DUNEDIN, FLA.—Temperatures are heating up for the summer season and that can only mean one thing for your property—higher energy costs. To keep your guests and staff cool and content while keeping your energy costs as low as possible, Mintek Mobile Data Solutions recommends the following 10 action steps: 1. Find and seal air leaks that cause drafts and make your cooling system work overtime. Sealing and insulating your building can prevent the loss of cooled air and help save up to 10 percent on your energy bills each year. To ensure a sufficient level of indoor air...

NEW YORK & BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—Hilton New York, a prime 1,980-room property of Hilton Hotels Corp. in New York City, has completed the rigging of a PureCell Model 200 Commercial fuel cell power system, one of the cleanest power generating technologies available today. Nearly three times more energy efficient than the electric grid when used in combined heat and power applications, the fuel cell will operate without combustion to continuously provide power and domestic hot water for hotel operations. Hilton New York installed the PureCell system on May 20, 2007, in keeping with New York City Mayor Michael...

ATLANTA—The Atlanta Marriott Marquis, known for its stunning 50-story atrium, is using its ambitious resource-saving initiatives as a launching point to attract groups interested in holding green meetings. The 1,663-room hotel began its green push in April with a press release highlighting the hotel’s environmental accomplishments. Green meetings make a lot of sense, according to Chris Anderson, director of sales and marketing at the hotel. The Atlanta property is doing the little things that are part of green meetings—using recycled paper, and mugs instead of paper cups, for example. However, a more significant component of the hotel’s program is the...

NEW YORK—Honeywell, a global energy services provider, announced that it has joined the Clinton Climate Initiative in an effort to help cities around the world improve the energy efficiency of buildings and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Honeywell joined former President Bill Clinton and mayors of the world’s largest cities in New York City to announce the initiative. Buildings are a major global consumer of energy and Honeywell will work with the participating cities to identify and implement conservation opportunities in their facilities. “Climate change is a global problem that requires local action,” said President Clinton. “The businesses, banks...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes INNCOM International Inc., Niantic, Conn., as a Founding Sponsor. INNCOM develops and markets advanced, software-based guestroom control systems that are designed to reduce energy consumption. Its systems have been installed in more than 350,000 hotel rooms. INNCOM develops and markets a broad range of intelligent devices. These are combined in various ways to provide integrated systems for direct digital control (DDC) energy management, on-line electronic lock control, guest (end-user) interfaces and operating enhancements for housekeeping, security, minibar restocking and other hotel staff groups. INNCOM systems provide highly...

CHICAGO—Yes, there was a Green Restaurant Products Pavilion and an Organic & Natural Pavilion but finding other green exhibitors among the more than 2,100 vendors at the National Restaurant Assn. Restaurant Hotel-Motel Show last weekend was more of a challenge. They most definitely were there but one had to look closely to find them. The good news is that those green vendors that were there had some exciting new products to talk about. Here is a list of some of them: EATware International introduced its line of 100 percent biodegradable disposable tableware. Their compostable products are made from corn starches...

ASHLAND CITY, TENN.—A. O. Smith has introduced a new high-efficiency modulating VF boiler. This boiler replaces the A. O. Smith Legend. The VF boiler is a totally new design that provides up to 88 percent thermal efficiency while maintaining low NOx emissions that are better for the environment. The vertical tube design allows for a large heat transfer area, which maximizes efficiency, while maintaining the small footprint ideal for retrofit applications and multiple boiler installations. The VF boiler can be direct vented for up to 70 equivalent feet of intake and exhaust piping, and it can also be...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Lodging Technology, Roanoke, Va., as a Founding Sponsor. Lodging Technology is a leading provider of innovative guestroom energy management systems. Lodging Technology, an EnergyStar Partner, is the originator (1980) and recognized leader of infrared sensor-based hotel energy conservation, and provides direct sales, installation, service, and leasing options. Lodging Technology’s products have been installed in thousands of hotel guestrooms over the past 27 years. GEM System Energy Management, and its optional features, will provide substantial savings of 35 to 45 percent, increase profits, and improve staff response,...

BUENA VISTA, COLO.—You can huff and you can puff but you will never be able to blow down the walls of the Las Manos Bed and Breakfast in Buena Vista, Colo. The walls are made of straw. Well, mostly. They are actually constructed from bales of straw and covered with concrete stucco. They are solid, fire proof, and have an energy efficient insulation value of R-50. The unique exterior wall structure is just one of the fascinating elements of the B&B set within view of Colorado’s majestic 14,000-foot peaks. The 2,600-square-foot home, which includes two large suites ranging from 600...

NEW YORK—Greenhouse 26, the first green boutique hotel in New York City, will open at 132 W. 26th St. in Spring 2008. Blending first-class amenities with progressive environmental initiatives, Greenhouse 26 will apply for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status, establishing that hotels of all sizes can be successfully green. Sustainability has been an integral part of the development and design process for developers Jack Ancona, who has been in the New York City real estate industry for over 50 years, and Flatiron Real Estate Advisors LLC. With the belief that outstanding design is inherently...