LAS VEGAS—Northland Furniture Co. will introduce the Linea Modulara line of furniture at this year’s HD Expo. Linea Modulara has a clean, sophisticated look and a smart, functional design that makes the traveler’s experience simpler and easier while offering hoteliers a resilient, easy-to-maintain design in an efficient package. “We believe this line breaks new ground, offering innovative solutions never seen in this industry—from improved luggage management to better privacy,” explains Jim Hughes, president & CEO of Northland Furniture. “We have thought about the traveler’s experience coming into the room and staying in the room as well as the hotel...

MEMPHIS, TENN.—Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton’s new mid-tier extended-stay hotel concept, is utilizing state-of-the-art post-consumer recycled content carpeting by InterfaceFLOR, the largest modular carpet tile manufacturer in the world, to outfit its model prototype at the Memphis, Tenn. headquarters. The “Hip and Humble” brand intends to outfit each new location with a variety of eco-friendly design elements and flooring is one spotlighted area. “Home2 Suites is a brand that focuses on marrying style and value while remaining conscious of our environmental impact,” said Bill Duncan, global head, Brand Management. “InterfaceFLOR shares our commitment and has an excellent reputation for providing...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Mountain Woods Furniture as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Mountain Woods Furniture, a founding member of the Sustainable Furniture Council, has been committed to green manufacturing since 1991. The company offers a wide selection of American-made, unique log furniture and reclaimed wood designs. Custom pieces to the customer’s specifications are also available. Mountain Woods Furniture’s bedroom furniture was selected for Mountain Living Magazine’s 2008 Natural Dream Home. For additional information, call (970) 221-1041, e-mail dee@mountainwoodsfurniture.com, or go to www.mountainwoodsfurniture.com.

CLEARWATER BEACH, FLA.—Clearwater Beach’s Sandpearl Resort, developed by locally-owned JMC Communities and managed by Coral Hospitality, has been awarded LEED Silver Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Sandpearl is the first resort or hotel in Florida to achieve this distinguished honor and one of only 15 worldwide. Sandpearl Resort opened in August 2007 and is also a designated member of the Florida Green Lodging Program. “This certification is the culmination of extraordinary efforts by the entire JMC Communities development team, and proves Clearwater Beach’s commitment to caring for its natural resources,” said Michael Cheezem, CEO of JMC Communities. “We’ve...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—At the Broward County Board of County Commissioners meeting, and during the 2008 Emerald Award Trophy Ceremony, Valley Forge Fabrics was named “Environmental Business of the Year.” Altogether seven businesses were given Emerald Awards and individuals and one municipality/government agency were honored with 2008 NatureScape Emerald Awards for incorporating NatureScape Broward techniques into their landscaping. The Emerald Award program recognizes businesses for their voluntary efforts in four areas: waste reduction, recycling, improved operating practices, and other green strategies that reduce pollution and waste. This year’s winning businesses are Chris & Lee Mobile Auto Care, the Coca-Cola Bottling Co.,...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has released the LEED regional credits as part of LEED 2009, the new version of the LEED Green Building Rating System. These LEED credits encourage that specific regional environmental priorities be addressed when it comes to the design, construction and operation of buildings in different geographic locations. “Because environmental priorities differ among various regions of the country—the challenges in the Southeast differ from those in the Northwest, for example—regionally specific credits give LEED a way to directly respond to diverse, regionally grounded issues,” said Brendan Owens, vice president of technical development,...

UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J.—The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) Product Innovation Awards are the benchmark of excellence in the industry. The 2009 award results were just announced and Hunter Douglas, a leading manufacturer and marketer of custom window fashions, has once again topped the esteemed competition. The window fashions leader captured more awards than any other manufacturer—27 out of the 41 awards conferred went to Hunter Douglas companies—more than it has ever won. Hunter Douglas also swept more categories than ever before—five out of a total of 12—including: Cellular Shades, Green Products, Shadings & Sheers, Specialty Applications and Merchandising. “We’re delighted...

PORTLAND, ORE.—What was once a vacant bank building in downtown Portland will open in May as the Courtyard by Marriott—Portland City Center. The 256-room hotel was built to earn LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The structure, which has been given a new shell, three new floors and brand new mechanical systems, is expected to be the first LEED Gold hotel in the Pacific Northwest. Certification is expected this fall. Green hotels are becoming the norm in Portland. The Avalon Hotel & Spa announced its LEED certification last summer, The Nines hotel is expected to be...

GLEN RAVEN, N.C.—Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC has created a recycling program for Sunbrella fabrics, the company’s brand for awnings, furniture and boating. Sunbrella fabrics returned to Glen Raven will find new life in a variety of products ranging from felt used for car insulation and protective padding for sports equipment to decorative applications such as outdoor rugs. “For more than 20 years, Glen Raven has reclaimed Sunbrella fiber and fabric waste resulting from the manufacturing process, but this is the first time we have offered recycling to our customers and consumers,” said Randy Blackston, vice president of operations. “This...

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIF.—Montage Beverly Hills, the 201-room luxury hotel that opened November 2008 in Beverly Hills, Calif., has earned Gold certification under the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED for New Construction rating system. This is the first certified ultra-luxury hotel in Southern California for LEED for New Construction, one of just four Gold certified hotels worldwide designated by this third-party benchmarking system designed to encourage the design, construction and operation of more sustainable buildings. Montage Beverly Hills is also the first newly constructed mixed-use hotel and residential project to be LEED certified as a single development, denoting it...