MOONACHIE, N.J.—Designed with a unique, shimmering, flame-like movement effect, BULBRITE unveils the energy efficient and versatile LED Retrofit Candle. Ideal for a variety of applications including churches, theaters, pubs, hotels, historic homes and buildings, the LED Retrofit Candle is a replacement for 120V lighting fixtures. Its patented electronics create a shimmering flame-like movement that simulates the flickering flame of a real wax candle. The LED Retrofit Candle provides the same realistic ambient light as a traditional candle, but is more economical and safer to use. It fits any standard candelabra-based socket (E12) and enhances the beauty of chandeliers and sconces...

ROANOKE, VA.—The Comfort Suites in St. George, Utah has installed the new GEM Link Wireless guestroom energy management system and GEM Stat Digital Thermostats in all 122 guestroom suites, utilizing their existing GE Zoneline PTAC units. GEM Link Wireless reduces hotel/motel guestroom HVAC energy consumption 35 percent to 45 percent by resetting room temperature to an energy conserving level, pre-selected by the hotel, only while the guest is out of the room. GEM Link uses the reliable ZigBee wireless protocol and consists of wireless passive infrared (PIR) occupancy sensors, wireless door switches, and a transceiver control module connectable to...

DALTON, GA.—Shaw Industries, Inc., through its division Shaw Hospitality Group, and La Quinta Inns & Suites have partnered to keep more than 30 tons of carpet from landfills during five La Quinta hotel renovations in Texas, South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida. Shaw Hospitality Group, a manufacturer of sustainable, reclaimable carpets for public spaces and guestrooms, was specified earlier this year to re-carpet La Quinta guestrooms during a large-scale renovation project. Instead of sending tons of the old hotel carpet to landfills, Shaw Hospitality Group worked with La Quinta to reclaim the carpet and divert it to Shaw Industries’ Evergreen Nylon...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, has added a new case study to the Green Lodging News website. The case study focuses on the InterContinental San Francisco’s recycling program and how the hotel was able to save more than $120,000 annually in waste removal fees. Integral to the hotel’s efforts was the placement of Metro recycling receptacles supplied by T2 Site Amenities in public spaces and Treela Recycling wastebaskets in guestrooms. “They are in very public areas and look terrific,” said Harry Hobbs, director of engineering at the hotel, in regard to the Metro Recyclers....

NIANTIC, CONN.—At a time when many companies are cutting back on personnel and in other areas in order to save on costs, INNCOM International is in the hiring mode. Niantic-based INNCOM, which develops, manufactures and markets room automation systems for the international lodging industry, has added three experienced professionals to its sales force. John Chaffin is INNCOM’s new director of sales for the Southeast region, Kelly Miller takes over as director of sales for the Western region, and Adam Smalarz is now administrator of project sales and sales programs. “We understand that in these tough economic times, hotels have to...

BETHESDA, M.D.—Jeanne Varney (formerly vice president, Host Hotels & Resorts) and David Mahood (principal, Olive Designs) have recently joined their consulting services to create Olive Hospitality Consulting. The new organization will provide balanced business solutions for a wide variety of sustainability challenges facing the hospitality industry. Combining Varney’s wealth of hotelier experience and Mahood’s sustainable design and manufacturing background, Olive Hospitality Consulting will offer a broad range of services from operational audits to “green” product sourcing. “We have passed beyond the stage of choices without consequences and have entered into a period of habitat reconstruction,” Mahood says. “We must rethink...

DALTON, GA.—Zeftron nylon has added new, sustainable and stylish colors to its color line. Zeftron nylon, a premium branded nylon 6 commercial carpet yarn system, now offers more than 100 fashionable colors, all of which are fully recyclable, contain a minimum of 25 percent recycled content, and are MBDC Cradle to Cradle certified. “Color is an essential part of Zeftron nylon’s business,” said Karen Martin CMG, with Beaulieu Commercial. “These new additions bring even more depth to their color bank and more complexity and sophistication to their offerings. As a designer, you can never have too many colors and these...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes AtmosAir Solutions as a Green Product & Service Directory Partner. AtmosAir Solutions’ air purification process can eliminate mold, control bacteria and the spread of airborne viruses, and reduce airborne particles and germs that get past normal filtration solutions. The company’s technology involves an all-natural process and produces no harmful by-products such as ozone or ultraviolet light, commonly found in many other products. AtmosAir Solutions is now offering its advanced and proven technology throughout North America for use in hotels and many other applications where indoor air quality...

HORSHAM, PA.—The Green Key Eco-Rating Program (Green Key) announced that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has committed its portfolio in the United States to becoming members of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The recent launch of the Green Key Eco-Rating Program in the United States signifies the evolution of the program from its Canadian roots to one that serves the needs of conservation-minded properties across Canada and the United States. The partnership between Green Key and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, an environmentally progressive hotel group with close to two decades of experience greening its operations, dates back to the original...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—The Bancroft Hotel, a National Registered Landmark and a premier boutique hotel based in Berkeley, Calif., has teamed up with The Refinishing Touch to update furniture as part of a large-scale renovation project. The Bancroft Hotel was built in 1928, was designed by noted Bay Area architect Walter T. Steilberg, and has come to be known for its historic charm, personalized service and eco-friendly practices. Located directly across the street from the University of California at Berkeley and next door to the Berkeley Art Museum, the Bancroft is part of the rich and diverse history of the Bay...