ZEELAND MICH.—Contract furniture maker Herman Miller is the first company certified by global public health and environmental organization NSF International to the highest level for sustainable furniture BIFMA level 3. Products certified to the level program may satisfy state and federal purchasing requirements and earn points toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. Certification to level 3 demonstrates Herman Miller’s Aeron, Celle, Embody, Mirra, and SAYL task seating; Setu multipurpose seating; and Caper stacking seating products all have achieved the highest level a product can reach under the BIFMA furniture sustainability standard. The level designation signifies that a...

PINE HILL, N.Y.—A reception was held earlier this month to recognize the 18 lodging establishments that recently received Green Concierge Bronze certification. The program, which is administered by environmental consulting firm HospitalityGreen LLC, trains and assesses lodging facilities to ensure they meet standards for waste reduction, energy and water conservation, environmentally preferable purchasing and recycling. The newly certified facilities span Delaware, Greene, Sullivan and Ulster Counties and represent the full spectrum of lodging available in the Catskills, including resort hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, farm stays, and retreat centers. The list of certified properties includes: Hotel Vienna, Kaatskill Mountain Club,...

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...