NORTH WALPOLE, N.H.—Len-Tex Corp., a leading manufacturer of commercial wallcoverings, has introduced three new Surface iQ Wallcovering patterns featuring its proprietary PCV-free technology. Rhapsody, Circuit and Iden offer stylish design options for interior walls while maintaining a cleaner, healthier environment. Asian-influenced Rhapsody exudes both harmony and energy with its crosshatch design that creates a rhythmic and captivating effect. Delicate detail combined with the accent shimmer of pearls and metallics provide a striking visual aesthetic for hospitality, spa or corporate settings. The geometric nature of Circuit’s design simulates elements of technology in a palette of 11 fresh colorways. Multiple print layers...

PHILADELPHIA—The Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group, LLC’s first LEED registered hotel and its 48th overall—the Hotel Palomar Philadelphia—will open on October 14 in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood of the City of Brotherly Love. The $92.5 million, 230-room boutique hotel will be Kimpton’s first in Philadelphia. The 24-story property will occupy the Architects Building, which was the former home of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. It was first built in 1929 and historic elements have been preserved. The hotel’s designer is Powerstrip Studio. According to Peggy Trott, general manager, Kimpton is pursuing a LEED for Existing...

Tracking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits requires software functionality similar to that required for more traditional construction project management. Consequently, a few leading vendors have re-purposed their technology to make this possible; others have customers who have developed their own work-arounds. A lot more software development is expected as the number of annual LEED projects continues to grow. Here is some information on what is available, how it works and how one can benefit from it. Tracking LEED credits is a document-intensive process. Just ask any experienced LEED Accredited Professional (AP). Submittal documentation includes drawings, receipts, product...

MCLEAN, VA.—Hilton Hotels Corp. announced the opening of its new global headquarters at Park Place II in the Tysons Corner area of McLean in Fairfax County, Va. As previously announced, the relocation from Beverly Hills, Calif., follows a thorough review of locations that were evaluated against multiple criteria, including costs, proximity to Hilton’s major business hubs and suitability of available commercial space. Hilton’s global headquarters is LEED Gold certified. “The opening of our new global headquarters marks the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our company’s rich history,” says Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton Hotels...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) announced that a performance by environmental advocate and nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow will help open its Greenbuild 2009 Conference, the world’s premier forum on sustainable buildings and communities. The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo is being held this November 11 to 13 in Phoenix. More than 25,000 people attend Greenbuild every year, and its increasing profile and size led USGBC to open this year’s event at Chase Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. The Nov. 11 opening evening will feature presentations and a keynote address, in addition to Crow’s performance. “Beyond...

WAYLAND, N.Y.—Gunlocke, an industry leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of wood contract furniture, is making it easy to include its sustainable product portfolio in projects to earn valuable LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) credits. Gunlocke’s latest online tool, the Green Calculator, provides designers and facility managers the opportunity to easily calculate how Gunlocke products can contribute to the earning of LEED credits for current and upcoming commercial interiors projects. “Gunlocke’s commitment to the environment and role as a leading resource for sustainable products is evident in our new Green Calculator tool,” said Roy Green, Gunlocke director...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes JL Furnishings (“JLF”) and its sister company, Lone Meadow, as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. JL Furnishings and Lone Meadow weave creative, cutting-edge design into thoughtful domestic furniture manufacturing, specifically for the hospitality industry. They are one of a handful of American-crafted milling specialists in volume contract seating. Privately held and performance driven, JLF/Lone Meadow both offer flexible solutions in fine seating and tables. As the “first in” leader of “green” hospitality seating, Lone Meadow has made a commitment to achieve manufacturing standards that are environmentally...

DALLAS—LQ Management LLC, one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States, has long had an interest in running properties that are energy efficient. It has been an Energy Star partner since 1995, first established a compact fluorescent lighting program for its La Quinta Inns and La Quinta Inns & Suites brands in 1999, has a towel and linen reuse program at its more than 700 hotels, has deployed guestroom energy management systems in more than 160 properties, and is currently working with the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. to follow its 11 Minimum Guidelines for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Internationally recognized architecture and design firm, CORE, announces the hiring of Brian R. Judis, LEED AP. Judis will serve as the hospitality practice senior project manager, according to CORE management. Judis brings 15 years of experience managing large and often transformational hospitality projects to the CORE team. Most recently associated with Host Hotels & Resorts, Inc, where he was the director of capital expenditures, Judis implemented capital investment projects upwards of $70 million annually and was the lead manager for the design and construction of numerous hotel projects throughout the United States. His tenure at Host and,...

LOS ANGELES—Commercial carpet manufacturer Bentley Prince Street, Inc. announced that it has received a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its broadloom products. This achievement marks the first time a North American broadloom carpet product has received an EPD, the international gold standard for illustrating the various aspects of a product’s performance. “The significance of this EPD verification is the amount of detail and transparency required, providing the most accurate, objective picture available of a product’s true environmental impact,” said Anthony Minite, president of Bentley Prince Street. “This is the best impartial tool available to provide customers with a...