BENTON HARBOR, MICH.—Whirlpool Corp. announced it will increase the company’s commitment to environmentally sound business practices by reducing total greenhouse gas emissions 6.6 percent by 2012. The company will make these global, voluntary reductions while at the same time increasing production by 17 percent. The positive output of this reduction is equivalent to approximately 4.47 million acres of trees, an area larger than the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. Whirlpool Corp. is an industry leader in energy and water efficiency, and the only appliance manufacturer that brings an “across the board” focus to energy and water conservation,...

NIANTIC, CONN.—HEI Hotels & Resorts, a rapidly growing hotel ownership and operating company, has invested more than $4 million in an aggressive energy conservation program designed to improve profitability across its 29 hotels. Of that investment, $1.2 million has been spent replacing existing HVAC control systems with the e4 Smart Digital Thermostat from INNCOM international Inc. Approximately 3,600 of HEI’s 7,900 guestrooms were equipped with INNCOM’s e4 energy-management system last year. As a result, the company expects to add $400,000 to the bottom line this year, with a return on the total INNCOM investment achieved in less than three years....

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Leading luxury bedding manufacturer United Feather & Down introduces the season’s newest bedding collection from designer brand Joseph Abboud, with a focus on eco-friendly materials inherent in the designer brand’s exclusive, modern, organic aesthetics. The Joseph Abboud brand is a sophisticated American lifestyle brand with a rich heritage that reflects and expresses the confidence of its discriminating customer who embraces smart luxury and approachable style. Inspired by this heritage, the Joseph Abboud bedding collection of comforters, duvet covers, pillows, blankets, sheet sets, and decorative accessories naturally embodies eco-friendly materials of organic cottons, luxurious silks, rich wool and soft...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its sixth case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Holiday Inn Hotel North Vancouver and how it has benefited from Energex Inc.’s sensor-based guestroom energy management system. The hotel installed Energex’s solution in 162 guestrooms. So far, it has saved the hotel approximately $16,000 a year in energy costs. The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver joins nearly 100 other properties in 11 countries that have adopted Energex’s energy management technology. Energex has been providing property and hotel managers with energy saving solutions since 1992....

ROANOKE, VA.—Give Kids The World Village is a 70-acre, nonprofit resort in central Florida that provides accommodations at its whimsical Village. It donates attractions tickets, meals and more for a week-long, cost-free Wish vacation to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Give Kids The World has partnered with Lodging Technology on the installation of the GEM System Energy Management Sensors in each of the villas. The sensors will provide a significant reduction in energy use and cost to Give Kids The World. “We are excited to work with Lodging Technology,” says Michael Bausman, facilities director, Give Kids The World....

MT. PLEASANT, MICH.—Enhancements to Delfield’s 6000XL reach-in refrigeration make it an even better value for the foodservice operator. Units are now standard with the new Energy Efficient/Performance Capable refrigeration systems that lower operating costs while delivering safe, fresh food even in the most demanding conditions. Doors have been beefed up with new, reliable edge mount hinges, a heavy-duty locking system and easy-to-use, quick-grip long-length vertical handles. These new features have been coupled with existing ones like the tough, seamless, one-piece ABS interiors that provide easy cleaning and easy shelf adjustment. All 6000XL units deliver low energy consumption with many meeting...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Essence of Vali as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The New York-based company’s award winning formulas are 100 percent natural. Its sleep formula is a natural fit for the hospitality market. Essence of Vali’s products can be given as a gift, sold in the mini-bar or presented as a turndown item. Private label programs are available. Call (212) 242-0576, e-mail valerie@essenceofvali.com, or go to www.essenceofvali.com.

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C.—RSI International Systems Inc. announced the launch of the RoomKey Property Management System Environment Fund. The RoomKey Environment Fund is being created to support initiatives that address environmental concerns in communities around the world. The fund will grow through donations made by RoomKey PMS clients, corporate partners and individuals. All donations made by clients will be matched dollar for dollar by RSI. “The development of the RoomKey PMS Environment Fund is a natural extension of our social responsibility platform and another example of our level of commitment towards environmental stewardship,” said Mr. Charles Ku, CEO at RSI....

MILFORD, MASS.—Travel-related greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are a recognized contributor to global warming and are expected to grow by 75 percent over the next 10 years unless positive action steps are taken. To help combat this trend, Atlas Travel International just launched their ecoAtlas program to help neutralize this impact. Under the new program, Atlas has partnered with NativeEnergy Travel Offsets to provide Atlas customers with a valuable, cost-effective option to offset travel-generated carbon emissions. “We see this as a way to help clients travel responsibly while also contributing to the overall health of the planet,” says Elaine Osgood, president...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes T2 Site Amenities as a Green Product Directory partner. The Highland Park, Ill.-based company offers recycling containers from the top manufacturers, with a choice of fiberglass, steel, sustainable hardwoods, marble and slate construction. T2 offers recycling products for high profile areas, guestrooms and “behind the scenes” areas. Recycling containers can be customized for each property’s needs. Benches and planters are also available. The company’s website includes product, pricing and ordering information. Go to www.t2-sa.com, e-mail info@t2-sa.com, or call (847) 579-9003.