WASHINGTON, D.C.—The EPA has announced new specifications for two new commercial food service products—dishwashers and ice machines—that will earn the Energy Star label. More efficient commercial kitchen equipment can save restaurants and food service facilities from 10 to 30 percent on commercial kitchen energy consumption. “Energy efficiency is a top priority among restaurant owners and operators,” says Bob Meyers, EPA’s principal deputy assistant administrator for Air and Radiation. “We are pleased to deliver more options to save on energy costs and help protect the environment through two new commercial food service products earning the Energy Star.” The specifications cover several...

AMERICAN CANYON, CALIF.—Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spa—the United States’ first and only LEED Gold-certified hotel—has commissioned a 36-kilowatt solar project that produces electricity to help run the hotel. The system is projected to meet approximately 12 percent of the hotel’s annual energy needs and contributed two points toward the hotel’s LEED Gold certification. An energy-usage panel in the hotel’s lobby shows exactly how much power is being generated by the solar system—and how much energy is being used by the hotel, minute by minute. The Gaia project will generate 49,000 kWh of clean renewable energy annually, reflecting the priority that...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—As part of Westin’s ongoing commitment to personal renewal, they are teaming up with SuperFoods Partners LLC, owners of the SuperFoodsRx brand, to become the first hotel brand to create a SuperFoods focused menu for their guests. Superfoods, known for being health-enhancing and rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, will be the main ingredient in Westin signature dishes such as banana oatmeal brulé, green-tea-infused salmon and molten dark chocolate cake. The initiative, which is currently rolling out in 25 Westin hotels in the U.S. and Canada, will go global in 2008 with the introduction of the Westin Signature Breakfast,...

NATIONAL REPORT—If the growth of the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC) is any indication of the current level of interest in sustainable furniture manufacturing, you can expect to read a lot more about this trend in the coming months. The Council, which was incorporated in March, already has 100 members. While the majority of all furniture purchased for lodging in the United States is not sustainable, that appears to be changing—albeit slowly. What exactly is sustainable furniture? It most certainly is not furniture that is made with illegally sourced wood, petroleum-based foams, fabrics and other materials, and finishes and glues that...

BLOOMINGTON, IND.—The Green Cleaning Network, a nonprofit clearinghouse that shares information and educates the marketplace in order to accelerate the adoption of green cleaning, announces the launch of its new website. The timing coincides with two important announcements including the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) release for public comments of its revision to LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System (LEED-EB) and the Building Owners and Managers Assn. (BOMA) joining the Network and its board of directors. The website’s Discussion Forums will provide the opportunity to review the current and proposed documents, and discuss issues associated with them. According to Doug...

SAN FRANCISCO—Global Hyatt and Tesla Motors are partnering to demonstrate the Tesla Roadster, an electric sports car. The Global Hyatt/Tesla Motors Drive Event will take place on August 29 and 30. The Tesla Roadster will travel from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe in the span of one day. With stops at Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, Hyatt Regency Sacramento, and Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Incline Village, NV, each stage of the event will include a celebration of the car’s arrival and a preview of the forthcoming 2008 Tesla Roadster. Tesla Motors and Hyatt...

GREEN BAY, WISC.—Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay has received the Focus on Energy Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency for the implementation of innovative energy efficiency projects within its business. With the help of Focus on Energy’s Commercial Sector, part of Wisconsin’s energy efficiency and renewable energy initiative, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay made a number of energy efficiency improvements including installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, guestroom energy management controls and energy-efficient air-conditioning units. In total, Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay saved more than $60,000 in energy costs. Since starting its working relationship with...

CHICAGO—It might be too early for packing bags, but meeting professionals should start making plans now for the Professional Convention Management Assn.’s (PCMA) 2008 Annual Meeting, to be held Jan. 13-16, 2008 in Seattle. PCMA is announcing high-impact General Session speakers, as well as a return to a full Wednesday schedule—which this year includes a general session on Wednesday afternoon and a special closing event on Wednesday evening. “Creating Possibilities” is the theme of this year’s popular education and networking event. “We’re thrilled with the possibilities for inspiring and thought-provoking experiences at our 2008 Annual Meeting,” says Deborah Sexton, PCMA...

TORONTO—In the recently released J.D. Power & Associates North American Syndicated Study on Hospitality, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and its award-winning Green Partnership program led the way for the luxury hotel category with a consumer awareness level of 83 percent for Environmentally Friendly hotel brands. Amongst all North American hotel companies, Fairmont placed second overall, closely behind sister brand Delta Hotels which received an 84 percent ranking. Within the report, Fairmont was singled out for its green policies and acknowledged for its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text which it shares with other hotels looking to strengthen...

SAINT LOUIS, MO.—Seeking to provide support and guidance regarding environmental responsibility, the board of directors of the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) has commissioned a Green Task Force to help educate and inspire IACC-member conference centers to conserve natural resources while recognizing the current successes at individual member properties. This is consistent with the association’s commitment to providing an exceptional meeting experience at every level. “The task force was created to educate and guide conference centers toward eco-friendly, business-smart practices,” says Neil Pompan, president of IACC-North America (and COO of EMCVenues). “The Green Task Force will begin to develop...