AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hilton Austin recently transformed the challenge of a strict local energy conservation code into a triple win. Their solution added to guest comfort, improved the property’s bottom line, and helped the environment. The hotel launched a $22 million renovation, primarily to simplify guest comfort and boost energy efficiency. Now, the property’s energy management system (EMS) not only meets—but exceeds—Austin’s green mandate.  Austin mandated that commercial buildings that are 10,000 square feet or larger must conduct an annual conservation audit and report their energy rating to the city. Austin’s subtropical climate presents a challenge to energy efficiency. Average summer...

KALAMAZOO, MICH.—Landscape Forms announced its participation in the Health Product Declaration (HPD) Open Standard, a format for reporting on the material content of building products and the associated health effects. Landscape Forms counts among its clients some of the most forward-looking companies in the world.HPD development, maintenance, and evolution are overseen by the nonprofit Health Product Declaration Collaborative. The HPD Standard identifies a minimum set of chemical hazard lists against which ingredients must be screened to identify health and environmental hazards. To be considered complete, the HPD Standard requires full disclosure of the health hazards associated with each ingredient....

MUSKEGON, MICH.—EarthTronics is offering a full line of Energy Star rated LED Recessed Retrofit downlights in 4- and 6-inch diameters, providing 550 to 1200 lumens for architectural/décor lighting applications. The energy efficient LED Recessed Retrofit downlights replace popular, less proficient 4-, 5- and 6-inch aperture fixtures and produce a full flood light with a 90° beam angle. They are ideal for use in medical and long-term care facilities, hotels, resorts and restaurants as well as light commercial properties.The LED Recessed Retrofit downlights feature instant on and smooth dimming to less than 5 percent for pleasant ambient lighting with no...

BOULDER, COLO.—Sustainable Materials, LLC is introducing Cork Bricks to the United States. A wall décor innovation, Corks Bricks are three-dimensional pieces of the finest natural, renewable cork bark precision cut in three different sizes and variations in thickness. Cork Bricks complement both casual and cosmopolitan décor. Imported from Portugal, Cork Bricks are pre-finished and immersed in a selection of six natural and neutral colors.“Envision interior walls with the appeal of traditional exposed brick in a three-dimensional design, but with a refined texture and warmer feeling,” said Pete Nichols, President, Sustainable Materials. “Cork Bricks bring that sophisticated yet inviting sense...

DALTON, GA.—Tandus Centiva, a Tarkett company, recently received NSF/ANSI 332 Silver level certification for its Venue Series luxury vinyl tile product line. The NSF/ANSI 332 certification process evaluates a product’s life cycle, from its inception to its repurposing or recycling.Using a point-based system, the NSF/ANSI 332 standard measures six key areas: product design, manufacturing, long-term value, end-of-life management, corporate governance and innovation.Tandus Centiva is committed to creating sustainable products in an environmentally responsible manufacturing process. With the addition of the Venue Series, Tandus Centiva has now received NSF/ANSI 332 certification on most of its LVT products.In addition to NSF/ANSI...

WOODRIDGE, ILL.—Gerber, an industry leader in high performing plumbing fixtures, has expanded its product line servicing back outlet plumbing needs. Available is a 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) gravity toilet option in both wall-hung (MX-21-021) and floor-mounted configurations (MX-21-022).Ideal for various applications including hospitality, multi-family (high-rise condos or apartments), student housing and even single family homes, the gravity back outlet solutions out perform other products in the category and are much more quiet than their pressure-assisted counterparts.“The retro-fit demand in this category is substantial,” says Eric Peterson, Gerber’s Vice President of Sales. “Many properties built around vertical, in-wall plumbing...

MIDLAND, MICH.—Dow Building Solutions (DBS), a business unit of The Dow Chemical Co., announced STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene foam insulation products in North America have received validation from UL Environment that they contain 20 percent pre-consumer recycled content on average. This verification marks the latest sustainability milestone for Dow insulation products, which also hold Cradle to Cradle certification.   “UL Environment is proud to have worked with Dow Building Solutions to validate the recycled content claims for their STYROFOAM Insulation Products,” said Lisa Meier, Vice President and General Manager of UL Environment. “Dow’s pursuit of third-party substantiation demonstrates their commitment to...

JASPER, IND.—Kimball International, Inc. announced the promotion and appointment of Kourtney Smith to the position of President for Kimball Hospitality. Smith will assume responsibility for the entire Kimball Hospitality organization, including strategic direction, goals, growth and driving shareowner value.Don Van Winkle, Kimball International President and Chief Operating Officer, announced the appointment, stating, “I’ve worked with Kourtney for many years and have always been impressed with her vision, leadership, decision making and ability to drive meaningful transformation. She brings energy, enthusiasm and passion to everything she leads.”Commenting on the new position, Smith said, “I’m incredibly excited and honored to have...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—Nissan Motor Co. and Green Charge Networks, the largest provider of commercial energy storage, have joined forces to deploy second-life lithium-ion vehicle batteries for stationary commercial energy storage in the U.S. and international markets.With more than 178,000 sales since its launch in late 2010, Nissan LEAF is the world’s top-selling electric vehicle. As part of the company’s commitment to sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Nissan has conducted multiple research projects in Japan, the United States and Europe to use LEAF batteries outside the vehicle through 4R Energy, a joint-venture with Sumitomo Corp. formed in 2010.In a...

CARY, N.C.—Civilight North America announces the availability of eight new LED lamp models that are now registered on the Energy Star list of certified products. This certification is a worldwide recognition that the listed products meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The eight new models, including BR and omni-directional A19 LED lamps, are available for purchase with eligible rebates of up to $10 to maximize return on investments (ROIs). “These aggressively-priced and rebate-eligible LED lamps are positioned at an affordable price to allow most end users to experience the tremendous quality...