NATIONAL REPORT—Yes, the hotel industry is always urging us to reuse our towels, for decades now. But, we’re gradually moving beyond that. Fairmont St Andrews Bay, for instance, is replacing disposable plastic water bottles with “special refillable water pitchers.” What’s the ripple effect? Well, they’re driving down the number of bottles dumped each year by a reasonable 55,000. In the meantime, Melia debuted as the third most eco-friendly hotel on the planet (behind InterContinental and Hilton) according to RobecoSAM, a sustainable investment agency. The long and short of it is that the hospitality industry is going green. So, if you’re serious...

As a society, we are more aware than ever before of the damage our lifestyles are causing the environment and the rest of the world. We are much more aware of environmental issues than any generation before us, so many of us seek ways to live a greener lifestyle to try and limit the damage being caused to our planet. You may initially feel overwhelmed by what changes you should make in order to live a more environmentally-friendly and greener lifestyle, but there are many small but significant changes you can make that will make a huge difference. Here are...

COOPERSBURG, PA.—Lutron Electronics, a leader in lighting controls and automated shading solutions, introduces the Ripplefold style for its Alena Pull-to-Start Drapery. The Ripplefold joins the Pinchpleat style in Lutron’s Alena lineup. Both styles are designed to work seamlessly with the Alena Pull-to-Start Drapery Track, known for its reliability, simplicity, and integration with guestroom solutions. “Alena helped to elevate the guest experience by providing a very simple, elegant drapery solution for the hotel guestroom,” says Olivier Perrigueur, Vice President—Global Specifications Sales and Business at Lutron. “The Ripplefold style provides another option for Lutron clients, making Alena an even more attractive solution.”

ODESSA, FLA.—Green Lodging News welcomes NuTek International to its Green Product & Service Directory in the Laundry/Ozone Systems category. NuTek’s Ozone Laundry Support Systems is a sustainable, On Premises Laundry installation that reduces water usage, conserves energy and provides superior disinfection—backed by 2018 microbial testing results verifying 99.99 percent disinfection against all common bacteria and viruses, including the CDC’s Top 9 Superbugs. As the only ozone laundry system to earn UL Recognition specifically for use with commercial washers, NuTek can connect to any programable, commercial washer. NuTek’s ozone technology generates an...

ClearWater Tech, LLC EcoTex from ClearWater Tech: Proven Technology, Proven Results The EcoTex name reflects the advanced laundry oxidation systems designed, engineered, manufactured, and distributed by ClearWater Tech, LLC. EcoTex systems enable commercial laundry professionals to replace expensive multi-step wash programs that use excessive chemicals and hot water with cold-water programs that use the power of ozone for disinfection and detergent activation. EcoTex reduces environmental impact, improves laundry quality, saves money, energy and detergent, while providing superior disinfection. Call ClearWater Tech at (805) 549-9724. ClearWater Tech, LLC » Email for Details »

GLENVIEW, ILL.—For the 12th consecutive year, ITW Food Equipment Group has earned the nation’s highest honor for energy efficiency. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has awarded ITW Food Equipment Group its Energy Star Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence Award for 2019. By maintaining a focus on energy savings and efficiency in the manufacturing of food equipment from its family of premium brands—Hobart, Baxter, Traulsen, Vulcan, Wolf, Stero and Wittco to name a few—ITW Food Equipment Group has earned Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence awards since 2010, as well as Energy Star Partner of the...

FAIRFAX, VA.—PEG announced that it received the 2019 Energy Star Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award for continued leadership and superior contributions to Energy Star. PEG’s accomplishments were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 11, 2019. “I applaud the 2019 Energy Star Award Winners,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Bill Wehrum. “Their innovation and leadership enhance America’s economic competitiveness. Reducing costly energy waste improves air quality and public health while protecting the environment.” The highest honor among Energy Star Awards is the Energy Star Partner of the Year—Sustained Excellence...

PHOENIX—Miller O.E.M. Supplies Inc./Miller Lighting Products, a supplier of lighting and electrical components and accessories, has strengthened its LED Corn lights and LED paddle product line with the latest higher lumen retrofit line. The company’s LED products have higher lumens—they can offer 2500K soft white light up to 10,000 Kelvin Cool white. “Our lumens are 33 percent to 45 percent higher output than most on the market,” says the company’s Gil Miller. The LED products can be used in flood lights, light lantern fixtures, post top fixtures, bollards, wall packs, high bays, shoeboxes, and garage light canopy fixtures. A five year...

NATIONAL REPORT—With peak travel season approaching for hotels, motels and inns, noise levels will also peak—due to the increase in street traffic/night life, aircraft roar, train/ship horn blare, and late-night pool parties—just as guests pay top dollar for the experience. No matter how beautiful the surroundings or convenient the location, the constant noise can fray guests’ nerves and leave them angry and sleepless. If management is lucky, guests may only demand to change to a quieter room; if not, they may check out early, demand a refund, or leave scathing reviews about excessive noise on online...

ANGUILLA, BRITISH WEST INDIES—Anguilla’s Frangipani Beach Resort has announced the completion of a large-scale sustainable energy project to generate clean, reliable power to the hotel. The new solar panels system is projected to power 70 percent of the resort. Featuring 800 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, the 370 kilowatts (KWh) solar installation will offset a portion of Frangipani Beach Resort’s energy demand, taking up approximately a quarter of an acre of the hotel’s main entrance. In addition, two solar canopies have been added over the resort’s parking structure, which converts sunlight into electricity. “Sustainability has always been important to us, and we’re...