GERMANTOWN, MD.—Telkonet Inc., a leading technology solutions provider for broadband networking, end-to-end service support and energy management, announced the implementation of several significant energy management projects with major USA-based automation and control solutions companies for an energy efficiency program with a major utility in California. These programs, which are expected to generate 2007 revenue in excess of $5 million for Telkonet, are projected to save millions of kilowatt hours per year, and were specifically designed to help the utility meet its state energy conservation goals by reducing energy consumption in hotel and motel rooms throughout the utility’s northern and central...

CARLISLE, PA.—EcoStar, a leading manufacturer of premium steep slope roofing materials, is adding EcoVent to its line of premium accessories. EcoVent is a continuous tile-over ridge vent that efficiently removes hot, moist air from the attic space of a building. Vital to increasing the life span of a roof, EcoVent helps reduce cooling costs of a building while preventing moisture build-up in the attic space. EcoVent provides strength and offers durability and protection against rain, snow and ice, providing a breathable, yet efficient weather barrier in virtually every weather condition. Manufactured in 20-foot-long...

HALLOWELL, MAINE—The Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast, located on 130 acres not far from Maine’s capital building, has earned a reputation as an environmental leader and deservedly so. Even though the property has just eight guestrooms, it is home to Maine’s largest solar array, has its own wind turbine, and was the first property in the state to receive Green Lodging Inn Certification from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Scott Cowger and Vincent Hannan are co-owners of the property and have owned it for 15 years. The investments they have made in the bed and breakfast primarily have...

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—The most recent advances in environmentally sound and energy-efficient commercial indoor air comfort technologies from Carrier Corp. are featured in a new traveling exhibit. Carrier is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. The Carrier Traveling Showcase is available for viewing exclusively through Carrier authorized sales locations. The 51-foot, 18-wheel trailer transforms into a living laboratory featuring a variety of the latest Carrier commercial product technologies: the Carrier Evergreen 23XRV variable speed screw chiller; the Carrier AERO Air Handling units; the Carrier Microchannel Heat Exchanger; the Carrier Centurion rooftop cooling units; and the Carrier 3V and i-Vu control systems. “The...

NATIONAL REPORT—Guestroom energy management systems that use keycards to activate or deactivate electrical power in the guestroom are very common in Europe and Asia. In the United States, however, acceptance of these types of systems has been slow and they are almost never found in hotels. However, with increasing concern about climate change, saving energy and cost cutting, this is beginning to change. Properties representing brands such as Kalahari Resorts, Orchard Garden, Embassy Suites, Westin, Holiday Inn and others are finding that keycard-based systems are not so bad after all. “Over the last year, there has been so much play about...

MINNEAPOLIS—Honeywell has introduced Roof Top Retro Commissioning, a service that improves the efficiency of roof top units (RTUs) used to heat and cool commercial facilities, and lowers the cost of operating this equipment by 5 to 20 percent on average. RTUs are one of the main energy consumers in a facility, and mechanical problems and poor maintenance can greatly increase utility bills. The Roof Top Retro Commissioning service centers on a handheld diagnostic tool—Honeywell Service Assistant—that pinpoints problems, suggests service work and displays the anticipated payback. Specifically, the tool calculates equipment energy use, capacity and cost-savings potential to optimize performance...

NATIONAL REPORT—Operating a spa in an environmentally responsible manner requires a lot more than using natural personal care products. Yes, offering such treatments is smart and provides a competitive advantage, but it is just a small part of running a “green” operation. How you manage water, lighting, heating and cooling, cleaning, purchasing, and even cooking is much more important. What those who have implemented green programs have discovered is that they need not sacrifice luxury—or profits—for sustainability. To compete with leaders such as Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa and others that operate green spas,...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—Energex Inc., a developer of advanced PIR occupancy sensors for control of HVAC and lighting energy, has been selected by Buildings Magazine as their 2007 Editor’s Choice Top Product Pick. One of the publication’s most popular exclusives, the Top Product Picks offer 100 solutions to ensure that facilities and staff are working at their peak. Earlier this year, thousands of products and services were reviewed by the Buildings editorial staff; the result is this elite group of 100, selected using a number of parameters: aesthetics (when applicable), ease of use, durability/life-cycle, efficiency or applicability, universal appeal, sustainable/green elements (when applicable),...

NATIONAL REPORT—For many reasons—aesthetics, noise reduction, energy efficiency—hoteliers have been opting for vertical package terminal air conditioners (vertical PTACs, aka VTACs) instead of PTACs for their guestrooms. VTACs, which are placed discreetly in an enclosed corner closet, are being implemented most often in suite environments with multiple rooms but also are appropriate for single-room configurations. “There are different reasons for opting for VTACs, but cost is an important one; they are less expensive than two PTACs,” says Jim Benz, marketing manager for air-conditioning products for GE Consumer & Industrial. “Looks are also important. It looks like you have central air...

PEACHTREE CITY, GA.—In an effort to educate Californians on the excessive cost of heating water with inefficient tank water heaters, Rinnai Corp., a leading tankless water heating company, has posted a billboard on California’s 405 freeway displaying the millions of dollars wasted in California each day by homes and businesses heating their water with inefficient water tanks. According to an annual estimated cost from the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Assn. (GAMA) and Energy Factor (EF) from the May 2007 Consumers Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings, the 13 million single-family homes in California waste approximately $5.1 million daily heating water with...