ORLANDO—INNCOM International recently unveiled a new Radio Frequency (RF) Tabletop/Bedside Controller as part of its Integrated Room Automation System (IRAS) that is completely customizable. It is a multi-purpose device that features customizable touchscreen guest control of room temperature, lighting, drapes and alarm clock. The Internet-enabled TBL-80LCD can also display guest services information and online communications, automated CRM information delivery and easy staff reporting functions. INNCOM’s Privacy/Make-up Room, its patented ecoMODE, and in room/outdoor temperature also are part of the branded and customized display. INNCOM debuted its TBL-80LCD at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC). Also on display was...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes HEALTHY MINI BAR as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. HEALTHY MINI BAR is a provider of healthy, environmentally conscious amenities and specialty foods to hotel guestrooms and convenience centers. HEALTHY MINI BAR strives to meet all the definitions of healthy lifestyle, therefore the company offers a variety of  foods like low calorie options, organic, vegan, vegetarian, gluten free snacks, and diabetic friendly options, just to name a few. HEALTHY MINI BAR items do not contain high fructose corn syrup or partially hydrogenated oils/fats also known as “trans...

MIAMI—Vero Water, a Miami-based pure water resource corporation owned by entrepreneur and CEO Joshua Kunis, announces the national launch of its seven-step water refining system designed to offer high-end restaurants and hotels eco-friendly, ultra-purified and made-to-order still and sparkling water with zero carbon footprint. As green initiatives continue to gain traction in the hospitality industry, many restaurateurs and hoteliers are having to make compromises on luxuries to help build an environmentally friendly brand. One of these concessions includes making a change from offering patrons premium bottled water to filtered tap water. This method reduces the amount of energy used to...

MIAMI GARDENS, FLA.—Sweet Flavor announces the launch of its new site specializing in biodegradable disposable tableware. The company also announces a new line of bamboo and pine disposable tableware. “This is giant step forward in the growth of our company,” says Jamil Bouchareb, co-owner of Sweet Flavor of Florida. “Market research shows that four out of five caterers and consumers choose to use a sustainable food serving solution over a more harmful, non-biodegradable choice. Sustainable disposable tableware is the wave of the future.” Sweet Flavor of Florida sells to hundreds of eco-conscious fortune 500 companies. Some of its major clients include...

LAS VEGAS—The Green Key Eco-Rating Program, the largest international program evaluating sustainable hotel operations, has awarded 12 MGM Resorts International properties a distinguished Green Key designation for green business operations. The resorts are the first in Nevada and Michigan to receive Green Key ratings, which are designed specifically for evaluating commitment to sustainable green operations in the hospitality industry. Green Key has more than 1,400 member hotels. Green Key evaluates hotels on a scale of one to five Keys, with five Keys being the highest ranking. Results are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the hotel’s sustainability efforts. Green Key...

MEMPHIS, TENN.—Terminix announced it has officially launched its eco-friendly service for commercial customers, a pest management system designed to nurture a more sustainable environment. Terminix Commercial EcoControl introduces “greener” solutions to protect businesses from pests, thereby allowing these partners to be more environmentally responsible. Company officials note traditional pest control services in the commercial segment have long emphasized treatments using pesticides as the primary method for dealing with infestations, and not the elimination of conducive conditions. In contrast, pest prevention is a much more environmentally sustainable approach than simply reacting to them. Terminix Commercial EcoControl takes its Integrated Pest Management...

ANN ARBOR, MICH.—NSF International announced that Mannington Commercial is the first company certified to NSF’s new American National Sustainability Assessment Standard for resilient floor covering. Certification against this standard provides a means to evaluate the environmental performance and sustainability attributes of a range of floor products. The new standard, NSF/ANSI 332 Sustainability Assessment Standard for Resilient Floor Coverings (NSF/ANSI 332), was developed to help the floor covering industry recognize and promote sustainable manufacturing practices. Mannington Commercial has met the environmental and sustainability criteria and provides proven assurance to the public regarding these products. NSF/ANSI 332 establishes a point-based system in which...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes NaturCert as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. NaturCert Certification brings strong sustainability and CSR standards and practices plus valued international recognition. The organization’s advanced and impartial third-party certification system allows one to reduce operating costs and achieve international recognition in short time at economical rates. NaturCert Certification is designed for hotels and other travel and tourism companies seeking to improve their environmental performance while elevating overall credibility and corporate social responsibility leadership to customers, partners, suppliers and stakeholders.For additional information, e-mail info@naturcert.com, call +44 20 8144...

NEW YORK—The Rainforest Alliance released its new verification mark to recognize businesses and projects that have achieved significant and measurable sustainability milestones. The new mark is awarded to forest carbon projects and tourism and certain forestry enterprises that meet standards developed by the Rainforest Alliance itself or by other organizations with which the Rainforest Alliance is aligned. “When consumers or businesses see the new Rainforest Alliance verification mark, they can be sure that a particular enterprise or project—whether it be a hotel, carbon-offset project or company selling wood products—has complied with strong standards for sound management that benefits the environment...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Bulbs.com as a Founding Sponsor. The company offers a wide selection of energy-efficient replacement bulbs, ballasts, fixtures and can consult on almost any lighting project. With its prepaid recycling containers, Bulbs.com also can help with bulb recycling programs. The company has certificates of proper recycling and disposal available and its prepaid containers follow EPA guidelines and keep businesses compliant. Bulbs.com first entered the lighting market in 1999. The company is now one of the largest Philips Lighting distributors, servicing more than 91,000 businesses operating 250,000 business locations. Bulbs.com’s...