NEW YORK—Hastings Tile & Bath, importers and distributors of contemporary bathroom products, has announced additions to VOLA’s award-winning Round Series of in-wall accessories for residential and hospitality bathrooms. The new electronic soap dispenser and cistern flush are built-in and aligned to the wall. They are also completely contact-free, using the latest technology to provide a clean experience.The Round Series for the luxury washroom already features the built-in waste bin and the built-in tissue dispenser. Together with the classic VOLA hands-free tap (now available in a vertical configuration) and electronic cistern flush, the new soap dispenser takes the outer circle...

PISCATAWAY, N.J.—New high efficiency urinal flush valves from American Standard offer Selectronic hands-free function, flexible power options, reduced maintenance and reliable performance.Using just 0.25 gallons per flush (gpf), these sensor-operated flush valves for urinals offer 75 percent water savings compared to a standard 1.0 gpf valve and 50 percent when compared to a 0.5 gpf high efficiency urinal (HEU) flush valve. These flush valves are engineered to eliminate routine maintenance—each employs a self-cleaning piston with integral wiper spring to significantly reduce clogs and reduce upkeep time by facility staff.In states like California and Texas that already require the use...

SAN FRANCISCO—Smith & Fong Co., manufacturer of Plyboo bamboo architectural plywood and flooring, announced the launch of its new Reveal Collection of carved and textured bamboo panels, according to company president Angus Stocks.Available in eight different modern pattern/color options, Reveal creates a three-dimensional visual effect, as the panel’s face is carved in designed patterns to reveal its inner core layers. Utilizing Smith & Fong’s proprietary RealCore technology ensures the revealed cores are consistent and that layers of bamboo material in bi-directional construction enable stability.“Reveal is one of the most visually dynamic products we’ve ever introduced,” Stocks said. “It’s ideal...

SAN DIEGO—Figtree Financing, a leading provider of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing, issued its third bond on October 22, 2013. This issue comes just more than three months after having funded improvements to seven California properties in a prior bond issue. The latest bond, with a value of $478,100, includes four California projects in the cities of Chico, Bakersfield, and Palm Springs, bringing the total value of commercial PACE projects financed by Figtree to more than $2 million.This bond funded solar and cool roof improvements to two retail shopping facilities, a commercial warehouse, and a hotel. Ryan Ahearn,...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Excel Dryer as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Excel Dryer’s XLERATOReco includes new “no heat” technology. XLERATOReco offers the same performance and reliability as the original patented technology XLERATOR—drying hands in less than 15 seconds while using one-third the energy of other high speed and trough-style hand dryers. XLERATOReco enables green lodging facilities to reduce costs, labor, maintenance and waste while also significantly reducing their carbon footprint. Call (888) 998-7704, e-mail sales@exceldryer.com, or go to www.exceldryer.com for more information.

PLANTATION, FLA.—DHL was honored recently with a SmartWay Excellence Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as an industry leader in freight supply chain environmental performance and energy efficiency.SmartWay recognized DHL Express U.S. for its initiatives and efforts that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions within its operations. By the end of this year, DHL Express will have replaced more than 50 percent of its pick-up and delivery fleet with more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles—all part of a strategic, five-year fleet planning effort that best aligns vehicle demand against the most appropriate vehicle selection.“Environmental protection and sustainability...

SAN FRANCISCO—Verdafero Inc., a SaaS (Sustainability-as-a-Service) software and services provider, announced a partnering agreement with Hotel Sustainability Solutions, Inc. (HSSI).“This is a very exciting partnership for Verdafero,” said Dr. Alastair Hood, CEO of Verdafero. “With the skills and knowledge that HSSI brings in sustainability across many industries we feel that the combination of HSSI and Verdafero’s skill set and online tools will help HSSI customers gain great insight and information on their utility reduction efforts across all their properties and locations. We are very pleased to be working with HSSI.”Created by Verdafero from direct industry feedback, MyVerdafero—Utility Optimization Software...

OAK BROOK, ILL.—Global textile manufacturer 1888 Mills will be revamping their permanent New York City showroom space to promote the launch of several new towel and bedding programs for the hospitality market. Coinciding with the 2013 International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show, the recently expanded showroom space will be transformed to feature new luxury programs as well as high performance terry product. “Located in the Textile Building on Fifth Avenue, our design-oriented showroom affords us the opportunity to present our breath of product, industry-leading innovation, and luxury platform,” said Jack Bray, President of the Commercial Division at 1888 Mills....

SPOKANE, WASH.—Ecova, an energy and sustainability management company, announced a newly upgraded service which will provide multi-site commercial and industrial companies with greater visibility into resource performance, from the portfolio level down to the site level. Ecova’s new Resource Benchmarking Report makes the power of big energy and water data actionable, helping companies better understand how their energy and water use compares across their portfolio of locations, as well as to peer locations in their region or sector.The Resource Benchmarking Report will help companies compare their programs and results and drive greater improvements in their energy management efforts.“Ecova has...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Hotel Fitness as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Hotel Fitness is introducing its new generation of Green Series cardio equipment. Durable and stylish, the Green Series includes two distinct lines in a contemporary matte black finish. Each equipment line is designed for commercial use and features high-efficiency AC and DC motors, maintenance-free drive systems, friction-reducing treadmill belts and self-powered cordless ellipticals and cycles. Call (800) 291-0403, e-mail info@hotelfitness.com, or go to www.hotelfitness.com for more information.