SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—Native Trails, the maker of luxury, sustainable furnishings for kitchens and baths, has expanded its collection of hand crafted accessories and furnishings. The Harmony and Solace Mirrors are part of the brand’s Renewal Series, which consists of bath furnishings and accessories made from bamboo.“We continually look for ways to enrich people’s surroundings with good design and sustainable materials,” said founder and CEO of Native Trails, Naomi Neilson Howard. “The Renewal Series illustrates bamboo’s warm persona, providing myriad choices in bath furniture and mirrors for designers and homeowners to create distinction and depth in their living spaces.”Artisan...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new set of Global Alternative Compliance Paths, or Global ACPs, are now available for all commercial projects pursuing LEED green building certification using the 2009 versions of the rating systems. Global ACPs offer a flexible method for projects around the world to demonstrate compliance with the LEED credits that are traditionally more challenging for projects outside of the United States.“Global consistency and a regional approach mean providing flexibility in referenced standards while ensuring that LEED certification signifies the same level of excellence worldwide,” said Scot Horst, senior vice president, LEED, USGBC. “By focusing on global standards and...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—GSky Plant Systems Inc. will be exhibiting its three Green Wall Systems: Pro Wall, Versa Wall and Basic Wall at the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo from November 14 to 15, in San Francisco for the first time.Pro Wall is designed to thrive in demanding climates and outdoor environments, therefore can be installed virtually on any outdoor surface. In contrast, the Versa Wall demonstrates as the most versatile interior Green Wall System, with the only system that has 100 percent water efficient capability in the industry. Furthermore, to accommodate large building area coverage, GSky’s Basic Wall Container System...

FREDERICK, MD.—The 120-suite TownePlace Suites by Marriott, Frederick, Md., has opened. The TownePlace Suites Frederick will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Westview Hospitality Associates, LLC and managed by Plamondon Hospitality Partners.The hotel is expected to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification for its contributions in making the environment a healthier place by reducing waste and conserving energy and water. It is the second TownePlace Suites to receive this level of certification and will be achieving LEED certification via Marriott’s LEED Volume program using the pre-certified prototype for the brand.Green features include: a fleet...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics has received the 2012 Marriott International Supplier Sustainability Leadership Award. Marriott made the announcement at their International Global Discipline Conference. Marriott’s “Supplier Sustainability Award” is designed to annually recognize one of Marriott International’s suppliers who have made the greatest impact on their guests and properties through innovative ideas that help Marriott meet their sustainability goals. This year two suppliers were honored with Marriott’s prestigious award; Ecolab also took home this recognition.Valley Forge Fabrics is the largest producer of decorative fabrics for the lodging industry. Over the past several years, the company has been honored...

DEARBORN, MICH.—The 773-room Hyatt Regency Dearborn will open its doors as the Adoba Hotel Dearborn/Detroit on November 1, 2012. The hotel, which overlooks Ford World Headquarters, the Henry Ford Museum and the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, will be managed by Atmosphere Hospitality Management. Atmosphere is the owner and operator of the Adoba brand.  “We are thrilled to be part of this community and excited to resume business as usual,” says Jim Henderson, CEO/president of Atmosphere. “Most importantly, we look forward to serving our guests and working with such a well-regarded team of employees, as the Adoba team begins a...

MIAMI—Downtown Miami’s hospitality market just got a whole lot greener with its first LEED certified hotel. Hospitality Operations, Inc.’s new 221-room Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown has been awarded LEED Silver certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). The property becomes the first LEED certified hotel within City of Miami limits. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.The Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell-Downtown is also outperforming the market when it comes to guest satisfaction, rising to become the top ranked...

ADVANCE, N.C.—Beaufurn, a manufacturer of contract quality furniture that is built to suit a variety of locations, budgets and design needs and is environmentally responsible, announced that it is introducing the Terza Collection. This seating series is appropriate for both hospitality and office applications. Ideal for high traffic areas, the well-proportioned size of these pieces makes them perfect for such diverse locations as reception areas, malls and university libraries as well as all types of hospitality applications. The brushed steel frame and legs are both strong and refined. The models can be upholstered in the customer’s choice of fabrics. “This contemporary...

LAKE GENEVA, WIS.—Green Leaf Inn, the first net-zero energy hotel being built in North America, will be sharing their story at the upcoming Greenbuild International Conference and Expo on November 14 to 16, 2012 in San Francisco. The Inn will be a luxury green retreat and demonstration model; a living laboratory and catalog of new technology, products and providers. The project includes both a renovation of the existing cottage with three suites, dining areas, commercial kitchen and laundry, as well as construction of a new building with 16 additional suites, conference room, massage suites and Welcome Center.Set to open...

COLUMBUS, OHIO—Hilton Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Hilton Columbus Downtown. The 532-room property is located at 401 North High Street, conveniently positioned in the center of the city’s most admired neighborhoods, including the Short North Arts District and the Arena District. “Today is a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship between Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the City of Columbus and our distinguished business partners involved in this monumental project,” said Major Michael B. Coleman. “Hilton Columbus Downtown will attract millions of new visitors and make Columbus a best-in-class destination for national conventions and events.”The $140 million convention...