COMMERCE, CALIF.—Nora Lighting has released three new catalogs to assist Nora representatives in their marketing activities: a comprehensive Pocket Guide/Edition 9; the Product Preview/Summer 2019; and a Linear/Accent Lighting Catalog. The literature is available free to industry professionals by calling Nora at (800) 686-6672, e-mailing marketing@noralighting.com, or by downloading at noralighting.com.  Nora Pocket Guide /Edition 9—The 360-page Pocket Guide features more than 2,000+ residential and commercial lighting products and accessories, with a special emphasis on Nora’s state-of-the-art LED series. Designed as a quick reference tool, the Pocket Guide offers detailed information on all Nora products with individual photos, specification charts,...

LOS ANGELES—1 Hotels has opened its fourth property and West Coast flagship, 1 West Hollywood. Formerly The Jeremy, the property has undergone a total transformation, taking its cues from the raw natural beauty of the Southern California landscape. The property will continue to be operated by SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of Starwood Capital Group, a global private investment firm. When it comes to sustainable hospitality, 1 Hotels walks the walk. With an Energy Star score of 95, “1 WeHo” will be one of the most energy-efficient hotels in L.A. Among its property-wide conservation practices is the inclusion of...

WEST HARTFORD, CONN.—Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and network infrastructure solutions, announced the launch of the new Solar Charging Kit, further growing its line of outdoor power solutions that deliver safe, permanent power outside. With a clean, sleek aesthetic, the Solar Charging Kit quickly, and easily, adds USB charging for mobile devices to commercial and hospitality outdoor spaces without the time or hassle of a full construction project. Each kit includes a solar panel assembly with battery, all necessary wiring, a mounting collar and three charging shelves. Shelving units offer two USB-A ports that are illuminated and protected with...

PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc., a global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies, has released its 2018 corporate sustainability report, Accelerating Meaningful Change, which highlights its work with leading companies throughout the world to reduce environmental impact and drive cost savings. The 2018 publication is Ecolab’s 12th annual corporate sustainability report. “Whether it’s saving water or reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, there’s a growing realization that these priorities go hand-in-hand with business growth and profitability,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr. “By the nature of our work, we help companies achieve their operational and sustainability goals.” Highlights from...

KOHLER, WIS.—Kohler Co., a global leader in the design and manufacture of kitchen and bath products, has released its third public Social Impact report. As in years past, the report examines Kohler’s efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and positively impact local and global communities. The company’s report centers on three key programmatic areas: Stewardship, Innovation for Good (IfG) and Sustainability. This year, a new format offers the report in two different versions, one focusing on key metrics and the other highlighting achievements through visual storytelling focusing on people, events, actions and partnerships. Kohler’s social impact work continues to be...

With millions of commercial and apartment buildings in the United States, an improved model building energy code can make a significant difference when it comes to reducing energy waste, saving owners and tenants money on their utility bills, and avoiding power plant pollution. Updating the code is also a critical policy tool for states, counties, and cities working to stave off the worst impacts of the climate crisis. That’s why code officials, builders, energy efficiency advocates, and others met in May in Albuquerque on proposals to update the next model residential and commercial building codes for homes and the commercial...

NATIONAL REPORT—Emerging technologies for energy management have shown incredible promise. However, these systems aren’t always compatible with older buildings, and their owners may need to invest in repairs and adjustments to accommodate the changes. Only then can they enjoy the full potential of modern equipment. Fortunately, the process for retrofitting a building isn’t nearly as challenging as it was in the past. With access to cloud computing, real-time data and analytics software, wireless sensors and submetering, building owners have found it far more affordable to manage upgrades and take control of their energy usage than ever before. According to the American...

One of the most important words to look for when considering energy-efficient equipment for your hotel is “variable.” I come across it often. In some cases, the technology has been available for years; in other cases, not. The main idea with “variable” is to not be running on 100 percent all the time. This past week in my feature on the very green Revisn aparthotel in Raleigh, N.C. you will see mention of a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating and air-conditioning system. By operating at varying speeds, heat recovery VRF units work only at the needed rate allowing for...

RALEIGH, N.C.—Almost seven months since opening in Raleigh’s Glenwood South district, business at Revisn has been great and the aparthotel has been at full capacity, says Dicky Walia, CEO and Managing Director of Welcome Holdings which developed the “green” Revisn brand. Large corporations are renting the residences. According to Welcome Holdings, Revisn combines the “spacious comfort and relaxing convenience of a luxury executive apartment residence with the hospitality of a boutique hotel.” What Revisn also does is provide guests with a low-carbon experience thanks to its high-tech approach to power generation and heating and cooling. Atop the 48-unit building is...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Replacing natural gas (methane) with clean electricity, particularly for heating and hot water production, will slash greenhouse gas emissions from California’s single-family homes by up to 90 percent within the next three decades and save consumers money in the process, according to a new analysis. The study confirms electrification is a vital and cost-effective tool in reducing climate and toxic air pollution from gas combustion in buildings, which account for a quarter of the state total climate emissions. About half the pollution from California’s buildings comes from burning gas, primarily for heating and hot water. The state’s ability to...