ATLANTA—When the global lighting, design and technology community converges at LIGHTFAIR International in Philadelphia May 7 to 11, professionals from around the world will discover a full slate of industry-specific networking events available to elevate and enhance the trade show and conference experience. The LIGHTFAIR 2017 events lineup brings together professionals to make connections and find out about what’s on the horizon in lighting design, directly from industry experts and manufacturers. Highlighting the 2017 events featured in The HUB, Impact Speaker David Robertson will explore the fascinating topic of innovation. His presentation, “How Any Company Can Learn from LEGO’s Successful Innovation Management...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Geberit North America will showcase the latest trends for hospitality bathroom spaces at the 2017 HD Expo in Las Vegas, from May 3 to 5 (booth 5479). The displays will illustrate how the system can accommodate the fine design challenges of hospitality suite bathrooms with versatility, reliability, and enhanced function and style. The Geberit HD Expo booth will showcase the Concealed Tank and Carrier System’s expanding role in water efficiency and modern bathroom design. Attendees will see how the system is inspiring new creativity and how in-wall technology allows designers to overcome unique bathroom design challenges. During the show,...

ST. CLAIR, MICH.—Wood manufacturer Kebony announced it is now partnering with Austin, Texas-based Delta Millworks to produce a line of Shou Sugi Ban modified timber cladding and interior paneling, according to Kebony USA sales manager Andy Hehl. The new cladding and paneling range, called Kebony Shou Sugi Ban by Delta Millworks, utilizes the ancient Japanese techniques of burning, brushing or pre-weathering timber to provide a long-lasting and striking wood cladding product. This unique manufacturing process of Kebony has been used in the United Kingdom for the past eight years and will now be available for projects in the United States, produced through...

SAN FRANCISCO—Bamboo and palm interior finishes manufacturer Smith & Fong Co. announced it has commercialized a line of palm dimensional lumber, according to company founder and CEO Dan Smith. The palm lumber, milled at Smith & Fong’s manufacturing operations in India, complements the company’s bamboo dimensional lumber, which was launched in 2013 and has proven to be a popular material among woodworkers and finish carpenters. “As we develop a new range of palm finishes such as flooring, plywood, veneer and paneling, we wanted to give the woodworking public a chance to explore the material too,” Smith said. “The applications for this material are limitless.” Smith...

BUENOS AIRES—Unmistakably green. There is no other way to describe the 26-suite Palo Santo Hotel in the trendy Palermo Hollywood district of Buenos Aires. The hotel’s facade, terraces, balconies, patio and roof are covered with plants. A specially designed iron structure on the building’s exterior serves as a support for the vertical gardens that reach 90 feet high. In total, more than 900 plants are spread throughout the building. The plants provide a natural insulation against climate extremes, absorb excess water, and help reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint by 80 percent by providing oxygen and absorbing CO2. The plants are...

NEW YORK—Humanscale, the leading manufacturer of ergonomic tools for the workspace, announced several new sustainability initiatives that aid in its mission to create a net positive impact on the earth. As the first company to achieve full Living Product Challenge certification with not one, but two products, Humanscale takes sustainability seriously. Never complacent, Humanscale is taking on the Net Positive Project. It also aims to be the first manufacturer in the industry to have Health Product Declarations for all products. Humanscale is also announcing a partnership with WeSpire to provide each employee with content and inspiration to take action...

NEW YORK—Fil Doux Textiles has enhanced its innovative Vinylife product with the addition of Pro-Tech, the company’s proprietary ink and stain protectant. Available exclusively through Fil Doux Textiles, this vinyl upholstery with enhanced biodegradability is a new industry development and the introduction of an end-of-life story for vinyl textiles. Vinylife is produced with a natural enzyme, which reacts to microorganisms found in biologically active landfills and acts as the catalyst for its decomposition. Featuring the same strength and durability as traditional vinyl, Vinylife is breathable, phthalate free, and exceeds 200,000+ double rubs. “We’re so excited about this revolutionary new product,”...

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND—Providing unobstructed views from every direction, New Zealand’s PurePods are free-standing glass accommodations designed for up-close and uninterrupted encounters with nature. Set in an open clearing on private farm land, the four PurePods provide a singular boutique hotel experience, a one-room home that offers comfort, luxury and dramatic vistas without neighbors. Due to their setting and location, complete privacy is ensured. The PurePod stay is part of a New Zealand itinerary arranged by New Zealand travel experts New Zealand In Depth. The PurePod concept is all about the view. Constructed almost entirely from glass with no carpet, curtains...

JASPER, IND.—Furniture maker Jasper Group announced a new addition to its corporate facility. Photovoltaic solar panels now line the southwest corner of the property and will reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Jasper Group collaborated with the City of Jasper’s Net Metering Program to ensure the maximum allowed usage of the solar panels. The company plans to continue bringing solar power to its six additional facilities across Dubois and Orange counties. The solar energy project is an important step in Jasper Group’s ongoing effort to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. Since opening their doors in 1929, Jasper Group has...

Name: Nathaly Stanley Title: Sustainability and Certifications Manager Property: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba Years with resort: Less than one Primary responsibilities: “To ensure all departments continue to operate in a sustainable manner. Every day is different.” Company’s most significant sustainability-related accomplishment: “Getting recertified every year for four different certifications. The owner has such a deep interest in it.” Company’s most significant sustainability-related challenge moving forward: “Identifying new solutions for sustainability and having the ability to weigh the different solutions against one another.” EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA—As Sustainability and Certifications Manager at Aruba’s Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Nathaly Stanley is carrying on a commitment...