GUILFORD, ME.—Interface Fabrics, a textile manufacturer, introduced its first open line collection of Terratex fabrics designed specifically for the hospitality market at the HD Expo, April 27-29, in Las Vegas. Terratex, introduced in 1996, is a family of environmentally friendly textiles made from 100 percent recycled and/or renewable materials using state-of-the-art technology to reduce waste and emissions and to conserve valuable resources such as energy and water. Sizeable financial paybacks resulting from environmental conservation initiatives have recently motivated numerous companies in the hotel and lodging industry to look even deeper to see endless potential in the emerging green...

SAN DIEGO—FuelCell Energy Inc., a manufacturer of ultra-clean power generation plants for commercial and industrial customers, announced an additional 500-kilowatt Direct FuelCell (DFC) power plant installation at Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. This increases Starwood’s commitment to base load heat and power from DFC power plants to 2.25 megawatts at four hotels in California, New Jersey and New York. The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina’s original installation of 1 MW of DFC power generation at its East Tower has been increased by 500 kW with a second installation at its West...

LOS ANGELES—Bentley Prince Street was recently honored as a Climate Action Champion by the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR). In receiving the 2006 Climate Action Champion Award, Bentley Prince Street was recognized for its leadership in addressing climate change and making significant commitments to reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The award was presented during the organization’s annual conference in April. “As California’s largest commercial carpet manufacturer, we believe it’s our responsibility to develop new innovations that help preserve our environment,” says Anthony Minite, president of Bentley Prince Street. “At the same time, we’re taking an...

FARMINGTON, CONN.—Carrier Corp. has announced a price increase of up to 8 percent on commercial unitary and applied equipment. The price increase is applicable to both Carrier and Bryant brands of equipment and is effective immediately. For more information about Carrier products and services, visit Carrier Corp.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Ecolab Inc. was ranked 20th on the 2006 Business Ethics magazine annual list of the “100 Best Corporate Citizens,” one of 16 companies to make the list for seven consecutive years. “We are honored to once again be a part of this prestigious list, and even more so, to be part of the very select group that has been chosen in each year,” says Douglas M. Baker, Ecolab president and c.e.o. “Ecolab is committed to operating under the highest standards of corporate behavior. This award is a terrific acknowledgement of our work; it means a great...

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH.—Energy Eye has introduced a new standalone Wireless Radio Frequency Energy Management Solution. The system’s aim is to help hotels maintain guest satisfaction while reducing room electricity expenses. The Energy Eye System uses a combination of advanced passive infrared (PIR) sensors and wireless technologies to independently control room heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) temperatures while occupants are not in their guestrooms. “As today’s power rates rise, energy management systems (EMS) are a major concern for hotels worldwide,” says Matthew Mrowczynski, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Energy Eye, Rochester Hills, Mich. “The increasing...

NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA.—Enodis, a global foodservice company, introduced EnerLogic, a program that helps operators maximize profits by identifying the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible equipment in the market. Enodis brand equipment meeting energy standards receives the Enodis EnerLogic seal, recognizing the best in energy savings and environmental responsibility. The EnerLogic program was launched during the National Restaurant Association Show earlier this year.“EnerLogic is another step in our global commitment to energy efficiency and environmental stewardship,” says Enodis vice president of marketing, Dean Landeche. “We offer more energy-efficient equipment than any other manufacturer, including the most equipment to qualify...

PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO—Enviro-Solutions introduces ES59, a highly effective, sustainable, and environmentally preferable soy hand cleaner for use in all types of facilities. ES59 is a medium- to heavy-duty hand cleaner. It contains scrubbing particles made from walnut shells to safely remove ground-in grease on hands and skin. A premium, safe, and high performance hand cleaner, ES59 has a pleasant fragrance, is concentrated so it is economical to use, and contains emollients to help prevent dry skin. For more information, visit Enviro-Solutions.

CHICAGO—Everpure LLC announced the launch of its Micro-Pure II technology at the National Restaurant Association Show in May. The Micro-Pure II filter offers safe, effective and long-lasting protection against the potential growth of bacteria in the filtering system. Everpure’s original Micro-Pure filters already provided consumers with chlorine reduction, odor removal and sub-micron particle capture. Enhancing upon this already popular technology, the new Micro-Pure II filter makes use of AgION antimicrobial technology, which ensures the best system performance for a greater length of time. The AgION technology prevents bacteria, mold and fungus from growing and multiplying on the...

SAINT CHARLES, MO.—FreshStay is adding 20 to 30 properties per month to its rapidly growing network of smoke-free lodging establishments. Launched in January, the www.freshstay.com online directory of hotels offering better indoor air products and practices already has more than 225 nonsmoking member properties, including an increasing number of boutique hotels, extended-stay properties and resorts coast to coast. Ray Burger, president of Saint Charles, Mo.-based Pineapple Hospitality, revealed the states and cities that are most active in the nation’s growing smoke-free lodging movement as follows: Top Five States in FreshStay Directory California—47 smoke-free lodging properties in...