LEXINGTON, KY.—More than 20 employees of the Big Ass Fan Co., ranging from engineers to sales personnel, have passed LEED certification exams. Most recently, 16 members of the sales staff have earned the LEED Green Associate credential. Each of these Green Associates dedicated an average of 50 hours of study time outside of work toward achieving their certifications, which will enable them to provide additional support to Big Ass Fans’ customers. “The amount of time and effort spent by our sales staff on passing the Green Associates exam demonstrates the Big Ass Fan Company’s commitment to the green building movement,” said...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Saint-Gobain has issued an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its Grenite Engineered Stone Series. Compliant with ISO 14025, EPDs are internationally recognized, standardized tools that detail the environmental impact of a product.“We commend Saint-Gobain for demonstrating their commitment toward transparency by completing and third-party certifying an EPD for their Grenite product,” said Paul Firth, EPD product manager at UL Environment. “UL Environment is championing disclosure of environmental impacts with the building industry to help manufacturers meet evolving green building requirements and to help architects and designers make more responsible purchasing decisions.”To determine the product’s eligibility for an EPD,...

SEQUIM, WASH.—Taking the concept of existing-structure “recycling” to heart, Olaf and Charlotte Protze have built a thriving bed and breakfast business out of retired cabooses. The Red Caboose Getaway B&B, located in Sequim, Wash., offers accommodations in six luxuriously renovated train cars that the owners have had transported from various U.S. locations. The couple have three additional cabooses on their three acre property that are currently undergoing renovation.Olaf and Charlotte had long enjoyed visiting B&Bs and eventually fell in love with the idea of staying in renovated railcars. “Most are very rustic,” Olaf says. “I thought we could do...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, the world’s largest supplier of decorative textiles to the hospitality industry based in South Florida, announced the appointment of Amber Gapinski as marketing manager. Gapinski will report directly to president Diana Dobin and replaces Ken Koneck, who currently holds the position. “Amber was selected after a long and extensive search,” Dobin says. “Her background of marketing, social media and public relations brings a fresh perspective and energy to Valley Forge.” Amber comes to Valley Forge with previous marketing experience with The Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Stress Free Corporate Housing. Amber brings strong passion...

LONDON—Global carpet tile manufacturer Interface, Inc. and conservation charity the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) are celebrating the successful completion of a pilot project and the start of a commercial venture with both conservation and socio-economic benefits. The innovative collaboration, called Net-Works, has been created to tackle the growing environmental problem of discarded fishing nets in some of the world’s poorest coastal communities.By establishing a community-based supply chain for discarded nets, Net-Works aims to improve the livelihood of local fishers, while providing Interface with an innovative source of recycled materials for its carpet tiles. Discarded nets on the beaches...

KELOWNA, B.C.—The Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites continues to charge forward with environmentally responsible initiatives. Not only has the hotel installed an electric vehicle charging station, they have just received LEED Silver Certification for their new environmental wing through the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a third-party certification program that rates buildings to the highest environmental performance standards in Canada. “This was quite the process,” says Brenda Rayburn, director of sales and marketing for the Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites. “However, for me, the length of time...

ARCHBOLD, OHIO—WoodTrac by Sauder announced that it has received Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain-of-Custody Certification for its WoodTrac Ceiling Systems. The FSC Chain-of-Custody certification is awarded to companies that meet FSC standards for traceability in their wood supply chain. Before a product can carry an FSC label, all stages of the production, distribution, and sales of the product must be tracked from the certified forest to the finished product. The certification indicates that the timber was harvested from responsibly managed forests.In addition, the certification means that builders, architects, interior designers, and developers using WoodTrac Ceiling Systems can earn Leadership...

LAS VEGAS—Hospitality Design Exposition & Conference (HD Expo) will take place at its new location at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from May 15 to 17, 2013. Over three days attendees can gain insight and inspiration while experiencing what’s new and how to maintain success in the ever-evolving and ultra-competitive world of hospitality design. The show will feature idea-generating and fully accredited educational sessions, awards ceremonies and special events focused on the latest and most innovative products and services.“2013 will be an exciting year for us,” said Liz Sommerville, group show director for The Hospitality Design Group. “Not only...

TEMPERANCE, MICH.—MTS announced that its Studio Twist has earned recognition at the upcoming NAFEM (North American Food Equipment Manufacturers) show in February. This is one of the largest trade shows focusing on the foodservice market.“The clean lines and eclectic appearance of the Studio Twist makes it a great addition to our ‘Twist’ models of restaurant seating,” said MTS CEO Phil Swy.Envisioned by renowned, European designer Kirsten Bartlmae, the Studio Twist features a tapered leg design and a minimalist back and seat profile. Like all MTS Café Twist and Bistro Twist models, the Studio Twist nests six high in a...

WILMINGTON, MASS.—Altro, a manufacturer of interior surfaces such as safety flooring, has teamed up with Green Mountain Energy to completely offset 100 percent of the electricity used in all of its facilities in both the United States and Canada. This partnership allows Altro to offset its carbon emissions from its electrical consumption by investing in wind farms across the country.Each wind farm is capable of producing around 150 megawatts of power, enough energy to power 120,000 average U.S. homes. Each megawatt of wind power has the potential to prevent approximately 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere...