MONTVALE, N.J.—BioHitech’s high-volume organic waste decomposition technology, launched earlier this year, received the award for Innovation in Green Technology at this year’s International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. The company’s GOHBio 1001 Series was recognized. The decomposition unit, which is energy efficient and made of stainless steel, breaks down food waste into a liquid within 24 hours; enabling it to be safely disposed of down the drain. Resultantly, greenhouse gases are reduced, landfill space and fuel are preserved, and ultimately, dependency on fossil fuels and other foreign oil sources declines. Additionally, overall costs associated with work flow efficiencies, janitorial supplies and...

DAVIE, FLA.—With both the environment and the economy weighing heavily on most hotel owner/operators today, the timing is ideal for the introduction of a new air-conditioning process that not only eliminates wasted energy usage but also results in better indoor air quality. This treatment process is being introduced by ChemTron, an industry leader in providing energy efficiency. One of the best ideas for quick cost savings is cleaning and maintaining air conditioners. Air-conditioning represents 50 to 70 percent of a hotel’s total utility bill. ChemTron has been working for 20 years to perfect a cleaning process that makes money for...

LOS ANGELES—The California Integrated Waste Management Board has chosen carpet manufacturer Bentley Prince Street, Inc. as the recipient of the 2008 CalRecycle Sustainable Business Award. The award is the highest honor from the Board’s annual Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP), and honors a business that has taken extraordinary measures to reduce waste by cutting the amount of trash it produces, conserving resources and reducing waste disposal in landfills. “As California’s largest commercial carpet manufacturer, we believe we have a responsibility to help move our state toward a zero-waste future as we work toward our Mission Zero goal of eliminating our...

SHEFFIELD, MASS.—Cypress Hotel & Spa, a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury bathrobes, towels, slippers, and sheets for the hospitality and spa industry for more than 25 years, introduced its exclusive new MicroCotton Green EarthTM towels to the spa market during the 2008 ISPA Conference & Expo. The conference was held earlier this month in Las Vegas. The MicroCotton Green Earth towel is engineered to maximize absorbency, durability and eco-conservation. They are made from super-fine, Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton; a variety of cotton known for its sustainable consumption and also recognized worldwide for its superior softness. Green Earth towels are...

ASHLAND CITY, TENN.—In its October issue, Consulting-Specifying Engineer (CSE)—a monthly publication with a circulation of more than 46,000 mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers—named A. O. Smith’s Cyclone Xi commercial water heater as a gold winner in its 2008 Product of the Year competition. “Competition was fierce this year; the judges had a hard time narrowing the finalists down to three for each category,” said Jim Langhenry, CSE publisher. “We take this as a sign that manufacturers are investing more in new-product R&D, which is a huge win for the building industry and the environment.” The innovative design of the Cyclone Xi...

BOSTON—The Turkish Towel Co. has introduced a new line of certified organic towels to help American hotels, spas and consumers opt for a more Earth-friendly option. In fact, two luxury boutique hotels opening in the spring have already placed orders to ensure their guests have plush towels that do not have a negative impact on the environment. Cotton uses approximately 25 percent of the world’s insecticides and, according to a recent study, is responsible for approximately 16 percent of global pesticides—more than any other crop. As consumers look for greener products, the hotel and spa industry will have to change...

NEW YORK—Business Technology Partners (BTP), a premiere New York City-based IT consulting and managed services firm, announced a strategic relationship with Control4, a leader in IP-based, ZigBee wireless control, automation, and entertainment systems. The relationship enables the companies to provide a complete end-to-end solution, including technology design and integration of entertainment and control systems for hotels and mixed-use commercial developments. The implementation of Control4 technology enhances the hotel guest experience by providing luxury, convenience, and enhanced services options. Through the use of a single remote, hotel guests will be able to operate the television and entertainment options, call room...

MINNEAPOLIS—McQuay now offers a complete line of R-410A large tonnage condensing units (50 to 140 tons) and split system air handling units. The condensing units feature an average EER of 10.6 which exceeds ASHRAE 90.1-2010 requirements and makes them ideal selections for sustainable buildings and LEED-certified projects. R-410A is an HFC refrigerant that has no ozone-depletion potential and faces no mandated phase-out date over a 20- to 30-year operating life expectancy, thus protecting both the owner’s investment and the environment. Per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements, R-22 refrigerant cannot be used in new equipment as of 2010 and...

CHICAGO—Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced an agreement with Natura Water, Inc. that will provide guests in its restaurants with a healthy, safe, environmentally responsible alternative to bottled water. The first hotel company to work with Natura on a nationwide basis, Hyatt is making the filtered water available at restaurants at participating full-service hotels across North America following successful tests at several locations. The Natura water-purification system removes impurities from the local water source while retaining healthy minerals—thus eliminating the need for bottled water and the waste associated with its use. The system dispenses the water—still or sparkling— into attractive bottles...

NIANTIC, CONN.—INNCOM International Inc., a leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of guestroom automation systems for the international lodging industry, has enhanced the functionality of its newest solution—a design-centric energy management solution made of recyclable glass that controls room temperature, lighting and more. The complete Glass Series Smart Digital Thermostat, Switch and Tabletop Controller set are on display in booth 3232 at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York. “Since the initial launch of the INNCOM Glass Series in June, we have enhanced this ‘green’ solution to be even more interactive for guests and energy-efficient for hotels,” said INNCOM...