CHICAGO—A multi-hotel complex and convention center planned for development near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport aims to set the standard for eco-friendly architecture and design in the hospitality industry, and boost the city’s efforts to be a global leader in the green movement. A Chicago Convention Center development promises to be the world’s first zero carbon platinum LEED convention complex, aiming for zero carbon emissions and a 100 percent allergen-free structure. Plans call for the greenest building standards, including state-of-the-art technology that supports “guestrooms of the future,” equipped with high-tech amenities that encourage sustainable behavior. Business guests will be able...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF International, an independent global organization that writes standards, tests and certifies products for the green building, food, water and consumer goods industries, has certified the first sustainable wallcovering products and qualified three additional distributors to the NSF American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings (NSF/ANSI 342). NSF International developed NSF/ANSI 342: Sustainability Assessment for Wallcovering Products to help architects, designers, retailers and consumers identify sustainable and environmentally preferable wallcoverings.LSI Wallcovering is the first manufacturer to earn NSF/ANSI 342 product certification. The manufacturer certified their entire line of Type I and Type II standard and custom wallcoverings sold...

LONGBOAT KEY, FLA.—Longboat Key Club & Resort announced the redesign of its Library Meeting Room, which showcases the talents of local craftsmen and manufacturers, and features a multitude of sustainable and environmentally friendly elements. The most recent application, the redesign of the Library Meeting Room, boasts River Reclaimed Heartwood flooring, paints containing zero or very low VOC (volatile organic compounds), soy-based foam cushions in the new chairs, energy efficient LED lighting and an Energy Star rated television.The Reclaimed Heartwood Flooring, from Goodwin Heart Pine Company, is a Florida based flooring company that specializes in recovering original growth logs from...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Beaufurn’s new Fusion table tops showcase the detailed beauty and character of wood such as old-growth timber, graying driftwood and pine. But everything is not as it appears. What lies beneath the surfaces is none other than a photo. “It’s the look of reclaimed wood and inlays at a fraction of the cost,” said Beaufurn president Bill Bongaerts.Fusion is created from a high-resolution photo fused into the table substrate. The proprietary process immerses the image deeper into the wood than printing a picture overlay. And the effect is more authentic. “It’s a high-end, finely detailed appearance,” said Bongaerts....

INDIANAPOLIS—Global textile maker Camira has achieved an important environmental certification mark for its premium upholstery fabrics Blazer and Blazer Check—the European Union Ecolabel. As a textile manufacturer based in the United Kingdom, the EU Ecolabel helps to identify products and services that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle, from the sourcing of raw material (pure new wool in this case) through to production, use and disposal. The Ecolabel is symbolized by a flower, so it is easily recognized by businesses and consumers. The criteria for accreditation have been developed by scientists and the application process is evaluated...

GRAND RAPIDS, S.D.—Adoba Eco-Hotels and Suites has designated Interface Hospitality carpet tile its floor covering of choice for the brand’s chain of properties. The Adoba Eco Hotel brand is committed to environmentally responsible architecture and design, improving the environmental footprints of its holdings one guestroom at a time. “The flooring is the first big step toward sustainable interior design and Interface, known for the highest of sustainability standards, is the ideal partner to deliver great design that will delight the AdobaEco Hotel guests,” said James Henderson CEO/president of the Adoba brand. “We encourage our property owners to source many of...

BARAHONA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC—What was once a family retreat for the Schiffino family, Casa Bonita Lodge is making its mark as one of the most sustainable destinations in the Caribbean. Set on 160 acres of unspoiled land in the Dominican Republic’s Barahuco Mountains, the lodge is partially powered by a 6.5-kilowatt hydroelectric generator situated on the Riosito River. The generator meets 30 percent of the 14-villa lodge’s electricity needs. According to Sandra Beltran, vice president of sales and marketing for Prohotel International, the company that manages the lodge, the goal is to upgrade the hydro plant so that it supplies...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown has completed a multi-million renovation and is the newest incarnation of a 12-story round building that has been a city landmark since 1969. Owned by Union Hotel Company Tallahassee RLLLP, the hotel has 164 guestrooms.To attain LEED status, Union Hotel Company Tallahassee, RLLP partnered with Boulder, Colo.-based UHG Consulting, a sustainability consulting firm specializing in LEED certification and green building. UHG worked with Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee to advance the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, achieve total cost savings from energy efficiency, and create public awareness of its green practices.“Four Points by Sheraton...

POMPANO BEACH, FLA.—The 200-year-old expensive process of burning fossil fuels and baking limestone in kilns, which was invented in England and is now used worldwide, has seen its day according to scientists in Florida. Blue World Crete Inc. has found a sustainable and superior alternative concrete which does not pollute and is less expensive than Portland.The Portland process produces 1.25 tons of carbon dioxide for every ton of cement manufactured along with a variety of dangerous amounts of heavy metals. Geo-Blue Crete takes advantage of a natural chemical reaction which emanates from the oceans’ marine life, called bio-mineralization. In...

HOUSTON—Toshiba’s new candelabra 180 series is a direct replacement for a 25W incandescent candelabra and is designed to fit standard E12 and E26 socket fixtures. The lamp uses up to 84 percent less energy than incandescent candelabras.“This new lamp creates inviting, warm light that brings out the colors and elegance of any room,” said Peter DallePezze, vice president of marketing and product development, Toshiba International Corp. LED Lighting Systems Division. “This is exactly what designers, architects and homeowners have been looking for in energy-efficient lighting. Not only are LEDs known for their energy-saving performance, they’re also known for their...