WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has adopted two new rules for light bulbs, also known as general service lamps, that will conserve energy and help consumers save on their energy bills. The first rule establishes a revised definition of general service lamps while the second implements the minimum standard of 45 lumens per watt for light bulbs that meet the revised definition. These rules are part of 100 energy efficiency actions the Biden Administration is completing this year. Once these light bulb rules are in place, DOE expects consumers to save nearly $3 billion per year on their utility bills....

FRAMINGHAM, MASS.—Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, announced that it was recognized with two Platinum Hermes Creative Awards, recognizing excellence in concept, writing, and design of traditional and emerging media for its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives. Hermes Creative Awards highlights outstanding work while promoting the philanthropic nature of marketing and communication professionals. Ameresco secured an award for its ESG Ambassadors program in the team achievement category and another for Ameresco’s ESG report under the corporate social responsibility publication category. These recognitions follow the publication of the company’s 2021 ESG report, centered on a theme of “Doing...

I have reported on Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort numerous times on Green Lodging News. I recently learned that the carbon-neutral property in Eagle Beach, Aruba, plans to go carbon negative this year. The announcement was made on Earth Day. How does the property plan to reach its goal? Here is a list of their latest initiatives: Green loans for employees. To continue the reduction of fossil fuel-dependency, Bucuti & Tara provides employees with loans for electric bicycles, electric automobiles, and solar panels for home use. Charging stations. Guests and staff have complimentary use of the resort’s electric charging stations for...

Amid one of its most transformative periods in history, the U.S. lodging industry has an opportunity to enact real change through a renewed commitment to sustainability. As the world looks to reduce its carbon emissions, hotels play an important role as they are the most energy- and water-intensive of any commercial building type globally. Not only will a commitment to sustainability help to slow climate change, but failure to do so has the potential to result in lower asset value, increased operational costs and decreased consumer demand. Following the pandemic’s unprecedented impact on lodging demand, which was worse than that of...

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News has added Insight Energy Solutions as a Founding Sponsor at the Bronze level. Insight Energy Solutions is committed to engineering proven, turn-key, brand agnostic energy solutions and sustainability projects with its clients. Opportunities are particularly large with hospitality due to its comparatively high energy intensity, varied building loads and seasonal nature. “Being green does not mean sacrificing the core business of hospitality which is guest experience and comfort,” the company says. “Energy efficiency can and should co-exist within this business model and, in most cases, enhances it.” Insight Energy Solutions services cover a range of applications but...

NEW HAVEN, CONN.—Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will soon make history as what is believed will be the first net-zero hotel in the United States. The revolutionary hotel will utilize renewable solar power sources on site to generate the electricity needed for its common areas, restaurant, laundry, meeting rooms and 165 guestrooms and suites. Set to debut this spring, the all-electric hotel is currently accepting reservations for May 19, 2022, and beyond. Hotel Marcel New Haven will operate independent of fossil fuels, resulting in zero carbon emissions. It is also expected to be the first Passive House-certified hotel...

CORK, IRELAND—Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, released its 2022 Sustainability Report along with the following message from George Oliver, Chairman and CEO and Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer: “As we look back on the unfathomable events unfolding in Ukraine, Johnson Controls recognizes how important it is for countries, communities and world leaders to unite in solidarity during such momentous times. We will continue to collectively uphold our own company values and remain committed to leading with integrity, respect, unwavering moral purpose, and humanity. We stand in solidarity with people around...

BOSTON—Vicinity Energy, a national decarbonization leader with the most extensive portfolio of district energy systems, announced it has launched eSteam, a new innovation designed to rapidly decarbonize the highest source of emissions in major cities, commercial buildings. Vicinity is the first in the United States to electrify its operations, offering renewable thermal energy by installing electric boilers, industrial-scale heat pumps, and thermal storage at its central facilities starting in Boston and Cambridge, with its other districts to follow. “We’re thrilled to be the first district energy company in the United States to bring renewable thermal energy to our customers. Our operations are...

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—Cyber Switching, a leader in intelligent power management solutions, announces the launch of its smart level-2 commercial EV charging station. This represents a substantial step towards eliminating the notorious bottlenecks in EV charging infrastructures across the United States: high pricing, difficult installation, and a lack of infrastructure and expertise. The announcement came during the NAFA Expo 2022, a premier networking event that brings together fleet professionals from across North America. With a strong focus on affordability and sustainability, Cyber Switching aims to make the transition to EVs easier, smoother, and even financially rewarding for big corporations, workplaces, commercial...

HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK—One of the hospitality industry’s most innovative new concepts is emerging in New York’s Hudson Valley--Moliving at Hurley House. Produced and operated by Moliving Inc., its ultra-luxury Units will be 399 square feet on the inside and will include deck space of 240 feet. With its 60 Units, Moliving at Hurley House will open this September. Moliving Units can either be “off the grid” while using solar panels with lithium battery technology to store energy or can be easily connected to the grid in a matter of minutes. According to Jordan Bem, CEO, and founder of Moliving,...