NIANTIC, CONN.—When the Shore Hotel opened its doors in Santa Monica in October, INNCOM International was there with its e4 Smart Digital Thermostat and Integrated Room Automation System (IRAS) as an integral part of each guestroom and an instrumental component to the property achieving Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Independently owned and operated by the Farzam family, the 164-room hotel is one of California’s most eco-friendly properties today, and the hotel’s owners attribute its sustainability achievements in large part to INNCOM. “Our mission is to provide an excellent guest stay bar none, but we want to...

CINCINNATI—Cintas Corp. announced it has partnered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on its Energy Star program. The program provides a strategic approach to energy management by tracking an organization’s current energy-efficiency and future improvement. The focus on energy usage benefits both consumers and the environment by lowering utility bills and increasing the use of energy-efficient products and practices. “We are pleased to join as a partner with EPA’s Energy Star program and will continue to take significant strides to further reduce energy consumption and encourage sustainability,” said Glenn Larsen, vice pesident of Quality & Engineering, Cintas. “Reducing our energy...

OSHKOSH, WIS.—Continental Girbau Inc. recently unleashed significant enhancements to its Pro-Series II Dryer line. First, the entire line offers two new control options—the simple-to-use Dual Digital Control and the highly programmable Microprocessor Control. Second, all Pro-Series II Dryers with microprocessor controls now offer an optional Linen Life Extension (LLE) system—a moisture sensing feature engineered to prevent over-drying, extend linen life and increase energy-efficiency. Finally, electric heating is now available on the 125-pound capacity single-pocket dryer, previously only available in natural gas and steam heated models.Continental’s Pro-Series II Dryer line—designed to escalate efficiency, production and safety—is available in 30-, 40-,...

SANTA ROSA, CALIF.—The recently renovated Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites officially joined the EcoStay program. EcoStay is a national initiative that helps hotels measure their carbon footprint, identify and fund reduction strategies and balance off their greenhouse gas emissions through carbon offsetting.“We’re very excited to be part of the EcoStay Program,” said Todd Anderson, general manager of Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites. “It’s a meaningful and effective way of demonstrating our concern for the environment.”Under the program, Best Western Plus Wine Country Inn & Suites will collect two dollars per night from hotel...

WESTPORT, CONN.—At the 2012 AHR Expo Innovation Award Presentation Ceremony on January 24, the Product of the Year Award was presented to Melink Corp. for its Intelli-Hood Kitchen Ventilation Control product that can save up to 90 percent in fan energy. Melink was selected from among the 10 Innovation Award winners for the Product of the Year honor.The Ohio-based company is a provider of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions for commercial and institutional facilities. The company offers building commissioning services, kitchen ventilation controls and solar PV systems. Its award-winning product, the Melink Intelli-Hood, can save up to 90...

NEW YORK—Designtex announces the addition of 10 new patterns to its Sta-Kleen offering. The Archipelago collection consists of a variety of textures ranging from animal skins to geometrics. They are all available in a wide range of colors that pair with the company’s standard upholstery collection. Sta-Kleen is a durable built-in protective coating that protects the surface of the upholstery from ink and other challenging stains. Ink, in many cases can be simply removed by the use of a clean dry white cloth. The Archipelago Collection is the latest addition to the Designtex DNA upholstery offering.Aggregate 3429—A cluster of...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper announced the purchase of the branded premium paper portion of Wausau’s Fine Paper division. “The acquisition of Wausau brands strengthens the breadth of our existing Fine Paper business with added scale in the marketplace, prospects for growth in new channels such as retail, and the opportunity to provide our customers with better service,” said Julie Schertell, president, Neenah Fine Paper. The transaction includes the following brands: Premium fine paper brands Astrobrights, Astroparche, Royal Linen, Royal Fiber, Royal Laid, Royal Complements, Royal Cotton, Royal Marble, Royal Metallics, Royal Resource, Wausau Bright White, and Creative Collection. Also included are...

BRIMFIELD, MASS.—MGM Resorts International announced that it has selected Gensler, a leader in global sustainability, as the architectural firm that will oversee the design of MGM’s Rolling Hills Resort project in Brimfield, Mass. The choice of Gensler is in keeping with MGM’s commitment to sustainability. “We don’t believe development should come at the cost of natural beauty,” said Jim Murren, MGM’s Chairman and CEO. “Gensler is a company that shares our green values and we are proud to have them joining our Brimfield team.” Gensler is a member of the Business Council on Climate Change and was ranked the number one...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has introduced the rugged FSP-211 Digital High/Low Passive Infrared Fixture Integrated Outdoor Sensor to conveniently control lighting in areas such as parking facilities and pathways. The sensor, which was accepted into the 2011 IES Progress Report, mounts in a lighting fixture and provides motion-based multi-level control combined with optional hold off daylighting control. Its feature set provides the flexibility to quickly and easily customize control parameters for each project to ensure energy savings while also addressing security concerns. All parameters are adjustable via a wireless configuration tool capable of storing and transmitting multiple sensor profiles. The sensor...

LONDON—In an effort to help maintain minimum certification standards for tourism businesses, VisitEngland, Visit Wales and Northern Ireland Tourist Board have endorsed, through an independent review by the International Centre of Responsible Tourism, Sustainable Travel International’s Sustainable Tourism Education Program (STEP) as a recognized certification program. Developed by Sustainable Travel International (STI) to conserve the travel industry’s vital assets, STEP features a suite of online tools that help businesses and destinations of all sizes manage their impacts. Components include education and training programs, a self-assessment framework, and policy and documentation guidelines, as well as an independently-verified eco-certification process for businesses...