GARFIELD, N.J.—Wearbest Sil-Tex Mills Inc., the makers of Bella-Dura performance fabrics, in conjunction with American Fibers and Yarns Co., has announced a new fabric recycling program for all Bella-Dura fabrics. Fabrics sent to American Fiber and Yarns in Bainbridge, Ga., will be implemented into a recycling stream that will produce a variety of durable and disposable goods. Some of the markets include parts for automotive interiors, geotextiles, horticultural products and filtration fabrics. Energy-saving manufacturing practices are also used during this recycling process to make these re-generated products. In every case, each yard of Bella-Dura fabric brought for recycling is converted into...

VISTA, CALIF.—One of the questions facility managers and building service contractors (BSCs) often ask when waterless urinals are installed in their facilities is, “How do you clean them?” Because waterless systems are becoming more and more popular in commercial buildings, Waterless No-Flush urinals, Vista, Calif., has added an online video that covers virtually all the maintenance issues related to cleaning and maintaining these no-flush systems. Although most waterless urinals are cleaned much like conventional urinals, there are differences that BSCs should be aware of. For instance, abrasive cleaners and brushes often used on traditional urinals can scratch and mar a waterless...

CHICAGO—Meiko USA Inc.’s exclusive Waste Air Heat Recovery System reclaims waste heat generated by its warewashing machines as free energy, and uses it to preheat the incoming rinse water. This conserves energy and provides hot water sanitization from a cold water supply. The exclusive Waste Air Heat Recovery System is a standard feature on all K-Tronic series rack conveyors, and is an option for all B-US Series flight-type conveyors. In addition to the financial benefits for the consumer, the Waste Air Heat Recovery System provides environmental benefits. Exhaust air is dramatically cooled to reduce its impact on the environment. Because...

BAY SHORE, N.Y.—Duralee Contract introduces Eco-Fabrics that feature 100 percent Eco Intelligent Polyester that is Cradle to Cradle Gold certified by MBDC (McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry). With a current and much-needed social movement towards sustainable products, Duralee Contract has designed the Eco-Fabrics by Duralee Contract collection to fit into the lifestyle of the environmentally conscious without forfeiting fine design. Eco-Fabrics by Duralee Contract makes it possible to match unique patterns and colorways with the satisfaction of taking a step in promoting a healthy planet. To achieve the Gold level, MBDC evaluated Eco Intelligent Polyester material and product ingredients for human...

MINNEAPOLIS—Honeywell has introduced Roof Top Retro Commissioning, a service that improves the efficiency of roof top units (RTUs) used to heat and cool commercial facilities, and lowers the cost of operating this equipment by 5 to 20 percent on average. RTUs are one of the main energy consumers in a facility, and mechanical problems and poor maintenance can greatly increase utility bills. The Roof Top Retro Commissioning service centers on a handheld diagnostic tool—Honeywell Service Assistant—that pinpoints problems, suggests service work and displays the anticipated payback. Specifically, the tool calculates equipment energy use, capacity and cost-savings potential to optimize performance...

COVINGTON, GA.—Covington, Ga.-based Peachtree Lighting, a leader in very low energy highly efficient architectural luminaries, has introduced a new family of small wall mounted sconces that use a new LED light source. LED light sources have in the past two years accelerated miniaturization of lighting equipment used for modern architectural lighting. The LEDO series is a slender, clean accent wall luminaire only 10" x 6" x 1 ¾" deep, easily complying with ADA requirements. It creates a soft up and down lighting pattern that is both functional and decorative. Typically, normal ceiling height ceilings and corridors have presented issues for architects...

WESTON, MO—McCormick Distilling Co., Inc. has confirmed plans to introduce 360 Vodka, the world’s first “green” vodka, through its new division, Earth Friendly Distilling Co. 360 Vodka is a super premium brand designed to compete with the world’s finest vodkas. It’s the world’s first eco-friendly premium spirit. The introduction and rollout of 360 Vodka, which is currently under way, establishes a new paradigm in the distilled spirits industry, which is built around a complete philosophy and commitment to eco-awareness throughout the product development and packaging process. “We are proud to set a new standard in the distilled sprits industry,” says...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes the JMBM Global Hospitality Group® as a Founding Sponsor. The company represents developers, owners and lenders. Led by hotel lawyer Jim Butler, author of www.HotelLawBlog.com, the Global Hospitality Group® includes a team of 50 seasoned professionals with more than $40 billion of hotel transactional experience, involving more than 1,000 properties all over the world. In the last five years, Jim and his team have assisted clients with more than 100 hotel mixed-use projects, all of which involve multiple components and are frequently integrated with energizing lifestyle elements. Jim...

DIAMOND BAR, CALIF.—SteamSuite, a high-end steam shower manufacturer, has created an amenity that provides guests with a relaxing spa environment in the privacy of their own room, while also enabling hotels to save exponentially on their water bill while adding an up-charge to guests’ overall room charges. “Steam bathing is clinically proven to release toxins from the body, improve respiration and circulation, and ease tense muscles,” says SteamSuite president Jari Ristola. “The benefits of steam not only improve a guest’s experience at your hotel, but encourage them to return.” It is a fact that the steam shower is a more functional...

CHICAGO—Master-Bilt, manufacturer of a full line of commercial refrigeration systems, recently unveiled its optional MBWA-1 digital walk-in alarm and light management system. The new factory-installed MBWA-1 replaces less accurate mechanical thermometers, separate alarms and light switches with one convenient unit. It saves energy with its door open alarm as well as its internal light timer, which automatically switches off the light. It comes equipped with a number of features including high/low temperature alarms, light management and a panic alarm. An optional battery backup is also available. The MBWA-1 is designed to help eliminate the two biggest energy wasters on a...