ALSIP, ILL.—Litetronics International Inc. introduces its PFT (Plug-in Compact Fluorescent Tube) family of products. The PFT lamps are pin-based compact fluorescent lamps. PFT lamps are available with a two-pin starter—integral to lamps with magnetic ballasts. Litetronics’ other models have a four-pin starter for use with electronic ballasts. The two-pin PFT lamps have a 10,000-hour average rated life. Litetronics’ four-pin lamps have 15,000-hour average rated life. When compared to incandescent bulbs, PFT lamps can use 80 percent less energy and last 13 times as long. Compared to other compacts, the four-pin PFT lamps offer a 33 percent longer life....

ATLANTA—ASHRAE will present its Introduction to Green Buildings and Sustainable Construction seminar on September 13 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (EDT). The seminar will present the basic principles related to sustainable construction and green buildings, including a review of the integrated approach needed to achieve green/sustainable buildings, developments and projects. While motivations differ for pursuing green building design, the fundamental principles remain the same. These include incorporation of a whole-building approach to environmental improvement; decision making based on life-cycle assessment; greater balance between quality, budget and schedule; and a positive collaboration between professionals. “For design and...

MALVERN, PA.—USA Technologies announced it had begun shipping its EnergyMiser product line to Australia, Denmark and Spain. At the same time, the company reported it had stepped up sales of EnergyMisers to Canada, and this month had shipped an additional 300 units valued at $30,000 to Optimum Energy Products Ltd., a distributor in Calgary, Alberta. USA Technologies develops energy management products and cashless payment technology for vending machines. “As in the U.S., international energy services companies are seeking the latest leading-edge energy conservation technology that gives customers relief from rising energy costs,” says Wendy Jenkins, vice president of...

LOS ANGELES—Falcon Waterfree Technologies has released a new DVD that demonstrates how water-free urinals work and why they are hygienic, safe and economical. The DVD also provides step-by-step instructions, in English and Spanish, for the installation and maintenance of water-free urinals. The DVD demonstrates the complete process for retrofit and new construction projects. “We’ve included tips from field technicians who have personally installed thousands of water-free urinals and maintained many times more,” says Bill Stimer, director of customer experience for Falcon Waterfree. “Sharing this experience gives every installer a leg up, so they can have a perfect installation...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—More environmentally friendly computer equipment will soon be available to large volume purchasers thanks to manufacturers like Dell, HP, and others that now have products that meet the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) standard. EPEAT-registered computer products have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health, and are easier to upgrade and recycle, in addition to meeting the government’s Energy Star guidelines for energy efficiency. “These new environmental standards can guide the manufacturing of green computers, laptops, and monitors,” says James Gulliford, assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—“Green” projects will increase 30 percent per year during the next five years, making them one of the major development trends in commercial real estate, according to Developing Green: Strategies for Success, to be released next week by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP). The book, authored by Jerry Yudelson, is designed for professionals engaged in financing, building and marketing projects with green features. It illustrates the practice of marketing green developments and includes case studies, exemplary projects, and companies that are transforming the building and development industry. In addition to the case...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Cleveland Range introduces the SteamChef 6. It is a high-speed electric convection steamer that features an open-style, 1.5-gallon water reservoir in the cooking compartment to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance. The Cleveland SteamChef 6 offers cooking capacity for up to six 12-inch x 20-inch x 2.5-inch deep steam-table pans. The fan-forced KleanShield cooking compartment is designed to automatically collect and remove waste, keeping the compartment clean and safe from impurities. This feature also eliminates foaming and avoids contamination of the reservoir water. SureCook compartment controls improve cooking speed and accuracy by automatically adjusting the cooking...

SEATTLE—Two Seattle area hotels have been saving money and the environment, thanks to a host of environmentally enhanced products from Green Suites International, a California-based supplier of environmental products and programs to the lodging industry. “We’ve been using Green Suites’ EcoRoom products for more than two years at two of our hotels, and we know we’ve saved money and made some friends because of our environmentally sound practices,” says Howard Cohen, general manager of the Best Western Executive Inn and Best Western Loyal Inn, both in Seattle. “We are saving water and electricity, and keeping thousands of small...

BENICIA, CALIF.—Pacific Ozone Technology, a supplier of OEM ozone equipment, has launched Element Ozone, a subsidiary company supplying ozone technology for light commercial applications. Element Ozone’s countertop ozone generator is designed for kitchens in hotel restaurants and can be used to sanitize and disinfect hands, foods and food prep surfaces. “Because of the increased liability food service companies have, the industry is ready to embrace ozone as an antimicrobial agent, says Jeremy Ke, operations manager for Element Ozone. Ozone provides organizations with an effective barrier against contamination. In addition, it is natural, eco-friendly and produces a natural by-product:...

PEORIA, ILL.—Electrolux and Sharp Corp. are working together to develop a new range of midsized, energy-efficient frost-free refrigerators. This project is part of a broader strategic collaboration within major appliances between the two companies. The refrigeration project started last year and includes mutual exchange of information, know-how and consumer research. In terms of product development/technical development, the two companies have built a structure of sharing tasks on product planning, production, and assessment of products. This first project consists of joint development of six different types of environmentally friendly, energy-saving small and midsize frost-free refrigerators. Electrolux and Sharp...