SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Albert Einstein said, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.” As a leader in the hospitality industry, Minneapolis-based Carlson Hotels Worldwide is setting an example and influencing others by promoting healthy lifestyles through a 100 percent smoke-free environment. The four most-recent hotel members to join FreshStay’s ranks of more than 3,500 guaranteed smoke-free properties around the United States, Canada and the world, are affiliated with Carlson’s hotel brands. These new members include: Radisson Plaza Hotel Minneapolis; Radisson Hotel Central Dallas; Radisson Hotel Salt Lake City Downtown; and Country Inn...

SALT LAKE CITY—Echoflex Solutions Inc., a leading manufacturer of EnOcean-enabled controls, is releasing a self-powered wireless key switch. The one-of-a-kind switch is activated by hotel key cards and not only promises to reduce the cost of powering unoccupied hotel rooms, it also promises to simplify the process of conforming to ASHRAE/IESNA standard 90.1. The standard requires that hotel rooms feature an occupancy-based master control. The self-powered switch generates its own power each time a hotel key card is inserted into or removed from its dock. When guests enter a room, they insert the key card into a docking station. After...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper announced that its six flagship Classic Crest, Classic Linen, Classic Laid, Classic Columns, Classic Cotton and Starwhite Brands are now manufactured carbon neutral. That means the company has reduced its carbon footprint—or net greenhouse gas emissions—associated with the manufacturing of these premium uncoated brands. “Neenah is reinforcing its commitment to reducing climate change,” says Greg Maze, senior brand manager for Neenah Paper. “Manufacturing carbon neutral is part of a growing movement among corporations that are working to reduce greenhouse gases. By doing so, we are also responding to needs of the business world and helping our customers...

MCLEAN, VA.—The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association has signed on to become a 2008 Distribution Partner for The Green Events Source Book. As a distribution partner, HSMAI will be distributing copies of the multimedia resources guide to an estimated 3,000 meeting planners at three upcoming U.S. conferences: Affordable Meetings Mid-America at Chicago’s Navy Pier April 9 to 10; Affordable Meetings West at the Long Beach Convention Center June 11 to 12; and the National Conference and Event Technology Expo in Washington D.C. September 10 to 11, 2008. In addition to exhibiting at the conference, Green Events Source founder Deborah Popely...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Lighting Supply Co. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Lighting Supply Co., Ferndale, Mich., offers more than 6,500 top selling lamps, ballasts, fixtures and dimming systems. Its energy-saving products can reduce operating expenses. Servicing the hospitality industry for 25 years, the company’s sales and customer service staff are industry certified. Call (800) 544-2852, e-mail info@lightingsupply.com, or click here for more information.

YORKVILLE, N.Y.—Meyda Tiffany, a leading manufacturer of decorative lighting, has begun installing the largest LED chandelier in the world. After nearly a year of planning, Meyda recently completed production in its manufacturing facilities in Yorkville, N.Y. (outside of Utica, N.Y.). Designed and engineered with state-of-the-art technology and energy efficiency for a local performing arts theater, the Meyda Chandelier illuminates with 328 LEDs made by Philips Luxeon (same LEDs used for New Year’s Eve ball drop in Times Square) using 1,120 total watts (equivalent of energy used for one-drip coffeemaker), instead of conventional incandescent bulbs requiring 7,435 watts (energy equivalent of...

FORT LAUDERDALE—The EcoGreen Award Certification, an online program spearheaded by Tropical Lights, Inc., has been developed for the hotel and restaurant industries to specifically reduce energy consumption by converting to efficient lighting technologies. The United States could reduce energy consumption by 20 percent, in just a single year, with simple light bulb changes. U.S. buildings consume 65 percent of total electricity generated, with lighting being more than 50 percent of that use. Efficient lighting technologies can reduce usage by almost 70 percent immediately, making it quite clear that lighting is the place to start. The EcoGreen Award Certification evolved from...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Hansgrohe recently broadened its already expansive World of Styles bathroom faucet and shower offering with the addition of two new showerheads and two new handshowers, all carrying the “Croma 100” name. In addition, Hansgrohe is offering a green version of each of the four models. Providing the full, drenching coverage of a conventional high-end handshower or showerhead, the green options do so at a water-saving flow rate of only 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm)—nearly 30 percent less than the current standard maximum of 2.5 gpm. The models include the Croma C 100 3-Jet Handshower and the Croma C 100...

DENVER—In a move that will significantly reduce its impact on the environment, concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts will provide shampoos, lotions and other amenities in biodegradable containers as well as bars of sustainable soaps in rooms in the national and state park lodges the company operates. More than 1 million bottles will be kept out of the waste stream each year as a result of the new program. Xanterra will be the first national park concessioner to offer sustainable amenities. The sustainable amenity program will be implemented in June in the company’s operations in Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Crater Lake,...

BUFFALO GROVE, ILL.—Initial Tropical Plants, a leader in providing workplace products and services, has re-branded to Ambius. This North American name change follows the global brand name change from Rentokil Tropical Plants to Ambius which was announced in 12 countries last year. Ambius, a division of Rentokil Initial plc, is the world’s largest provider of plants for commercial environments. Ambius also offers a broad range of products and services including ambient scenting, holiday decor and artwork that can help improve employee productivity, reduce absenteeism and boost morale in the workplace. “While our ‘roots’ are clearly in beautifying work environments with...