MOUNT LAUREL, N.J.—More than two years after going “live” with their 756-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) system—a structure based on 10 carports in the hotel’s parking area—the owners of the Wyndham Philadelphia-Mount Laurel are investing in additional systems to further reduce energy and water consumption and costs significantly. Investments involve a switch from heating oil to natural gas for air and water heating, an LED retrofit project, and an upgrade to ultra high efficiency toilets.Rishi Shah, Asset Manager of the hotel, says the current transition to natural gas for heating involves a significant mechanical system upgrade. “We are upgrading boilers...

ATLANTA—Acuity Brands, Inc. has been officially recognized by the 2014 Lightfair International (LFI) Innovation Awards competition for the Most Innovative Product of the Year award. The award designation honors Acuity Brands for its Peerless Open LED luminaires.Considered the most important industry awards ceremony honoring industry innovations, the Most Innovative Product of the Year Award is the highest honor presented by an independent panel of lighting professionals, recognizing the best new product.“We are honored to be recognized by our industry peers with this prestigious award for the Peerless Open,” said Jimalee Beno, Acuity Brands Lighting Vice President and Peerless Lighting...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Wireless Environment, an innovator of LED lighting technology that optimizes performance in off-grid lighting applications, has created a retrofit, backup power source for individual lamps that does not require special wiring. Wireless Environment debuted its new, patented SwitchSense backup power technology at LightFair 2014.Powerful enough to enable LED and CFL lamps to defy electrical outages for up to three hours, SwitchSense is compatible with almost all luminaires that fit lamps with an Edison base. SwitchSense is designed to intelligently detect the difference between an open light switch circuit and a power outage. An open light switch will not...

LAS VEGAS—The Lighting Energy Efficiency in Parking (LEEP) Campaign has recognized MGM Resorts International for its dedication to sustainability and energy-efficient lighting. The company was recently honored with two Campaign awards: “Highest Absolute Annual Savings in a Retrofit at a Single Parking Structure” for a major lighting retrofit at MGM Grand Detroit, and “Largest Percentage of Facilities Upgraded (minimum of five facilities)” for MGM Facilities in Michigan and Nevada.LEEP is co-sponsored by the Business Owners and Management Association, Green Parking Council, International Facility Management Association and Better Buildings through the U.S. Department of Energy.“Our outdoor lighting projects are truly...

COMMERCE, CALIF.—Nora Lighting has introduced the Diamond II Series, the next generation of its LED retrofit downlights with a number of enhanced features. Among the many new updates is a standard 700 lumen level in all 4”, 5”, 6” and 6” adjustable models for improved visual comfort, along with a deep-set 2” diameter light source for uniform appearance and lower aperture brightness. All Diamond Series II fixtures are cULus wet label listed and Energy Star approved.Models also feature a Cree LED ceramic platform for consistent light output and can be dimmed to 10 percent with a standard incandescent dimmer....

TORRANCE, CALIF—LEDtronics announces the EXLT6-4 Series LED Exit Light Bulbs that present a reliable alternative to conventional T6 incandescent exit-sign tube bulbs. Brighter, longer lasting, more power-efficient and maintenance-free, the EXLT6-4 Series of exit-sign bulbs offers a sensible choice when it comes to replacing energy-hungry, short-lived and breakage-prone old-technology incandescent bulbs.The EXLT6-4 Series T6 tube bulbs are available in either 4200K Natural White, 633nm Super Red, or 514nm Aqua Green LED light colors. These LED T6 tube bulbs are ideal replacements in single- or double-sided exit sign fixtures, picture lights or as omni-directional lighting, accent lighting, indicator lighting or...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has launched a line of optional neutral occupancy sensors that let installers decide whether or not they need a neutral after they purchase a wall switch product. Because the sensors work for two-wire or three-wire applications, one device is compatible with 2011 NEC requirements and with existing wiring. Unlike competitive products, they require no special configuration, saving time for contractors, preventing miswiring and simplifying ordering. WattStopper’s patent pending Neutral Sense Technology ensures proper operation in any installation. Neutral Sense Technology was developed to address customers’ requests for products that offer the greatest versatility, allowing them to...

COWPENS, S.C.—Mermet USA introduces its new T Screen with KOOLBLACK Technology high-performance shade fabrics. T Screen fabrics with KOOLBLACK Technology combine the superior heat reflectivity of a white fabric with the glare control and crisp-view through of a dark-colored fabric.  Designed to provide architects, designers and building owners a leading-edge roller shade fabric that contributes to more comfortable buildings, T Screen with KOOLBLACK Technology provides superior thermal comfort and excellent natural daylighting for window shade applications. This fabric extends Mermet’s collection of advanced roller-shade fabrics. Key features of T Screen fabrics with KOOLBLACK Technology include: •    Improved heat reflection with KOOLBLACK...

NEW YORK—Hotel sustainability will be in the national spotlight on television beginning May 26 on Showtime. It is then, at 8 p.m. EST, that sustainability consultant Scott Miller will be featured along with Caesars Entertainment Corp. on Showtime’s nine-part series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” The series was produced by executive producers including James Cameron, Arnold Schwarzenegger and five others. The show on which Miller appears was produced by Joel Bach and David Gelber. There are 14 correspondents who conduct interviews during the series. Among them are Lesley Stahl, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, and Jessica Alba. Miller was interviewed by...

DENVER—As a company, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has always strived to involve employees and guests in the common goal of preserving and protecting the planet. Mirroring this commitment, Four Seasons Hotel Denver announces new sustainability measures at its property.“At Four Seasons, being environmentally responsible is part of who we are,” says Thierry Kennel, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Denver. “Our Hotel guests share these same values, so we have launched several new green initiatives, such as biodegradable room keys.”The hotel has enacted the following environmentally friendly offerings: •    Recyclable coffee pods: Hotel guests enjoy Nespresso machines in their...