DENVER—The Westin Denver Downtown was recently honored by Host Hotels & Resorts with a sustainability award recognizing the hotel for a tradition of commitment to environmental responsibility. The hotel’s associates have made numerous commitments to reducing impact to the environment such as partnering with a company on a compost program; establishing an online in-room dining menu and guest directory; moving from Styrofoam and plastics to soy or corn-based packaging for to-go/box meals; and recycling in all 430 guestrooms, public and back-of-the-house space. The latest sustainability initiative is providing biodegradable wooden key cards to all hotel guests. “As climate change has...

CHICAGO—Roughly two-thirds of the nation’s restaurateurs have recycling programs as part of their sustainability efforts, according to a new study conducted by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with Georgia-Pacific Professional. The research results, released at the 2011 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, also shows that three out of five consumers prefer to visit restaurants that have recycling practices in place. The study provides a comprehensive overview of restaurant recycling practices that will help restaurant operators meet consumer needs, enhance their environmental programs, and be more profitable.  “Sustainability is more than a fad, it’s the new way of...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. recently released the highly programmable Logi Pro Control, now available on the 20-pound capacity E-Series Washers and the complete line-up of M-Series Washer-Extractors. The new Logi Pro Control offers up to 25 individually modifiable programs—each with up to 11 baths, including multiple pre-wash, wash and rinse phases. “The Logi Pro delivers superior control over the wash process,” said Joel Jorgensen, Continental Girbau’s vice president of sales and customer services. “It’s designed to improve productivity and efficiency at a wide array of on-premise laundries. The Logi Pro offers precise control over wash variables to ensure optimum efficiency...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Vaska as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Vaska provides green housekeeping and laundry solutions. Vaska’s products are highly effective at removing dirt, stains and smudges. The three product housekeeping system is efficient, simple, and easy to use. The natural formulation provides superior cleaning results without harming the environment. For laundry, Vaska’s hypo-allergenic, botanical formulations use natural ingredients that provide superior cleaning results without harming the environment, employees, or equipment. In 2008, Vaska was awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency “Champion” status, their highest level of sustainability. For...

BOSTON—It’s the “bee’s knees” at the InterContinental Boston. On April 30, 2011, the fifth-floor roof deck at the InterContinental Boston, a luxury AAA Four-Diamond hotel located on Boston’s waterfront, was abuzz as two new beehives were added to Boston’s first hotel apiary. The InterContinental Boston is only one of two hotels within the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand worldwide with an on-property apiary (the other is the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto in Australia). This July and September (National Honey Month), the InterContinental Boston will be harvesting its honey which will be used throughout the hotel. SPA InterContinental, the hotel’s 6,600-square-foot...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new category under commercial fryers that can now earn the Energy Star label—an energy efficiency program that has saved Americans money on their energy bills while contributing to cleaner air and protecting people’s health since 1992. Effective April 22, 2011, EPA has expanded the scope of the eligible models to include large vat gas and electric fryers. Energy Star qualified large vat fryers are 10 to 35 percent more energy efficient than standard models. Fryers are one of the most common appliances in the foodservice industry. Large vat fryers are used...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—ClearWater Tech, LLC, a leading manufacturer of ozone systems for water and air purification, announced the redesign of the ClearWater Tech website that now offers visitors easier page navigation and enhanced content. The new site allows users to access more detailed, up-to-date information on all aspects of the company’s products and applications. The new layout and added features make it easier for customers to contact ClearWater Tech and get information they require on products, services, and ongoing news events. A special addition to the site is the Dealers Page. Visitors can type in their zip code or city...

TROY, OHIO—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that ITW Food Equipment Group–North America (ITW FEG) has been honored with a 2011 Energy Star Sustained Excellence award. This is the second consecutive year for ITW FEG to receive Energy Star’s highest honor, after earning back-to-back Energy Star Partner of the Year awards in 2008 and 2009. The Sustained Excellence award is given to a select group of organizations that have consistently exhibited leadership across the Energy Star program. ITW FEG is the first and only commercial foodservice equipment manufacturer that has received the Sustained Excellence award.  With 368 Energy Star...

MINNETONKA, MINN.—Carlson’s Country Inns & Suites brand, a major player in the limited-service, midscale segment of the lodging industry, is getting serious about reducing the volume of waste produced at its approximately 500 properties worldwide. By October 31 this year, disposable tableware will be eliminated in breakfast areas. About 20 hotels have already taken this step. Steve Mogck, executive vice president and COO, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, says approximately 200 hotels will make the transition by June 1. Disposable plates, bowls, cups and utensils will be replaced with washable counterparts. Mogck says a large volume of the waste produced in a typical...

TROY, OHIO—For the fifth year, the Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability (HCFS) plans to award a $5,000 grant to the organization judged to have the best-executed foodservice or grocery sustainability project. Applications are currently being accepted, and the recipient is to be announced at the 2012 National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. “The Hobart Center for Foodservice Sustainability provides a forum for sharing the best practices that help make foodservice operations more efficient, more sustainable and more profitable,” explained Rick Cartwright, vice president, ITW Food Equipment Group and an HCFS Fellow. “We are pleased to again offer a $5,000 grant...