edge, environmentally friendly technology was used in its construction and will be applied in the daily operations. Gaia Napa Valley will offer the ultimate experience of harmony with nature. The hotel is pursuing gold LEED certification. The lagoon has its own eco-system, is surrounded by a lush...

LOS ANGELES—Last month the Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo offered more than 135 new and innovative products. During the first two days of the show, 1,400 attendees cast their votes for their favorite new products that were on display. The Best Technology Award was presented to Glory Team International for their 100 percent organic, biodegradable single-use tableware. The Best Equipment Award was presented to Scotsman Ice Systems for their cube ice machine, energy efficient and self-monitoring with external diagnostic lights to alert staff when it is time to perform vital performance procedures. The Best Environmental/Safety Award...

BURBANK, CALIF.—Steril-Aire Inc. has published a new application bulletin describing how its multi-patented UVC technology can protect offices, stores and other commercial buildings while reducing costs. The bulletin, titled “UVC and Commercial Buildings,” explains how UVC devices installed in the air handling systems can result in a wide range of benefits, including mold and microbial control, enhanced indoor air quality, and energy and maintenance savings. The bulletin includes an overview of UVC features and benefits, a four-year cost-saving example, and product information on the different types of UVC devices for commercial HVAC applications. Customer testimonials are also included....

MALVERN, PA.—USA Technologies announced that Wisconsin Focus on Energy is the latest energy utility to offer rebates to customers who purchase its EnergyMiser product. Wisconsin Focus on Energy is the 24th state energy utility to join the USA Technologies National EnergyMiser Rebate Program and will offer rebates ranging up to $45 for VendingMisers and SnackMisers. The company also reported that the Silicon Valley Power utility, already participating in the program, had extended its rebate ranging up to $120 for VendingMisers and CoolerMisers for another 12 months. “USA Technologies applauds the Wisconsin Focus on Energy utility for...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes DBS Lodging Technologies, maker of Entergize, as a Green Product Directory Partner. Entergize guestroom energy control systems reduce guestroom energy consumption by 25 percent to 45 percent. Entergize controls both guestroom HVAC energy costs as well as lighting and electrical loads. Entergize is totally wireless and uses microchip control radio frequency (RF) communication. There is no need to connect parts with hard wires. Go to Entergize for more information.

DENVER—National park and resort concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts has received the National Park Service (NPS) 2006 Environmental Achievement Award for its performance at the Zion Lodge in Zion National Park. The NPS Environmental Achievement Award recognizes superior accomplishments in environmental stewardship. Zion Lodge also received the award in 2004. Xanterra also has received National Park Service Environmental Achievement Awards for environmental stewardship at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The 2006 award was presented by Fran Mainella, director of the National Park Service. “Xanterra at Zion...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The latest American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and Smith Travel Research 2006 Lodging Survey provides valuable insight into industry availability of liquid soap dispensers, recycling programs, air purifiers, energy management sensors, linen/towel reuse programs and nonsmoking rooms. A total of 42,407 hotels were polled and twenty-one percent (9,300 hotels) responded to the survey that wrapped up the first quarter of this year. Survey results were released earlier this summer. The survey was funded by AH&LEF, the nonprofit affiliate of AH&LA, and tracked the size, scope and emerging trends of the U.S. lodging industry. The AH&LA...

ALSIP, ILL.—Litetronics International Inc. announces an innovation in cold cathode fluorescent technology. All Litetronics Micro-Brite decorative 3- and 4-watt candelabra base lamps are now dimmable. Litetronics has successfully miniaturized its patented cold cathode technology to bring candelabra-based Micro-Brite into the dimming family. Now it is possible to have the decorative look of candelabra lighting, the long life and energy savings of fluorescent lamps, and the ability to adjust the light level for any situation. The 3- and 4-watt Micro-Brite candelabra base lamps have a 25,000-hour life and offer more than 80 percent in energy savings over incandescent lighting....