WESTFIELD, MASS.—Leading HVAC systems supplier SpacePak has announced the introduction of AirCell, a new hydronic distribution system for commercial and residential applications. AirCell is a modular, compact, high-efficiency air-distribution module that allows refrigerants to remain outside of the building and uses 30 percent less energy than traditional fan-based HVAC systems. Hydronic technology, the most efficient way to transfer energy for both heating and cooling, offers an environmentally friendly system that uses up to 30 percent less electricity in a single unit configuration, and uses one-third less refrigerant than traditional DX systems. AirCell works in conjunction with any hydronic supply...

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan has expanded its commercial fixture line with the introduction of a small urinal series, including two High-Efficiency (HE) Universal models, all of which are ideal for saving space in tight areas. These wash-down urinals provide commercial facilities with more options to suit their new construction and renovation requirements.The HE Universal models allow specifiers to select one vitreous china fixture to work with flush valves operating at 0.125 gpf, 0.25 gpf or 0.5 gpf instead of purchasing separate models for those flush volumes. The HE models comply with EPA’s WaterSense program, which makes them ideal for fulfilling...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Verdafero Inc. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. MyVerdafero—Utility Optimization Software Suite is an easy-to-use cloud-based software platform to help hotels/motels save money. Specifically designed for the hospitality industry, the software suite helps identify saving opportunities and alerts one to problem areas within a single property or across multiple properties and multiple utilities (electric, gas, water usage, waste streams and CO2) within a portfolio. As part of the software, Verdafero now offers the new Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) carbon calculator for easy, real-time and...

NEW YORK—Textile manufacturer Carnegie has released its Biobased Xorel—the first high- performance interior textile in the world with a majority of plant-based content.The rollout begins this month with six products, including the re-launch of three classic, popular patterns Strie, Nexus, and Dash. Three new patterns—embroideries Abacus and Topiary, and embossed design Veneer—are also part of the Biobased Xorel launch. Between them, the six designs are offered in a range of 91 colorways. There are no discernable visual or performance differences from existing Xorel products. They offer the same durability, cleanability, and longevity.This major breakthrough boasts a 60 to 85...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—The industry’s first extensive, independently conducted study to determine the ability of cold-water ozone laundering to extend the useful life of linens—a major expenditure among hospitality, healthcare and numerous other institutions—reveals a resounding advantage versus traditional hot-water methods.California-based ClearWater Tech LLC recently released the results of a six-month study conducted by North Carolina State University’s Physical Testing Laboratory—College of Textiles. Dr. Jan Ballard, extension specialist and supervisor of the Physical Testing Laboratory, directed study procedures.Testing utilized EcoTex ozone technology and its application format in comparisons with traditional laundering of pillowcases and terry towels. EcoLab supplied chemicals...

WOODRIDGE, ILL.—Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC has enhanced its Ultra Flush toilet collection by adding a WaterSense approved 1.28 gallons per flush product option. The addition of the 1.28 gpf model positions Gerber as having one of the most extensive lines of pressure assisted toilets on the market—ranging from 1.1 gpf up to 1.6 gpf. “We’re proud to offer a professional grade Ultra Flush solution to the maximum number of applications,” says Gerber’s vice president of marketing, Kevin McJoynt.The new Gerber Ultra Flush 1.28 earned a top-rated MaP score of 1,000 grams, ensuring high performance with every flush. Other features...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Fibrex Group as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Fibrex Group is known for its extensive and innovative selection of recycling centers, waste receptacles, park and street furnishings, and LED solar bollards. The company’s Made in the USA green-design products are made from sustainable resources and always contain the maximum possible recycled content.Fibrex Group’s new stylish Dual Stream Mobius Flex Recycling/Waste Receptacles are ideal for upscale resort properties. The two-compartment receptacle is made from high quality rotational molded recycled plastic and has an innovative anti-scratch surface....

CORNING, N.Y.—Corning Inc. and View Inc. announced a strategic development agreement to leverage their combined capabilities to advance View’s dynamic glass. Corning is leading a financial investment in View as part of a Series E round of funding to support the development of dynamic glass technologies for exterior architectural applications. Dr. Jeffrey W. Evenson, Corning’s senior vice president and operations chief of staff, will serve on View’s board of directors.Representing a major innovation in architectural windows, View Dynamic Glass intelligently regulates the amount of heat and glare that enters a building. Dynamic glass automatically transitions between clear and variable...

FERNDALE, WASH.—The Comphy Company has launched a new website. The site features improved functionality, design, and navigation. “This website was a year in the making,” said Mia Richardson, Comphy CEO and founder. “The backbone of the new Comphy site is the “Build a Bed” feature. Website visitors can design their bedroom with microfiber sheets and bedding sets. Build a Bed creates a custom design. They can even change the color of the wall!”With Build a Bed, visitors can add Comphy items to the bed below by clicking the swatches in the product list to the right. Visitors can then...

MINNEAPOLIS—DISH has introduced a flexible satellite television platform targeted at hotels and hospitality operations that improves the in-room entertainment experience for guests and reduces total cost of ownership for operators through lower power consumption. DISH is demonstrating its SMARTbox solution at the HITEC 2013 conference in Minneapolis.Most hotel solutions use modified residential receivers—since hotel owners face different challenges than residential customers. SMARTbox was designed as an enterprise-grade solution with the following features: •    Scales to provide 36 to 96 channel lineup in HD and SD, an improvement over the industry standard of 12 to 24 HD channels;•    One unit will...