COOPERSBURG, PA.—Energy-saving light control manufacturer Lutron Electronics announced that its Washington, D.C. Commercial Experience Center has been awarded LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED is the USGBC’s leading rating system for designing and constructing the world’s greenest, most energy-efficient and high-performing buildings. Lutron Experience Centers are showcases of Lutron’s most impactful residential and commercial products and solutions. The Washington, D.C. facility specifically showcases commercial products in use in a variety of vignettes (conference rooms, offices and more). “We’re pleased to have achieved USGBC’s LEED Gold Certification,” said Andy Wakefield, director of Government Relations at Lutron. “Knowing...

MILWAUKEE, WIS.—Telkonet, developer of the EcoSmart intelligent energy management platform including patented Recovery Time technology, has been approved to partner with Hilton Worldwide through their online Suppliers’ Connection. Hilton franchisees can now find Telkonet on the Suppliers’ Connection section of the Hilton Franchise website, listed under Sub-category 15900 HVAC Controls, located in Category #15 Mechanical. The Suppliers’ Connection allows Hilton franchisees, as wells as their designers and contractors, to view vendor information relating to designing, building and equipping a hotel. All those listed in the database must meet extensive criteria prior to inclusion. Hilton Worldwide’s senior director of engineering, Norm Nelson,...

WEST CALDWELL, N.J.—Developed as energy efficient lighting solutions that bolster uncompromising safety and security in parking garages of hotels, resorts and restaurants, MaxLite introduces LED Parking Garage Luminaires that were recently approved by the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and included in its Qualified Products List. The DLC was established to ensure that high quality, energy efficient lighting designs are used in all commercial lighting installations, which includes categories that are not addressed by Energy Star. Highlighted in MaxLite’s MaxLED Collection, the new LED Parking Garage Luminaires are energy efficient replacements for metal halide fixtures and are designed to project a...

LOS ANGELES—As part of its effort to increase the use of recycled content and reduce energy use, Samsung recently received an upgraded Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) certification on 21 Staron Solid Surfaces and five Radianz Quartz Recycled Content products. In addition to the newly certified products, SCS certification was renewed on several Staron and Radianz Recycled Content colors. Along with the SCS certification, Samsung has also been accredited GREENGUARD Level 3 certification, meaning all Staron Solid Surfaces, Tempest and Radianz Quartz products are certified to be low-emitting materials that lead to better air quality indoors. “We pride ourselves on our commitment...

WEST CHICAGO, ILL.—Tornado Industries, manufacturer of professional cleaning tools and equipment for more than 80 years, has added a “last minute” banner to its website, further reminding managers and cleaning professionals of a special tax break set to expire or decline significantly at the end of this year. The banner, also placed on Tornado’s sister company’s website, CFR, states that buyers of cleaning tools and equipment may be able to deduct the full purchase price of the equipment from their 2011 taxes. Normally, buyers can only deduct a portion over several years. “This is not only a tax savings, but it...

INWOOD, N.Y.—Electrolux’s new dryers are designed to cut time in the cleaning and drying process while still achieving the best results. The three new high tech Electrolux T5000-series dryers are available in 35, 67, and 83 pound capacities. The drying time is being shortened by 10 minutes on average, compared to previous generations of similar models, while at the same time cutting the energy consumption by up to 20 percent. The dryers take up 20 percent less wall space making it possible for the user to optimize the production area. Attention has also been put into the ergonomic design...

GARDEN CITY, N.Y.—Designed with architectural aesthetics and performance in mind, WAC Lighting introduces energy efficient LEDme Step Lights that offer a sleek profile and enhanced functionality ideal for safety and style on indoor and outdoor stairs, walls and other pathways in hotels, restaurants and resorts. The new LEDme Step Lights are offered in versatile, horizontal and circular scoop designs for a clean, seamless installation without any visible hardware. Easy to retrofit on to a single gang rectangular style junction box, these luminaires offer a wide beam angle for broad lighting distribution and deliver balanced, consistent lighting free of shadows and...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—ClearWater Tech, a manufacturer of ozone systems for water and air purification, has launched its new EcoTex Laundry System website. The new site represents ClearWater Tech’s commitment to the growing needs of their customers in the ozone laundry industry. The EcoTex site offers easy navigation and showcases the most advanced information on all aspects of the EcoTex products and applications. There are relevant news articles, case studies, technical papers, and direct access to sales and customer service. Special features include new EcoTex web videos, including “How EcoTex Works, and just released, “The EcoTex Short Video” highlighting one-on-one interviews...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added a Protect-A-Bed case study to its website. The case study focuses on the Mansion at Judges’ Hill in Austin, Texas and how it is benefiting from Protect-A-Bed’s mattress encasements. The 48-room property is using the encasements to meet the needs of allergy-sensitive guests, as a preventive measure against bed bugs, and to extend the life of mattresses that otherwise might be destroyed once soiled. The encasements are protecting the property’s mattresses so that they can be recycled at the end of their life.To read the case...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF International, an independent global organization that writes public health standards and certifies products for food, water and consumer goods, has qualified the first wallcoverings distributor to the American National Standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings—NSF/ANSI 342. NSF International developed the standard for Sustainable Wallcoverings to help architects, designers, retailers and consumers identify sustainable and environmentally preferable wallcoverings. NSF/ANSI 342: Sustainability Assessment for Wallcovering Products recognizes the important role distributors play in maintaining the sustainability of wallcovering products throughout their life cycle. In order to qualify and distribute certified sustainable wallcoverings, distributors must demonstrate that they follow environmentally preferable practices....