ORLANDO, FLA.—Some of the world’s leading technology companies gathered here June 25-28 at HITEC to unveil their latest products and chat about their plans for the coming year. The hub of activity at the trade show and conference was the Guestroom 2010 exhibit, where one could find everything from energy-efficient hair dryers to recyclable carpet. Elsewhere on the show floor, companies displayed new, state-of-the-art environmental systems.
The following are highlights from Guestroom 2010:
Andis Co. featured its fast-drying Quiet Ionic Lighted Hair Dryer. It generates negative ions that dry hair faster by breaking up water molecules. Faster drying time means less energy is used.
InterfaceFLOR displayed its Terra carpet that is partially made (34 percent) from a renewable corn-based polymer. The 19.7-inch square carpet tiles can be installed as wall-to-wall carpeting or as an area rug.
Toto USA Inc. introduced its NEOREST toilet that features a water-saving 1.2 gallons per flush mode, heated seat, automatic air deodorizer and warm air dryer. The seat even lifts up as one approaches it.
Target Brands Inc. and Green Suites International are not necessarily considered tech companies but Guestroom 2010 included Target’s bath towels made from 100 percent certified organically grown cotton, and Green Suite’s environmentally friendly amenities and amenity dispensers.
Sharper Image featured its Oxygenics Resort Spa self-pressurizing shower fixture that generates a full-power spray with water pressure as low as 20 pounds per square inch. It uses 70 percent less water than most fixtures.
Flame Free Candles displayed its battery-operated candles that use LEDs to illuminate them.
Minibar Systems offered its Smartcube automated, energy-efficient minibar, most of which is recyclable. The Smartcube uses infrared sensing technology to track product flow.
Goodman Co. LP featured its DigiSmart central energy management system for its packaged terminal air conditioners (PTACs). The system includes in-room wireless thermostats and occupancy sensors to give managers complete control of air conditioner operations. It can reduce energy consumption by 35 percent.
More HITEC Innovations
INNCOM International introduced ENVIRO-MODE, a new feature on its e4 digital thermostat that allows guests to participate in energy-saving programs with the push of a green button on the thermostat. According to John Tavares, vice president, marketing for INNCOM, ENVIRO-MODE demonstrates to prospective guests that a property is eco-friendly, reduces energy usage and operating costs, and provides housekeepers with a convenient, efficient method of setting the temperature back in unoccupied or un-rented rooms. The system, which will be available for shipment in the fourth quarter of this year, can be purchased as a digital thermostat, as part of a stand-alone energy-management system, or as the room controller of a centrally-controlled system powered by INNCOM’s INNControl II software.
Kaba Lodging Systems displayed its ILCO and SAFLOK product lines that are RoHS-compliant. RoHS stands for the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. Substances may include lead, cadmium, mercury and others. According to Emilie Anfossi, marketing and communication coordinator for Kaba Ilco Inc., the Orchard Garden Hotel in San Francisco is using its RoHS-compliant locking systems.
Telkonet, which purchased Smart Systems International earlier this year, featured its in-room energy management system that includes intelligent programmable thermostats, PTAC controllers and occupancy sensors. The system can reduce guestroom energy costs by 30 percent or more. According to Zacharie Mondel, v.p. of sales and marketing for Telkonet, the company’s systems are currently being installed in 60,000 guestrooms in California as part of a Pacific Gas & Electric program.
Riga Development was at HITEC to introduce its WiSuite wireless energy management system that uses ZigBee wireless technology. WiSuite provides centralized control of property energy management, interfaces with reservation systems and reduces energy costs without relying on motion sensors.
Walkwire, LLC announced that it is selling one of the world’s most energy-efficient light bulbs. The Pharox II LED light bulb uses just 3.4 watts of electricity. Based on five hours of usage each day, it is expected to last more than 34 years. Unlike compact fluorescents, the Pharox II does not include any mercury. The bulb itself is recyclable.
Next year’s HITEC will be held June 16 to 19 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas.
Glenn Hasek can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
