NATIONAL REPORT—In meeting rooms, back of house and other areas of your hotel, chances are great that you are using T-12 fluorescent lamps or the more efficient T-8s to illuminate large spaces. At least two companies—ilumisys, Inc. in Troy, Mich., and LEDdynamics, Inc. in Randolph, Vt.—are trying to replace these linear fluorescents with LED alternatives that are more energy efficient and safer for the environment. Fluorescent tubes include mercury and despite recycling efforts, 500 million to 600 million lamps end up in landfills each year. LED alternatives do not include mercury. “LED lamps also last longer, which means you throw...

KISSIMMEE, FLA.—Gaylord Hotels and The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center into the Florida Green Lodging Program. The 1,406-room resort is one of the largest in that state to participate, and the first in Osceola County’s popular Kissimmee resort corridor. In addition, the resort announced the upcoming rollout of a new guest communications program, called “We’re Eco-Logical”, designed to share the spirit of the resort’s eco-friendly initiatives with guests and meeting planners, while encouraging them to take an active role in the programs. “Together with the citizens of Osceola County, we have created one...

LAGRANGE, OHIO—West Development Group (WDG), a leader in sustainable roofing products and practices, introduces the System 14 Total Silicone Roof System. System 14 is a comprehensive roofing solution that delivers a complete range of products, including silicone sheet goods, skylight glazing, silicone sealants and coatings, and Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) insulation, as well as other products for any commercial or industrial roofing situation. WDG’s System 14 features a zero VOC coating (HSS 535) that is applied over a soy-based SPF, creating a moisture-resistant seal that is both durable and flexible. A silicone topcoat cures in a few hours; forms a...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. ranked among the top 10 on Computerworld magazine’s first-ever “Top 12 Green IT Companies” list. Marriott, the only hospitality company named, was recognized for IT energy conservation, IT recycling and reduction of carbon emissions. Marriott’s IT environmental achievements include: • Establishing Energy Star compliance standards for all IT assets; • Eliminating 25.6 tons of CO2 output annually by replacing printers; • Reducing IT energy consumption by utilizing server virtualization, resulting in the elimination of 300 servers; • Replacing 5,000 desktop PCs with thin client computers, reducing energy consumption by 50 percent per device; and • Archiving data, resulting in 65 percent reduction in power usage. “We...

WINCHESTER, VA.—Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) introduces an attractive recycling container solution that enhances surrounding decor. The contemporary design of perforated steel combined with classically styled tops provides an upscale look that is perfect in any environment. All models are constructed of heavy gauge steel (containing a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled steel) in a choice of Textured Black, Silver Metallic or Desert Pearl Uni-Koat® powder coated finishes, or satin finished Stainless Steel. Included with each receptacle is a leak proof, rigid plastic liner and adjustable leg levelers that provide stability on uneven surfaces. With a 26-gallon capacity,...

OSHKOSH, WISC.—Hoffmaster introduces Earth Wise, an environmentally responsible line of recycled paper products that are now certified by Green Seal. All Earth Wise products are processed chlorine free and are 100% recycled with a minimum of 65% and up to 80% post-consumer content. Earth Wise products are tested to ensure that they meet stringent environmental leadership standards. The products are available in beverage, dinner or dispenser napkins and guest towels with the recycled symbol and message printed on each napkin. Green Seal is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and transforming the marketplace by promoting the manufacture,...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added its seventh case study to its new Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colo., and how it has been able to reduce its waste stream and save money at the same time with a Pillow-Vac® manufactured by Harris Pillow Supply, Beaufort, S.C. The Broadmoor, a 700-room property, uses the Pillow-Vac to renovate its pillows. Over time, pillows tend to become flat and lose their bounce, regardless of the filling. Feathers disintegrate, leaving dust. Most people who have allergies tend to think it is the feathers in...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Syndecrete LLC as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The Santa Monica, Calif.-based company’s Syndecrete countertops have the look of concrete but with an eco-friendly twist. Syndecrete is made of recycled carpet fibers, natural minerals and aggregates. It’s half the weight of ordinary concrete, yet has twice the compressive strength. Resistant to cracking and chipping, it contains no polymers or resins. Syndecrete comes in 8-foot slabs in several trademarked colors and aggregates. Syndecrete’s concrete tile alternative comes in three standard sizes: 12”x12” 18”x18” and 24”x24”. It is...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes LSI Wallcovering as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The Louisville, Ky.-based company’s award-winning Second-Look is the first vinyl wallcovering to include post-consumer recycled content. New from Versa, Cirqa and Plexus, Second-Look has the same look, performance and price as standard designs but with 20 percent recycled content. LSI’s Second-Look Retrieval Program converts reclaimed vinyl wallcovering into recycled post-consumer product without compromising the original aesthetic appeal and durability of the wallcovering. Call (866) 522-6072 for information., e-mail info@secondlookwc.com, or go to www.secondlookwc.com.

RANDOLPH, VT.—LEDdynamics announced that it has received the Popular Science “Best of 2007 Innovation Award”—in the Green Tech category—for the EverLED-TR product line. The EverLED-TR is a fluorescent tube replacement which utilizes existing fluorescent ballasts while achieving the equivalent light output of the tube it replaces, making it the world’s first true LED replacement for linear fluorescent lighting. “While the LEDdynamics team is honored to win this award, we feel that it is really a victory for the entire LED industry,” said William McGrath, president and CTO for LEDdynamics. “Popular Science has recognized the environmental cost of disposing of 680...