HARTFORD, CONN.—Do “green” buildings protect human health from environmental hazards? The answer is “not necessarily,” according to a recent report released by Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI), titled “LEED Certification: Where Energy Efficiency Collides with Human Health.” EHHI is a nonprofit organization composed of doctors, public health professionals and policy experts who specialize in research that examines environmental threats to human health. The organization receives no funding from corporations or businesses. The lead author of this study is John Wargo, Ph.D., professor of Risk Analysis and Environmental Policy at Yale University. Wargo summarized the study, “Although the U.S. Green...

LAGRANGE, OHIO—West Development Group (WDG), a leader in sustainable roofing products and practices, introduces E-VersiBlock, a high-performance, versatile, and sustainable alternative for mounting commercial rooftop accessories. WDG’s E-VersiBlock rooftop equipment mounting system can be used in a variety of ways to support HVAC unit rails, gas pipes, electrical conduit, and walkways. It can also be used for equipment curbs, solar panel mounting, and structural framing mounts. These units are connectable and offer increased versatility when used with metal framing, pipe clamps, struts, couplings and other attachments. Each E-VersiBlock is designed to allow for two-way drainage that significantly reduces...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—The International Hotel, Motel & Restaurant Show (IHM&RS) invites hospitality designers from across the globe to submit entries for the 30th annual Gold Key Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Design, the premier interior design competition for the industry. The coveted awards are presented in eight categories: Best Hotel Design, Guest Room, Lobby/Reception Area, Lounge/Bar, Restaurants/Casual Dining, Restaurants/Fine Dining, Spa and Suite. Entries must be submitted by July 1, 2010. Designers of hotels, motels, timeshares, restaurants, clubs, cruise ships, casinos, conference centers, spas and other hospitality facilities are encouraged to enter the competition, which last year considered more than...

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIF.—Representatives from Shaw Industries Group, Inc. joined California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and William McDonough at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, Calif. recently for an event marking the launch of the Green Products Innovation Institute (GPII). The first nonprofit institute of its kind in the United States, the GPII is dedicated to transforming the way companies design and manufacture products by advancing the Cradle to Cradle framework developed by architect and designer William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart. Speaking at the event, Shaw CEO Vance Bell said that Shaw, an early adopter of Cradle to Cradle design, was...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—Arizona’s Aloft Tempe is now officially Tempe’s greenest. Aloft Tempe has been awarded the coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Aloft Tempe becomes the seventh LEED certified property for Aloft brand parent Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. “Environmentally-conscious development has never been more important than in today’s business environment,” said Michael Mahoney, CEO of Triyar Hospitality, the hotel developer. “Our mantra has always been to build into the future and with the Aloft brand and LEED certification, we believe we have achieved that goal.” With more...

SAINT-GEORGES, QUEBEC—Victor Group, a leading North America-based textile company, announced that the company is partnering with cf stinson, a leading supplier of contract fabrics, to launch the Jazz Collection, a new fabric collection that features the Victor Group’s Eco Intelligent PC Recycled Polyester with Agion. The fabrics in the Jazz Collection—inclusive of the antimicrobial, dyes and chemicals—are certified Cradle-to-Cradle Silver by MBDC. Cradle to Cradle certification is a multi-attribute eco-label that assesses a product’s safety to humans, the environment and design for future life cycles. The Jazz Collection, created by renowned designer Jane Wicks, represents the next evolution in cf...

CROSSVILLE, TENN.—Crossville has enhanced its Empire Porcelain Stone line, which echoes the grandeur of 19th-century France with the look and feel of natural marble. Empire now boasts 20 percent SCS-certified recycled content, has an updated color palette (including a stunning new Alabaster white), and is offered in a range of sizes and shapes, from newly designed mosaics to 21" x 21" large format to popular plank shapes. A choice of polished and unpolished finishes increases Empire’s versatility. Designed by renowned color forecaster, Barbara Schirmeister, ASID, DC, CAUS, for both commercial and residential installations, Empire’s Porcelain Stone is durable,...

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CALIF.—Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, a popular year-round lodging destination in the heart of Yosemite Village, unveiled today two prototype guest rooms on the cutting edge of environmentally-friendly interior architecture and design. The two rooms at The Lodge are the first of their kind in Yosemite National Park. Reflective of Delaware North Companies’ award-winning GreenPath environmental stewardship platform, the two eco-friendly guestrooms were designed with an eye toward an eventual rollout throughout the Lodge’s 245 rooms. Every design selection, from insulation and paint to textiles and light fixtures, was evaluated based on its proximity, sustainability, recycled...

NEW YORK CITY—The arrival of the InterContinental New York Times Square as New York City’s newest and largest new-build hotel has created an active media buzz from highly respected media outlets in travel and hospitality to design to environmental publications. Situated on 44th Street just west of Times Square, the 607-room hotel is in the heart of the Broadway Theatre district, and a short stroll from Fifth Avenue shopping and Central Park. Articles have appeared in major publications such as The New York Times and the International Herald Tribune. The InterContinental New York Times Square is committed to the environment...

NEW YORK—The new Everywhere pattern, from the All Spaces collection by Sina Pearson Textiles, is made of 100 percent polyurethane, is available in a wide variety of colors, and offers enhanced durability, germ resistance and easy cleanability. Everywhere’s 20 solid colors, ranging from cool neutrals, earth tones to vivid brights, won’t fade in sunlight, and stay cool to the touch even in the hottest temperatures. The polyurethane incorporates Cleangene technology and is easily cleanable. It offers anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and mildew resistant properties. And, with an abrasion resistance test result of one million double rubs, and the most stringent standards for...