MINNEAPOLIS/ST.PAUL—Researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health found most containers employed for storage and transportation of used fluorescent lamps to recycling centers do not provide necessary levels of protection against mercury vapors emitted from broken lamps. The release of mercury vapors, which can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, presents an environmental and occupational hazard for workers involved with handling and transport. Mercury is a toxic chemical that can lead to neurological damage. The results of the study were published in a recent issue of the Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association. The...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—Watt Stopper/Legrand has launched a versatile 0-10 volt wall box controller that can be used to dim or switch lighting loads or raise and lower shades. The DRLV1 controller is the first such device to include an input allowing automatic control by an occupancy sensor when used for lighting control. The device is RF-enabled and is also the first 0-10 volt wall box controller that can be incorporated into a wireless scene control system. The DRLV1 is part of Watt Stopper’s line of Miro Controls, which includes wireless RF dimmers and scene controls. Wireless Miro reduces the cost...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Smart Candle as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. Smart Candle specializes in the supply of fixed and portable lighting power for both consumer and industrial applications. Product examples include the new Evolution Rechargeable System with Smart Guard Anti-theft Technology, Electric LED Chandelier Candle bulb replacements, and LED candle wall systems. Smart Candle is known for its “flicker without the flame” products. For more information, call (888) 768-2635, e-mail info@smartcandle.com, or go to www.smartcandle.com.

GUANGZHOU, CHINA—Mayland Seaside Hotel, a five-star hotel project to be situated along the Zhujiang River, will feature an architecture style focused on sensibility to social responsiveness, energy use, urbanism and ecological awareness. The hotel is currently in the design phase and is due to be completed in 2012-2013, according to Narendra Patel, Patel Architecture, Rancho Mirage, Calif. The design provides for wind turbines on the upper portion of the tower and a massive array of photovoltaic panels covering the entire south façade. In the basement is a provision to incorporate a fuel cell power generator that would run on clean...

AURORA, OHIO—EcoVations, the fixture division of lighting innovator TCP, Inc., introduces a 16-watt LED Dock Light as an energy efficient alternative to halogen and incandescent dock lights used in shipping and receiving loading docks. The EcoVations LED Dock Light exceeds IESNA industry recommendations by providing a uniform light level averaging six footcandles at the back of a 53-foot trailer. It is available as an easy retrofit for existing dock arms or as a combo package including dock arm and mounting hardware for new construction or complete replacement. The 16-watt LED Dock Light uses 82 percent less energy than 90-watt PAR...

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO.—Norman, Okla.-based energy service provider PCG, LLC recently installed more than 30,000 energy-efficient lamps at the historic Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. In the hotel facilities, the replacement of incandescent exterior and interior lighting with cold cathode lamps and LEDs resulted in up to 80 percent energy savings. “We weren’t planning this,” says Stephen Bartolin, Jr., president and CEO of The Broadmoor. “This was unplanned capital. But the case made by PCG for what they could provide for The Broadmoor had so many winning elements, that we made the decision to invest the capital dollars even though...

WOBURN, MASS.—Udec Corp. has announced two new additions to its exclusive line of Ecolamp LED lighting products. New additions to the Ecolamps product family include the only dimmable MR16 LED equivalent commercially available today, and T8 LED equivalent tube lights. The 5-watt dimmable MR16 LED equivalent replaces 50-watt halogen bulbs, lasts 50,000 hours, and contains no gases, chemicals or other environmentally unfriendly materials. The lamp generates no heat or UV rays, making it completely safe for spot lighting valuable art works or keeping guests comfortable in hotel conference rooms. The T8 LED equivalent tube lights, at only 22 watts per tube...

TROY, MICHIGAN—ilumisys, Inc., developer and producer of next-generation solid-state lighting technology, announced that its channel partner IHNcorp has installed LED light tubes at Four Seasons Resort Aviara in Carlsbad, Calif. Los Angeles-based IHNcorp and its subsidiary Ecogreen Solutions Inc. replaced fluorescent lights with ilumisys MK1 T-8 LED light tubes in select areas of the hotel. “Four Seasons Resort Aviara is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and the lighting we use is a top priority,” said Ron Parker, Aviara’s director of engineering. “Our clients look to us to be environmentally conscious, and we’re evaluating all of...

PEACHTREE CITY, GA.—Cooper Lighting, a division of Cooper Industries, Ltd., announced that its Halo LED recessed downlight is the first in the industry to meet stringent Energy Star requirements for solid state lighting luminaires. The Halo LED Downlight’s performance earns an Energy Star qualification by meeting the Energy Star Program Requirements for Solid State Lighting Luminaires: Eligibility Criteria—Version 1.0 for Category A—Recessed Downlights. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping consumers and organizations save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Providing excellent color quality...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—Watt Stopper/Legrand has introduced a self-calibrating daylighting controller that reduces time-consuming installation and setup. The LS-102 Daylighting Controller provides closed loop, single zone, on/off switching of most types of lighting in response to daylight contributions. The device is the first of its kind to continuously select and display on and off setpoints. Typically, on/off closed loop control devices require multiple calculations of on and off setpoints during setup, adding complexity and cost to installation. The LS-102 continuously and automatically calibrates itself, eliminating the need for repeated manual calibrations to capture changing light levels as room reflectance levels change....