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...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Neenah Paper Inc., a premium paper manufacturer, has joined the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). CCX is the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary but legally binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading program. By joining CCX, Neenah Paper has not only committed to tracking and reporting carbon dioxide emissions, but also to achieving a 6 percent reduction by 2010 versus their baseline. CCX’s trading system establishes limits on overall emissions and sets company allowances for members. Businesses with emissions below their allowances can trade the remainder to other companies, whereas businesses that do not achieve their committed...

PHILADELPHIA—National Chemical Laboratories, Inc. has unveiled SHA-ZYME, a no-rinse daily cleaner and degreaser for use on porous hard surfaces such as concrete, quarry tile, ceramic tile, brick, or any grouted floor surface without floor finish or wax. Especially in kitchens and food preparation areas, SHA-ZYME removes grease and grime below the surface to make quarry tile floors (and grout) more slip resistant. SHA-ZYME removes breeding sites for unwanted pests (such as fruit flies) by dissolving organic waste on floors that attracts insects, creating a more sanitary condition in these areas. A specialized SMB (Synergized Multi-Blend) biologically engineered bacteria/enzyme combination continues...

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO—The San Juan Marriott has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen program, which will allow it to offer carbon neutral accommodations—the first hotel in Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean, to do so. Carbon neutral means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100 percent of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. TravelGreen allows San Juan Marriott guests the opportunity to do something proactive and help offset greenhouse gas emissions. A typical one-night hotel stay...

KO OLINA, OAHU, HAWAII—The JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko Olina is the first property in Hawaii and one of the first in the nation to adopt the PURE system which creates an allergy-friendly environment. All of the hotel’s 13 guestrooms and Presidential Suite on its 17th (top) floor have been converted to the system, and indoor meeting facilities and the Ihilani Spa will be converted by the end of the year. The allergy-friendly environment can help ease respiratory problems, asthma and allergies that affect more than 70 million Americans. “By providing PURE allergy-friendly hotel rooms and conference...