NASHVILLE, TENN.—Universal Lighting Technologies introduces new Program Start models to the ULTim8 high-efficiency family of ballasts. With Program Start technology, these ballasts fit the growing need for energy-saving ballasts that are compatible with occupancy sensors and other switching applications. ULTim8 Program Start ballasts are specifically designed to increase fluorescent lamp life by properly heating the lamp filaments during the starting process. Designed to meet NEMA and CEE High Efficiency T8 Ballast specifications, these ULTim8 models are compatible with current ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1 and California Title 24 for energy efficiency. New ULTim8 Program Start ballasts are available with universal voltage operation (120...

AURORA, OHIO—TCP, Inc. has combined the benefits of its compact fluorescent lamps with new LED technology to create the SpringLamp three-way CFL/LED light bulb. The three-way CFL/LED hybrid switches between 19 watts, 30 watts and a 1-watt LED night light, comparable to a 50/100/150-watt incandescent bulb, for use in table lamps and floor lamps. Lasting an average of 10,000 hours (more than 10 times longer than an incandescent), the three-way CFL/LED is manufactured using lead-free glass. This gives the bulb better lumen maintenance over its life and a color temperature closest to incandescent light. A new amalgam technology provides cooler...

YUBA CITY, CALIF.—Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI), is now making its OrganicPedic line available to green hotels and B&Bs. “In the environmentally-conscious lodging industry, businesses now have an opportunity to share (and sell) environmentally safer products together with their comfortable surroundings,” says Walter Bader, co-founder of OMI. “Green lodging is about the sustainable, eco-friendly practices and products that enhance a guest’s stay. Shouldn’t that philosophy extend to the mattresses as well?” The opportunity to include organic mattresses in green lodging operations is often overlooked, and represents a huge potential profit center. Plus, ecologically aware travelers appreciate knowing about the extra purity...

ROANOKE, VA.—The Rodeway Inn located in Castaic, Calif., just five minutes from Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, Calif., has installed GEM System guestroom energy management in all 120 guestrooms, utilizing their existing Amana, Friedrich and GE PTAC units. GEM System is an innovative, infrared sensor-based guestroom energy management system that reduces guestroom energy costs by 35 percent to 45 percent. GEM System resets the room temperature to an energy conserving level, pre-selected by the hotel, only while the guest is out of the room. GEM System can connect to any brand and model of PTAC and will increase its...

SUNNYVALE, CALIF.—Serious Materials announced that its EcoRock green drywall has been named the grand award winner for the green tech category in Popular Science’s Best of What’s New. The company adds this award to its growing list of honors including: voted No. 1 at Cleantech Venture Forum XII, Global Gypsum Product of the Year 2008, and winner of the first Aspen Institute award for innovation in Energy Conservation. Serious Materials has also been recognized by TIME/CNN, Fortune, Business Week, GreenTech Media and Red Herring as one of the most promising green technology companies. EcoRock is used like standard gypsum drywall,...

NEW YORK—Carnegie, a leader in the field of textile design, has introduced Night Sky, a collection of high-performance barrier upholstery textiles. Night Sky is an anti-microbial, moisture- and odor-resistant finish that has been awarded Cradle to Cradle Silver certification by MBDC, the highest rating available for a finish. As with all Carnegie products, sustainability is an important factor; Night Sky is fabricated using Crypton Green, currently the most environmentally-responsible product of its kind in the market. Night Sky is made using a minimum of 50 percent recycled content and Crypton Green contains 90 percent less PFOAs and 20 ppb less...

ASHEBORO, N.C.—Industry giant Klaussner Home Furnishings is launching a contract division with a focus on hospitality. The new division, Klaussner Contract Furnishings, will offer a full range of quality contract upholstery products, including sofas, loveseats, chairs, sleepers, sectionals, chaises and ottomans. An extensive network of coast-to-coast manufacturing and distribution facilities will ensure quality service. Ron Werner, the recently appointed director of contract furnishings, will lead the division and spearhead the company’s sales initiative in the hospitality industry. “Our new division will specialize in not only a full catalog of standard seating but also made-to-order, designer-specified, upholstered seating that upholds the high...

BOCA RATON, FLA.—Hollander Home Fashions announced it will commit to an ambitious zero-waste goal for its manufacturing operations by 2010. The nation’s largest pillow manufacturer is the first company of its size in the home fashions industry to make such a bold commitment to environmental sustainability. “A lot of companies are trying to be greener,” says CEO Jeff Hollander. “We are thinking more in terms of true sustainability. What we are doing is integrating a new way of thinking into our entire operation. Over the past 18 months, the company has engaged employees and experts to develop a holistic program...

DALLAS—East Teak Fine Hardwoods, Inc., an industry leader in First European Quality teak and other fine exotic hardwood products, announces the launch of a new website dedicated to its eco-friendly line of hardwood products: www.CertifiedHardwoods.com. East Teak will highlight its current stock of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, 100 percent post-consumer recycled teak and rosewood, its new stock of FSC-certified ipe and tigerwood, as well as future hardwood species and products carrying a third-party certification. The creation of the new website is the result of the high demand from those looking for more sustainable timber because of concerns about the...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added an Excel Dryer case study to its Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-certified headquarters and the installation of Excel Dryer’s XLERATOR hand dryers. Excel Dryer donated hand dryers for the building. Because of its new patented technology, the XLERATOR works three times faster than conventional dryers while using 80 percent less energy. Excel Dryer is a USGBC member and its XLERATOR hand dryer helps facilities qualify for LEED credits, including EA (Earth and Atmosphere) Credit 1—Optimizing Energy Performance, which is now a mandatory credit for...