SAN DIEGO—In this new age of evolving plug-and-play appliances, electronics, and even automobiles, NOVI Industries, Inc. is innovating traditional bathroom construction methods by manufacturing custom-built, prefabricated modular bathrooms with the introduction of InoviaPods.  InoviaPods are manufactured off-site with efficient quality control procedures, strict health and safety standards and built using environmentally-friendly materials such as light-gauge steel framing and magnesium-oxide board sheathing. These major structural components have several advantages: fire proofing; and resistant to water infiltration, pests, mold and mildew, as well as seismic activities. They are completely non-toxic materials. Built to clients’ specifications and needs such as size, layout, finishes,...

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Dr. Diana Driscoll, CEO of Keller, Texas-based Ridgeline Hospitality LLC, spoke at the recent annual Midwest Lodging Investors Summit in Chicago, rolling out her four-tiered program for “green” assistance for hotels owners and operators. The session entitled, “Is Green Still Relevant?”, included an in-depth look at the cost of “going green” in a difficult economy. Jonathan F. Douglas, AIA and managing principal of VOA Associates, Inc., served as moderator of the panel and Nicholas G. Rumanes, vice president of development of the Las Vegas Sands Corp., served as co-panelist. Because much of the hospitality segment has suffered in the...

LONDON—Expedia Affiliate Network (EAN), a dedicated division within Expedia Inc. focused on co-branded and private label partnerships, recently launched a new website and charity program, TravelRelief.org, where at least 8 percent of the hotel booking price will be donated to participating charitable organizations. If a customer books a hotel at the total price of $300, there is a $24 donation per transaction on TravelRelief.org to a customer selected charity. The TravelRelief program is co-branded with Hotels.com, a subsidiary of Expedia Inc. “TravelRelief was designed to provide nonprofits with a way to convert moral support into funds that can help make...

VERO BEACH, FLA.—Kimpton’s oceanfront Vero Beach Hotel & Spa announced its receipt of the Environmental Certification-Silver by Green Seal (GS-33), a nonprofit organization that uses science-based standards to measure sustainability. Located on South Florida’s Treasure Coast, the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is the first of only two hotel properties in Florida to be certified Silver by Green Seal. An endeavor that required an extensive time commitment and many operational changes on behalf of the hotel, the Silver level certification is the second among three levels of environmental achievement recognized by the GS-33 standard and signifies that a property...

TROY, OHIO—Hobart has launched Advansys, an advanced warewashing system. Advansys technology includes innovations that save operators time and money, makes the equipment easier to maintain and service, and improves productivity. The first product available in the Advansys line is Hobart’s new Advansys Ventless Door Type, which was introduced earlier this year as the AM Select Ventless warewasher. The unit is a recipient of this year’s National Restaurant Association Kitchen Innovations award, which recognizes groundbreaking foodservice equipment as selected by an independent panel of experts and received the Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) Product of the Year award for 2010. The patent-pending...

BOULDER, COLO.—HOMER Energy has designated Sustainable Travel International (STI) as its exclusive partner in the marketing of HOMER software and services to the travel and tourism industry. As part of the arrangement, STI will offer HOMER software and services to its global network and membership at preferred rates. In return, HOMER Energy will partner with STI on renewable energy projects in destinations around the world. HOMER Energy modeling software helps users plan power systems that combine renewable energy with storage or conventional backup. Some resorts operate off the grid while others use backup diesel engines to cope with power interruptions...

VISTA, CALIF.—Sustainable Industries named Solatube International’s Solatube 750 DS Daylighting System as one of its 2010 Top 10 Green Building Products award winners. This is the second consecutive year the Solatube 750 DS has been selected as a “Top 10” product by Sustainable Industries, making it the first product to earn the distinction more than once. The Solatube 750 DS, designed for use in all retrofit and new construction commercial applications, was selected by Sustainable Industries from more than 100 entries based on its environmental performance, scalability/market impact, innovativeness, design aesthetic, value and compatibility with the U.S. Green Building Council’s...

LOS ANGELES—Falcon Waterfree Technologies, a leading global manufacturer of waterfree urinals, earned ‘2010 Money-Saving Product’ recognition by Buildings Magazine for the new Falcon F7000 splash-free waterfree urinal. The Falcon urinal was selected from a field of hundreds of products for its cost savings based on utility bills and ease of maintenance. Like all Falcon urinals, the new F7000 waterfree urinal is engineered to provide simple operation for new construction and restroom upgrades. The low purchase price and life cycle cost provides better payback than other urinal technology options. Besides saving up to 40,000 gallons or more of water and sewer...

ATLANTA—Hyatt Hotels in New York City; Jersey City, New Brunswick, and Morristown, N.J.; Fairfax, Va.; and Greenville S.C. participated in demand response curtailment programs during the recent record setting heat wave, and as a result saved approximately 760 kW of electricity in one day alone, which is the same amount of power needed to supply about 117 homes.The Hyatt Hotels’ participation in demand response during these emergency conditions helped their local utility companies meet the power demand of all customers and avoid power outages and blackouts. Demand response is a relatively new concept gaining wide acceptance as an effective...

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...