ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Refinishing Touch, a specialist in environmentally safe and sustainable on-site furniture refinishing, upholstery and armoire modifications, has added new environmentally-friendly materials to its Touch Textiles fabrics brand. The new line includes a range of 100 percent recycled fabrics finished with GreenShield, a Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) recognized, low fluorocarbon treatment that uses two-thirds less chemicals without compromising the durability, moisture resistance, stain resistance or nonflammable qualities of the fabric. In recent years, the industry has seen a massive increase in the use and demand for eco-friendly textiles. Close to 12 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste ends...

ATLANTA—Hotel Indigo recently announced the opening of its newest hotel, Hotel Indigo Athens University Area. Slated to achieve LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) later this year, the hotel will be the first private development in Athens to achieve LEED certification and one of only five hotels in the nation to achieve Gold status. The LEED green building certification system is the nationally recognized standard for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. By using less energy, LEED-certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—United Feather & Down will introduce its new branded Borghese bedding, gifts and accessories during the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show, November 8 to 10, in their private New York showroom located just across from Bryant Park. “Our showroom appeared as the best venue for an intimate, personal display of this unique opportunity to create a lifestyle impression within the hospitality industry,” says Stephen Palmer, co-president of United Feather & Down. “In addition, this is a first within the hospitality industry—a product line that truly marries the concept of beauty with sleep, to offer your customers an...

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y.—Andrew Morgan Collection introduced an aromatherapy-infused, eco-friendly textile collection at the 2009 ISPA Conference & Expo. Andrew Morgan Collection is the first and only textile company in the United States to feature this advanced technological breakthrough where tiny polymeric microcapsule shells containing unique fragrances are infused into the textile manufacturer’s throws, scarves, robes, wraps and towels. Only through movement or touch do the capsules break and release the fragrance over a period of time. The aromatherapy collection features three fragrances to choose from including: Euphoria, a warm, herbal, Mediterranean bouquet designed to invigorate and refresh; Paradis, an aroma...

LAS VEGAS—Crystals, the retail and entertainment district at CityCenter, has achieved LEED Gold Core & Shell certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), making it the world’s largest retail district to receive this level of recognition. Opening in December, CityCenter was created with a vision to introduce a new level of environmental consciousness to the world-famous Strip and has emerged as a leader in sustainable urban development. Crystals’ achievement marks the fourth LEED Gold certification for CityCenter; previous recipients included 1. ARIA Resort’s hotel tower, 2. ARIA’s convention center and theater, and 3. Vdara Hotel & Spa. CityCenter...

SAN DIEGO—Cali Bamboo, a manufacturer of green building materials made entirely from bamboo for residential and commercial projects, announced its partnership with the San Diego Habitat for Humanity. The company will provide $15,000 worth of flooring and fencing materials as well as volunteer employees to help build the final Jimmie Johnson Foundation house in El Cajon as well as other area homes. “The best part about working with Habitat for Humanity is that we’re actually able to be involved in the construction process and see our products being put towards helping people in need,” said Tanner Haigwood, COO...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in conjunction with the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and NEWH announced the winner of the first-ever Sustainable Suite Design Competition—a competition for interior designers to showcase the best hospitality design strategies that boast environmental responsibility while enhancing the guest experience. Because the hospitality industry is a large consumer of energy and water use, this competition aims to motivate sustainable practices industrywide among newly built and existing hotels. Submissions from 65 professional designers and aspiring young professionals were received, each one redefining how a high-performance, energy-and-resource-efficient hotel suite should look...

FORT. LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Valley Forge Fabrics, Inc., a leader in sustainable textiles for hospitality, announced that the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) confirmed recognition of bedding within the LEED rating system, specifically within LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED EB). The Valley Forge LIVING FRESH with Tencel+Plus Lyocell products may help projects earn LEED points in three areas as this collection is made from a rapidly renewable resource (eucalyptus), will be picked up at the end of its life through Valley Forge’s established reclamation program and the eucalyptus is harvested from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) managed forests. All eucalyptus fiber for...

ISLAMORADA, FLORIDA KEYS—Concrete modular, pre-greened, luxury hotel guest suites were recently topped off at the Florida Keys’ Cheeca Lodge, reopening December 15. “The precedent was set for luxury construction in multimillion dollar homes, and now we’ve brought this innovative construction to the hospitality industry, as a first in the United States and possibly a first in the world,” said Jerry Johnson, owner of Cheeca Lodge & Spa. “We have been able to put up a guestroom wing in an unheard of 90 days, from pilings to topping off, and with a quality superior to that of conventional construction.” The...

AVON, COLO.—Colorado’s Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa announced that it has been awarded Silver Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The Westin Riverfront is the first hotel in Colorado to achieve this coveted green accolade and only the ninth hotel in the country to earn Silver LEED status. The Beaver Creek resort, which opened a year ago this week, is also the first Silver LEED Certified hotel in the Westin brand, which includes more than 160 hotels around the world. “East West Partners is proud to have been a leader in...