ATLANTA—ASHRAE’s new global headquarters will operate at net-zero-energy (NZE) performance following the recent installation of a large photovoltaic (PV) system. “Completing the installation of our PV system marks a tangible milestone for ASHRAE that will demonstrate to others how to successfully move on the path to NZE status,” said 2021-22 ASHRAE President Mick Schwedler, P.E., Fellow ASHRAE, LEED AP. “This project is special because it’s a testament to ASHRAE’s leadership and commitment to sustainability and showcases innovative built environment technology. We are extremely proud of this important accomplishment.” In January 2020, ASHRAE began a $20 million renovation project on its new global headquarters building,...

SARANAC LAKE, N.Y.—Saranac Waterfront Lodge announced that it has been awarded LEED Silver, becoming the first and only hotel in New York’s Adirondacks to achieve a certification. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the most widely used green building rating system in the world and an international symbol of excellence. Through design, construction and operations practices that improve environmental and human health, LEED-certified buildings are helping to make the world more sustainable. Saranac Waterfront Lodge, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, achieved LEED certification for implementing practical and measurable strategies and...

ENGLEWOOD, COLO.—Bona US, a global, sustainably-driven company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining, and restoring premium floors, has announced that it purchased 35 acres in Monroe, N.C., where it will add on to its existing facility. The new, 280,000-square-foot building officially broke ground recently at an event hosted at the facility. Bona expects the building to be completed in late summer 2022. “As our business continues to grow, investing in our current factory site aligns with our core commitment for a sustainable future,” said Phil Nicolette, Senior Director of Operations and Supply Chain, Site Manager - Monroe, Bona. “By...

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.—Atom Power, manufacturer of the world’s first and only UL listed solid-state digital circuit breaker, announced the launch of PURPL. PURPL is Atom Power’s EV charging solution that charges vehicles directly from the circuit breaker and incorporates unique energy management technology to keep electricity costs low. These capabilities provide utilities, cities, property, and fleet owners with a dual solution to increase access to EV charging and upgrade electrical infrastructure needed to meet transportation electrification goals. “Atom Power is on a mission to enable the electrification of everything,” said Ryan Kennedy, CEO, Atom Power. “Electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a...

CINCINNATI—Hydro Systems, a world leader in delivering chemical dispensing and dosing solutions, introduced the Multi-Washer 3000 Series with EvoClean for reliable chemical dispensing for on-premise laundries. One system can support up to three washers and dose up to eight products and offers detailed reporting and cost-saving opportunities. “The Multi-Washer 3000 Series is a single venturi-based dispensing system that provides reliable and accurate dosing across all the washers operating in a laundry facility. This helps our customers reduce water, energy and rewash costs,” said John Goetz, Global Product Manager, Hydro Systems. Featuring PCB-based control, the system uses the EvoClean’s venturi dosing technology to...

GALESBURG, ILL.—Intellihot, the clean technology company creating innovative, next-generation solutions to transform the built environment, announced that it has raised $50 million in growth financing led by investors Aegon Asset Management and the Avenue Sustainable Solutions Fund. Intellihot is focused on creating breakthrough technologies to disrupt the $81 billion global HVAC market and plans to expand internationally. Intellihot’s innovative, AI-enabled green technologies are used around the country by large facilities including hotels, restaurants, stadiums, hospitals, and more. Current Intellihot customers include Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Benihana, the New York City Housing Authority, and Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. The growth financing...

NATIONAL REPORT—Business owners face endless challenges of having to make risky decisions. From employee management to operations, cost reduction and customer retention top the list. One solution that takes care of both concerns simultaneously is commercial solar. Understandably, with most blue-chip companies using the system, it seems expensive and off-putting. However, it has become a viable option for all businesses to capitalize and benefit from with its rapid evolution. Reduced Overhead Costs & a Generous ROI Like any good product, there are solar energy pros and cons worth considering. For example, one of the most significant benefits of solar panels is that...

SHELTON, CONN.—Budderfly, #10 overall and #2 in energy on the 2021 Inc. 5000 America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies list, announced a partnership with KE2 Therm Solutions, a leading developer and manufacturer of smart refrigeration controllers. The agreement enables Budderfly EnergyCloud’s learning algorithms to integrate with KE2 Therm’s KE2 Evaporator Efficiency refrigeration controller for the most efficient operation and precise temperature control of refrigerated spaces. Results are displayed on Budderfly’s real-time dashboard where automated alarms are triggered, and owners notified if components exceed set thresholds. Effective operation and control of refrigerated spaces are critical to avoid catastrophic loss of perishable product. A typical walk-in freezer or...

NATIONAL REPORT—Recent weather disasters, social unrest and a heightened awareness of racial bias have prompted hoteliers to double down on their commitments to become better corporate citizens and do more to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. These are moves toward a social good, sure, but also have ramifications on hotel company P&Ls. Marriott International is one good company example. It recently announced a commitment to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The pledge follows the previous setting of goals by the massive global company to reduce single-use plastics, cut down on food waste by 50 percent and...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad, a boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms and a high-end mountain modern design, has opened its doors and welcomed its first guests in the heart of Silverthorne, Colo. along the banks of the Blue River. As the first newly constructed boutique hostel in the Rocky Mountains, The Pad incorporated 18 upcycled shipping containers into its environmentally friendly construction and design. The Pad is one of the country’s first lodging properties to be constructed using upcycled shipping containers and is on track to becoming the first Colorado-based lodging company to attain B Corp. certification. “We’re using upcycled shipping containers and...