NEW ALBANY, MISS.—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of premier commercial refrigeration systems for over 65 years, announces patent approval for its reverse cycle process. This proprietary technology involves a reverse cycle valve that is added to the condensing unit which reverses the direction of refrigerant flow during defrosts. The reverse cycle is automatically activated by the Master Controller electronic control system, saving the user energy and money as well as added convenience. When the Master Controller demand defrost feature determines a defrost is necessary, the reverse cycle valve is automatically activated and the high temperature refrigerant flow...

NEW YORK—If you have plans to attend this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York City and are interested in checking out vendors that sell green products, you may want to bring some comfortable shoes. Suppliers of environmentally friendly products will not be segregated in one spot but located around the huge trade show floor. That is probably a good thing; all of the show’s free food samples justify the miles of walking. “The defining characteristic of the 91st annual International Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Show is ‘new,’ says Christian Falkenberg, show manager. “This show promises to...

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...