OREM, UTAH—ILLUMRA, a leader in wireless battery-free controls, announces the release of a new solar powered wireless door/window sensor. This new product maximizes the energy savings of heating and air-conditioning systems by providing wireless status of windows and/or doors. Energy waste can be reduced by 20 to 60 percent by disabling blowers and/or adjusting temperature setpoints in HVAC systems when windows and doors are left open. The wireless door/window sensor is a key component to reducing energy waste in hotel, condominium and dormitory buildings. “We are excited to help building operators reduce energy waste through the use of the easy to...

LAS VEGAS—A new line of commercial hands-free, dual flush toilet valves from American Standard automatically adjust flush volume, thereby consuming 20 percent less water than standard toilets. The Selectronic dual flush toilet valve releases a light flush, or 1.1 gallons per flush (gpf), when motion is detected for less than 60 seconds. A standard 1.6 gpf volume is used when motion is detected for 60 seconds or longer. The Selectronic line was developed to simplify specification and installation, while reducing maintenance time. The same watertight miniature sensor—and wireless program controller—works for all Selectronic fittings on faucets, flush valves and urinals...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes VingCard Elsafe as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Orion by VingCard Elsafe is an award-winning intelligent energy management solution that is helping hotels and resorts worldwide reduce their carbon footprint and boost energy savings. This innovative system allows for the management of guestroom temperatures from a remote, centralized location. Orion provides hoteliers with the ability to automatically adjust A/C settings as guests travel in and out of the guestrooms, therefore reducing overall energy consumption and saving valuable environmental resources, while ensuring guest comfort. Orion by VingCard...

ATLANTA—ASHRAE has published a new guideline that provides guidance on achieving good indoor environments by considering the interactions of air quality and thermal conditions, as well as lighting and acoustics. Guideline 10 is especially important in the design of low-energy buildings in order to ensure full consideration of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its effects on occupants. ASHRAE Guideline 10-2011, Interactions Affecting the Achievement of Acceptable Indoor Environments, calls attention to many interactions that designers might not have previously recognized or understood. The guideline contains an assembly of available knowledge on the complexity of the indoor environment and its impact...

SANTA ANA, CALIF.—Behr Process Corp., a provider of paint and coatings, announced that two of its paint lines now meet guidelines set forth by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI) as part of the institute’s Indoor Air Quality and Children & School Certification programs. Behr’s recently certified products include all Behr Premium Plus and Premium Plus Ultra interior paints, including Behr Premium Plus interior/exterior high gloss series. The GREENGUARD Certified products meet strict chemical emission limits to help create healthier indoor-living environments. “Behr is proud to offer high-quality, environmentally-safe professional products,” said Joe Richardson, senior vice president of professional products and...

NEW YORK—Toray International America, Inc., makers of Ultrasuede Ambiance and Torale Luxe, will exhibit at HDExpo 2011 in Las Vegas, May 18 to 20. The branded Ultrasuede and Torale upholstery covers offer eco-friendly solutions to specifiers of hospitality and design furnishings and installations. In 2009, Toray debuted EcoDesign, an environmentally responsible line of products based on innovative recycling technology, or PET chemical recycling. The new technology results in reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions by a minimum average of 80 percent. EcoDesign captures industrial materials, such as scrap polyester films, from the Toray manufacturing processes and recycles them for use...

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIF.—ClearWater Tech, LLC, a leading manufacturer of ozone systems for water and air purification, announced the redesign of the ClearWater Tech website that now offers visitors easier page navigation and enhanced content. The new site allows users to access more detailed, up-to-date information on all aspects of the company’s products and applications. The new layout and added features make it easier for customers to contact ClearWater Tech and get information they require on products, services, and ongoing news events. A special addition to the site is the Dealers Page. Visitors can type in their zip code or city...

CHICAGO—In order to help hotels further reduce their environmental footprint, Cintas Corp. has introduced its first eco-friendly garment options for bellmen, doormen and other front door professionals in hotels. The new apparel, made of recycled polyester, wool and Lycra, further enhances Cintas’ already extensive EcoGeneration collection and enables hotels to go “green” without compromising fashion or comfort. “Staff members who greet guests when they enter a property really set the tone for their overall perception of the brand,” said Todd McKeown, vice president of Hospitality at Cintas. “With our new sustainable apparel for bellmen and doormen, hotels can leave an...

PASADENA, CALIF.—LATHER, creator of natural skin care products and hotel amenities, will this summer introduce the Aromatherapy Collection, a new amenity line designed to appeal to today’s luxury hotel market. Inspired by the company’s best-selling retail products, each item will feature a unique aromatherapy blend. Formulations will draw on natural oils, extracts, and conditioning agents, and use food-grade, naturally-derived glycerin. Products will also be vegan, and contain no animal by-products, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, urea, or petrol-derived ingredients. Each matte white tube and carton will be accented with one of LATHER’s signature colors, making items easy to identify at-a-glance and reflecting...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—EcoRooms & EcoSuites has added Peter Goren to its Board of Advisors as its newest advisor. Goren is currently the president of the American Green Lodging and Hospitality Association (AGLHA), a newly established not-for-profit organization which conducts research, provides technical assistance and training, and promotes educational activities on issues that affect the environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the hospitality industry. Prior to this, Peter was the co-founder and director of Florida’s Green Lodging Program. “I am honored to be joining the Board of Advisors,” Goren says. “As a member, I hope to convey the importance of educating...