EL DORADO HILLS, CALIF.—CulinAire Systems, based here, has teamed up with the Melink Corp. of Cincinnati, Ohio, to bring the Intelli Hood demand ventilation system to the West Coast. Most commercial kitchen hoods operate at 100 percent capacity all day long, even during idle, non-cooking periods, costing the food service industry more than $2 billion annually in wasted energy. Using a microprocessor and sensors, the Intelli Hood solves this problem by reducing fan speeds during idle cooking times, saving both fan energy and conditioned air, saving thousands of dollars per hood in annual energy cost. These proven...

DUNEDIN, FLA.—Thanks to a warmer than normal start to the winter, hoteliers have had a respite from the sharp energy increases experienced in the recent past. Still, on average, energy prices were higher last year than the previous year for the fifth straight year. Who knows what the remainder of 2007 will bring? What we have all learned from the past is to expect the unexpected. One proven way to ensure that your hotel stays as energy efficient as possible is to implement a comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) program that targets areas most vulnerable to excess energy consumption....

CLEVELAND, OHIO—GE Consumer & Industrial has changed the name of its light-emitting diode (LED) company, GELcore, LLC, to Lumination, LLC. The new name reflects the fast–growing business unit’s vision of imagination with light, and embraces GE’s heritage of innovation and optimism for the future. “Our name change emphasizes an important element of our growth strategy,” says David Elien, president of Lumination. “Our focus since our inception has been lighting applications that leverage the benefits of LEDs to drive real value for customers. We remain committed to delivering best–in–class LED lighting solutions in key segments such as signage, architecture,...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—The braising pan that makes it possible to cook for more customers in half the time, the Pressure Braising Pan by Electrolux Professional, has won a prestigious Kitchen Innovations (KI) 2007 Award. It was presented by the National Restaurant Assn. (NRA). As a recipient of a KI Award, the Pressure Braising Pan was judged to be highly innovative by an independent, expert panel of food facilities consultants and multi-unit executives. The panel included: Martin Cowley, Senior Manager, Restaurant Design, Disneyland Resort; Rick Gentry, Director, Technical Services, ARAMARK; Robert Forrester, V.P., Concept Development, Quiznos Sub, Robert Marshall,...

MALVERN, PA.—USA Technologies announced that all 24 energy utilities offering EnergyMiser rebates had renewed their incentive programs for 2007, and two more utilities had signed on for the first time, bringing the total to 26. “Energy utilities are responding to higher energy costs by extending their incentives to encourage customers to purchase energy conservation technology and lower consumption,” says Wendy Jenkins, vice president of marketing, USA Technologies. “USA Technologies is proud to collaborate with utilities prepared to take the lead and offer solutions that respond to the nation’s need to conserve energy and lower emissions." The two...

LAGRANGE, GA.—All Milliken Floor Covering modular products, including those developed specifically for residential and hospitality markets, have been certified to the new preeminent green carpet standard—Sustainable Carpet Assessment Draft Standard NSF 140. Notably, all products with ESP backing meet the very stringent California Platinum Environmentally Preferable Products (EPP) certification. “We are particularly pleased to announce that our full line of commercial and residential modular products have undergone stringent third party review to provide our customers with further assurance of our commitment to sustainable practices,” says Dave Caples, president of Milliken’s Floor Covering Division. The carpet industry worked...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—Napa Valley’s first fully environmentally sustainable hotel, the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa, has selected the Numi Tea Amenity Card program offered by Saint Charles, Mo.-based Pineapple Hospitality. “Numi’s 100 percent organic teas fit our mission of offering environmental sensitivity along with luxury and comfort,” says James Soule, general manager of the Gaia Napa Valley Hotel & Spa. “It is a high-quality product with recyclable packaging that perfectly fits our image. Guests really appreciate having the teas available to them right in their rooms.” Numi’s teas are Fair Trade Certified, as Numi works directly...

KOHLER, WISC.—Kohler Co., a leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, has joined the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments. Founded in 2003, the mission of the Alliance’s international corporate members is to educate the marketplace and top management on the benefits of reducing the overall impact facilities have on the natural environment and on building occupants. Members include Johnson Controls, Milliken & Co., Forbo Flooring, Philips Lighting, JohnsonDiversey, Owens Corning, USG Corporation, and now Kohler. The Alliance invited Kohler to join based on the company’s commitment to water conservation through its product offerings, its recognition of sustainability...

SAN FRANCISCO—Pacific Gas and Electric Company has presented Alliance Star Energy LLC with a ceremonial $1.25 million incentive check to help pay for a fuel cell electric power plant at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc.’s Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel in Millbrae. PG&E has now provided over $200 million in clean energy incentives to customers in its service territory. “PG&E is proud to help The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel achieve its greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals and we applaud the hotel for being an environmental leader in the hospitality industry,” says David Rubin, PG&E Director of...

NEW YORK—KnollTextiles introduces the Renew Collection of three environmental upholstery fabrics made of recycled and recyclable polyester, with no added backings or finishes. KnollTextiles has engineered this trio for high durability (between 80K and 100K Wyznbeek double rubs) while keeping it earth-friendly, without adding materials to the face or back of the fabric which can prevent it from being recycled into its component parts. Knoll, as a corporation, takes environmental issues seriously, from a commitment to reduce greenhouse gas, to making sustainability an integral part of its business, and KnollTextiles has long been a leader in environmental textiles....