ALPHARETTA, GA.—Philips Electronics announced its 2010 hospitality TV range, which includes new lines of commercial televisions for the Free-to-Guest (FTG) and Pay-Per-View (PPV) segments of the hospitality market. The Philips FTG Series, available in Harmony and Lavish ranges, and the Philips PPV Series, available in Synergy and Indulgence ranges, both include attributes that have come to be expected from Philips Hospitality. The launch of the Free-to-Guest ranges demonstrates Philips’ understanding of a hotel industry increasingly moving away from traditional pay-per-view systems, instead offering more high definition content free of charge, as well as guests bringing their own content...

CHICAGO—Coalesse, a new premium live/work furnishings brand, has received the prestigious Designs for Dignity 2010 Sustainability Award. Coalesse is committed to environmentally-responsible design practices and materials and has several products that have earned SCS (Scientific Certification Systems) certification for indoor air quality protection. Coalesse requires all wood veneers sourced from outside of North America and approved European partners to be FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified to ensure fair, safe and responsible methods are used to harvest and process the wood. Coalesse has eight accredited LEED professionals on its team as part of its ongoing effort to remain a leader in...

BOSTON—Even with the economy in the tank, interest in green products is on the rise. The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo last November expected a drop in attendance, but sold out the trade show floor with a waiting list and exceeded attendee estimates by 12,000 people. With this continuing momentum and proliferation of green products on the market, it’s increasingly difficult to know what’s really green. In 2009, NEXUS surveyed its 16,000 building industry subscribers and the majority of respondents stated that “access to unbiased product information” was the predominant issue for making informed decisions. To meet this need and...

CHICAGO—Protect-A-Bed, a leading provider of bedding protection products with a presence in 27 countries, announced its acquisition of London-based Shine Capital Europe LTD which distributes Protect-A-Bed products across Europe. The acquisition creates a formal corporate presence for Protect-A-Bed in Europe. Simon Zamet, owner of Shine Capital Europe LTD, has been named CEO for Protect-A-Bed Europe. Protect-A-Bed Europe sells products in the pest control, furniture and bedding, healthcare and retail industries. “This acquisition gives Protect-A-Bed a direct relationship with valuable customers across Europe,” said Protect-A-Bed CEO James Bell. “Simon’s team in London is perfectly positioned to continue growing Protect-A-Bed’s reputation...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Hansgrohe announced that all relevant products under the Axor and Hansgrohe brands are now compliant with California’s and Vermont’s low-lead legislation, which limits the lead content of pipes, pipe fittings or plumbing fittings, and fixtures intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking. The checkmark on each packaging is the confirmation that the product is 100 percent compliant with the California and Vermont legislation. Since the enactment of this legislation in 2007, Hansgrohe has been preparing for the anticipated change through product development and availability. Nicolas Grohe, director of marketing and product development for...

SAN FRANCISCO—The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the California Solar Initiative (CSI) Thermal Program, which authorizes $350 million in rebates for businesses and individuals that install solar thermal systems. The program will energize the state’s solar thermal market by making it cheaper and easier for businesses and property owners to purchase solar thermal systems. “These systems can be cost-effective for ratepayers, while helping to displace both electricity and natural gas usage in new and existing homes and businesses,” said Commissioner Dian M. Grueneich of the CPUC. “Thus a focused, cost-effective program to improve the market for this technology...

ATLANTA—Ensuring good indoor air quality (IAQ) means everyone breathes a little easier: occupants who experience improved health, comfort and productivity, and owners who see increased building value and reduced risk. New guidance for achieving enhanced IAQ is available from five leading building industry associations and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The book and CD provide strategies needed to achieve good IAQ using proven technologies and without significantly increasing costs. “The health and comfort of building occupants is too important to leave IAQ as an after-thought in design, construction and operation,” said Andrew Persily, Ph.D., chair of the committee that wrote...

ZIONSVILLE, IND.—Integrating art glass with energy saving technology, FANIMATION introduces The Mariano, an Energy Star rated ceiling fan with an art glass lighting fixture for hotels, restaurants and resorts. With more than 25 years of experience, FANIMATION is a manufacturer and marketer of ceiling fans featuring high profile designs and energy saving technology. The Mariano features a White Swirl Glass lighting shade, complemented by a pewter finish and all-weather composite fan blades. The blades offer a unique upward curved design for a dramatic look. The fan includes two energy efficient 13-watt compact fluorescent bulbs to illuminate the lighting fixture. ...

SANTA CLARA, CALIF.—WattStopper has introduced four new multi-way wall switch occupancy sensors for code-compliant lighting control in commercial spaces with more than one entrance or switch location. The sensors provide convenient full-function multi-way control and install easily using traditional three- and four-way wiring. The product offering includes the industry’s first dual relay multi-way occupancy sensors, facilitating economical control of bi-level lighting or multiple loads. Multi-way sensors are available in passive infrared (PIR) and WattStopper’s patented dual technology models. An addition to WattStopper’s PW/UW/DW line, the multi-way sensors are equipped with the same features as previously introduced products. They include...

PHILADELPHIA—National Chemical Laboratories, Inc. (NCL) announced that its EARTH SENSE Industrial and Institutional Cleaning Products have achieved Recertification status under the Green Seal GS-37 (2009) Standard (5th Edition). According to Bill Smith, NCL vice president of marketing, “This recertification of our EARTH SENSE products to the GS-37 (2009) Standard underscores NCL’s commitment to promoting healthy, green cleaning at schools, office buildings and other facilities. NCL is proud of our past accomplishments in producing high performance, environmentally-conscious formulations, and is excited about our future involvement with Green Seal, Inc. and other organizations in creating new, sustainable product solutions with improved...