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...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In April, all 2,800 hotels in nearly 70 countries will help Marriott International Inc. celebrate Environmental Awareness Month, marking the company’s biggest effort to promote eco-friendly practices on the road, at work, at home and in the community. The month-long drive enlists Marriott customers, associates and business partners in a variety of projects to save, recycle and reuse, including: Clean Up the World—In partnership with Clean Up the World, a global green volunteer organization, Marriott hotels will join forces on a variety of local cleanup projects including the River Thames in London, the Potomac River in Washington,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) is launching a Webinar program to further compliment the association’s wide array of existing educational offerings that help members operate more efficiently and profitably. The first three trainings—presented in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star program—will run in April, May and June, and focus on the keys to a successful energy management program that improve property efficiency and financial performance. Topics include: How Does Your Hotel Measure Up—April 4, 1 p.m. (EST) Explore the financial and environmental reasons why hotel operators should measure, trace...

CHICAGO—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of commercial refrigeration systems for over 65 years, announced that it has received the Kitchen Innovations (KI) 2007 Award from the National Restaurant Assn. Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show for its Master Controller with patented Reverse Cycle Defrost for walk-in refrigeration systems. The Master Controller is an electronic control system that regulates an electric expansion valve for precise refrigerant pressure and superheat through the evaporator coil. It also features demand defrost which automatically detects when a defrost is necessary. When combined with Reverse Cycle Defrost, energy savings can reach 27 percent. The award winning...

NATIONAL REPORT—Lighting plays a key role in the hospitality experience, from enhancing architectural effects to providing security and directional functions. Recent technological advances in the lighting industry have also made it an increasingly important consideration in sustainable design and building practices. New light sources have emerged that are both cost-effective and that perform up to or better than older technologies. While some of the newer light sources may cost more initially, the resulting electrical and maintenance savings often equate to an impressive 30 to 600 percent return on investment. The energy programs and policies of any hotel, motel or resort should...

MINNEAPOLIS—Honeywell announced it has been awarded a $4.7 million contract to implement an energy-efficiency program that will significantly reduce electricity use in small hotels and motels throughout the Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) service territory in northern and central California. The Cool Control Plus program from Honeywell Utility Solutions, part of Honeywell Building Solutions, will provide lodging owners with free, energy-saving retrofits designed to eliminate wasteful use of air-conditioning and heating units. The two-and-a-half-year program will cut consumption and costs for owners, and help the utility meet state conservation targets. It is expected to save 12 million kilowatt...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A coalition of energy efficiency advocates last week announced plans for proposed legislative action for a major shift toward incorporating high-efficiency lighting technologies in home and office settings. The call-to-action was introduced by Philips Electronics, Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Congressman Don Manzullo (R.-Ill.), and the Lighting Efficiency Coalition—comprised of the Alliance to Save Energy, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, Californians Against Waste, Natural Resources Defense Council and Earth Day Network. The Philips-led coalition is advocating an industrywide initiative that would accelerate the use of existing energy-efficient lighting systems and bulbs as substitutes for less efficient...

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—A Partner Member of the Green Hotel Assn. and a Santa Monica Sustainable Works Business Greening Program participant, The Ambrose hotel here is doing what it can to “Leave Only Footprints Behind.” It is that phrase that the 77-room property uses in its stylish logo. In every area of the hotel’s operations, a commitment to sustainability is clear. That commitment stems from the owner, The Ambrose Group L.L.C., as well as the “all concierge” team of employees at the property. The Ambrose first got involved in greening the hotel’s operations by participating in Santa Monica’s Sustainable Works Business Greening...

GERMANTOWN, MD.—Telkonet Inc., a leader in providing in-building broadband access over existing electrical wiring, announced that the company has completed the acquisition of Smart Systems International (SSI), a leading technology manufacturer of in-room energy management systems for the hospitality industry. The company acquired substantially all the assets of SSI for $7 million comprised of cash and company common stock. SSI’s patented energy management technology eliminates wasted energy from heating and cooling unoccupied rooms, constantly adjusting the temperature based on current room conditions. It evaluates how far the temperature can drift for maximum energy savings, while ensuring the room...

BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp. announced that it will receive the 2007 Energy Star Partner of the Year Award for Sustained Excellence from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This award is given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding environmental leadership year after year, while sustaining product and marketing excellence. This unique honor represents the company’s eighth Energy Star Award win. Whirlpool Corp. will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 2007. Whirlpool Corp., an Energy Star partner since 1998, will be honored for its...