SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has launched new universal dimming room controllers for line voltage lighting loads. The versatile devices can control virtually all load types including LEDs, and are part of the company’s Digital Lighting Management (DLM) suite of intelligent controls. Applications include daylight harvesting, lumen maintenance and scene control in areas from classrooms to offices, conference rooms, restaurants and galleries. As more jurisdictions adopt new energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2010 and IECC 2012), professionals must comply with multi-level control mandates. WattStopper’s universal dimming room controllers provide multi-level control solutions while also accommodating a variety of lighting types within each space. When...

PORTLAND, ORE.—Viridian Reclaimed Wood announced the introduction of a new range of reclaimed old-growth Douglas-fir flooring, according to Viridian co-owner Joe Mitchoff. Available in four varieties—nail-edge, mixed-grain, vertical (VG) and rustic—Viridian’s Doug-fir collection is reclaimed from beams salvaged from abandoned warehouses, docks and old gymnasiums, among other sources, and is derived from some of the company’s most mature raw-material sources.“This old-growth Doug-fir is in a class by itself, with very tight grain—new lumber cannot compare,” Mitchoff said. “Even our mixed-grain Doug-fir gets mistaken for what passes for today’s vertical-grain. Architects and designers who want the old-growth look but demand...

CROSSVILLE, TENN.—Crossville, Inc., a domestic porcelain tile manufacturer based in Crossville, Tenn., announced the latest results of two of its recycling initiatives: the Tile Take-Back Program and the collaboration with TOTO USA. Both initiatives are based on Crossville’s proprietary process for recycling fired porcelain products, including post-consumer materials; this is a capability unique to the manufacturer.Between both Tile Take-Back and the TOTO USA partnership, Crossville has diverted 11.2 million pounds of fired porcelain from landfills during the last two years (as of April 30, 2012). All of the company’s U.S.-made products contain a minimum of 20 percent scrap fired...

CHICAGO—Interface was recently awarded Best of NeoCon honors for its new Urban Retreat modular carpet tile collection, celebrating its global launch at this year’s show. Urban Retreat, which explores the intersection of manmade and Mother Nature, earned Silver in the Carpet: Modular category.This year’s competition drew 325 entries in 40 product and furnishings categories, and was sponsored by Contract magazine, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc., the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), and McMorrow Report.com.Urban Retreat was inspired by Biophilia—man’s innate attraction to nature. Designer and constant collaborator David Oakey drew from the growing global...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—A new online calculator from American Rivers lets individuals discover the benefits of installing green roofs on their businesses. Green roofs are gaining popularity as cities look for cost-effective ways to protect and restore clean water. A green roof is one that is covered with plants and shrubs. By absorbing rainwater and providing insulation for the building, a green roof prevents storm runoff from polluting local streams and reduces heating and cooling costs. The “Get More Green” calculator allows visitors to enter an address via Google Maps, and determine the square footage of a building’s roof. Visitors then get a...

MILWAUKEE—Eighty-five percent of building owners and operators globally depend on energy management to drive operational efficiency, according to a survey released by Johnson Controls, a provider of solutions that increase energy efficiency in buildings. This represents a 34 point increase in the last two years. Energy cost savings and financial incentives are leading this shift, but more than half say they are also looking to improve their public image and increase the value of their buildings. The 2012 Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator, a global survey of 3,500 building owners and operators, was released at the 23rd Annual North...

TRAVELERS REST, S.C.—T&S Brass, a leading manufacturer of plumbing and foodservice equipment, recently launched a new online tool to allow facilities to calculate the amount of water they can save through the use of aerators in hand sinks. With both standard and metric conversions, the new tool allows users to see how much they can save in the way of water, energy and sewage costs, based on entering some simple information, such as number of employees working in the kitchen per day, average shift length and total number of facilities. While not specifically designed to calculate restroom water...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Cintas Corp. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Cintas recently introduced its first air-conditioning (A/C) coil cleaning service for the hospitality industry. Certified as a “Green Process” by the Green Clean Institute, ChemTron Coil Cleaning by Cintas enables hoteliers to lower their energy bills, extend the life of A/C units and improve indoor air quality. Users of the PTAC cleaning service increase air flow by up to 28 percent and reduce energy consumption up to 17 percent.ChemTron Coil Cleaning by Cintas goes above and beyond...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has just added a new case study to its website. The case study focuses on the 403-room, LEED-certified Atlanta Airport Gateway Marriott and its use of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures from American Standard. Among the American Standard products featured in the Marriott guestrooms are Cadet 3 FloWise water closets, Town Square faucets and spouts, Cambridge Americast bathtubs, and Studio undermount lavatories. Other high efficiency fixtures installed on the property include the Afwall 1.28 GPF water closet and AllbrookFloWise .5 GPF urinal.“The American Standard fixtures that we used played a part in attaining a 30 percent water...

MORGANVILLE, N.J.—RoomService Amenities introduces its Sig|Natüra collection. It includes minimal packaging and a resealable Doypack option to traditional bottles. The Signature Natüra Collection includes: 20 ml easily recyclable PET cylinder bottles; 30 ml resealable Doypacks; three soap options; biodegradable shower cap; and deluxe travel bag. Originally created in 1962 by French inventor Louis Doyen, the unique eco-efficient Doypack is a resealable, stand alone pouch that utilizes 65 percent less plastic than a typical 30 ml bottle. This packaging offers several environmental benefits. The reduction in raw materials prevents unnecessary waste while creating a lighter weight product, allowing for more energy-efficient...