PORTLAND, ORE.—The Heathman Hotel, Portland’s independent luxury arts hotel, will complete a 99 percent landfill-free remodel in late April. The renovation, involving the historic hotel’s 155 guest bathrooms, was planned in accordance with the property’s commitment to sustainability which includes ensuring energy efficiency, utilizing local resources, and re-using existing materials whenever possible. The renovation is projected to reduce gas usage by 20 percent and water consumption by 50 percent. “We are proud to lead the hospitality industry in our commitment to sustainability,” said Chris Erickson, general manager of the Heathman Hotel. “We find that our guests appreciate our effort to...

NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO—Moen Inc. introduced a new sustainability-focused section to its website. The new section, which launched in January 2009, is another example of Moen’s commitment to sustainability, providing detailed information on its water-efficient product portfolio. The new section also provides the trade, consumers and the media with additional green resources and information on current industry programs. Moen’s new sustainability section explains all of the company’s corporate waste-reduction and recycling initiatives and allows site visitors to download materials such as a video, literature and green product information. “Going green is not just a fad—it’s a priority that consumers...

DOVER, DEL.—Three grants have been awarded to the Delaware hospitality industry for projects that will prevent pollution by conserving energy and water resources, recycling and other sustainable practices. The grant funds, which total $13,290, were provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Delaware Pollution Prevention Program grant. According to Crystal Nagyiski, manager of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Pollution Prevention Program, the proposals were accepted based on the project’s plans to implement sustainable practices that reduce pollution and conserve energy and natural resources. The grants include: • $4950 to the Delaware Hotel and Lodging...

PEACHTREE CITY, GA.—Rinnai Corp., the world’s largest gas appliance manufacturer and leading tankless water heater manufacturer, announced that six models from its line of tankless water heaters have earned the U.S. Department of Energy’s and Environmental Protection Agency’s exclusive Energy Star rating for energy efficiency, including its flagship models, the R94LS and R75LS. Rinnai’s Energy Star qualified products highlight the company’s ongoing commitment to the development and adoption of new energy-efficient technologies, which provide its customers with choices that are both economically and environmentally responsible. “Water heating presently accounts for 15.5 percent of national residential energy consumption, making it the...

VENTURA, CALIF.—Planet Minder LLC introduces ShowerMinder, a product invented to help hotels dramatically save water, energy, money and reduce greenhouse gases by lowering hotel guests’ shower time. ShowerMinder, similar to the highly successful towel/linen reuse programs, invites hotel guests to participate in the conservation of valuable natural resources by asking them to be mindful of their showering time. ShowerMinder runs a “Perfect 8 Minute Shower” program, and by using a timed and universally understood green, yellow and red lighting sequence, simply informs guests when the “Perfect 8 Minute Shower” time has elapsed and encourages them to end their shower and...

ATLANTA—IHG, the world’s largest hotel company by number of rooms, is trialing a new online system called “Green Engage,” which will help hotel general managers manage energy consumption more effectively. Early trials have shown potential energy savings of up to 25 percent. If fully adopted by all hotels across the 4,000-strong IHG portfolio, it is estimated that the savings for hotel owners could be as much as $200 million. The system, which was developed by IHG, will be rolled out across IHG’s seven brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental following final trials in 650 hotels which started in...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News has added a new case study to its Vendor Case Studies section. The case study focuses on the Mandarin Oriental, Washington, D.C., and how Sonitec’s Vortisand filter was able to solve its cooling tower sludge problem. Massive amounts of the nasty stuff were detected in the chiller tubes, and the 12-inch system feeder pipe as well. The filtering apparatus on line proved ineffective at combating the problem, prompting management to seek out expert consultation. Patrick Payne of Boland Trane teamed up with Denny Alexander of Armstrong Filtration (provider of cost-effective filtration solutions based in Winchester, Va.)...

HILLSBORO, OREGON—Caroma, a leader in dual flush toilets and bathroom sinks, was chosen by Cambean Hospitality, a Miami Beach-based hospitality group, to supply high efficiency toilets for the Clifton South Beach hotel. The Clifton South Beach is a 35-room historic Art Deco boutique hotel in Florida that is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation with the ultimate goal of LEED Gold certification. Caroma was chosen by Cambean Hospitality to help maximize water savings in the bathrooms at the Clifton. The entire hotel is being retrofitted with Sydney Smart 270 toilets, a dual flush toilet using 1.28 gallons per flush for...

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Moyer Diebel, boasting more than half a century of experience in the field, has recently added its newest under counter, the 351HT, to its lineup of quality dish machines. Replacing the current 301HT, this cost-efficient under counter has been updated with many new features and will make its world premiere at the NAFEM 2009 show. Made for small kitchens and bars, the 351HT is an Energy Star qualified machine that significantly reduces water and energy consumption while still delivering sparkling clean wares using a low 0.80 gallons per rack. New features on the 351HT include counter-balanced, double skin door,...

NATIONAL REPORT—In September 2008, NUS Consulting Group, which specializes in utility cost management, reported that Seattle had the highest combined water and sewer rates in the country, charging $14.28 per thousand gallons, up 5.1 percent from last year. Seattle’s costs are followed by: Atlanta with combined rates of $13.28; Boston at $12.96; San Francisco at $12.76; and Portland, Maine at $11.67. In total, 51 major water markets were analyzed and although the rates varied, they all shared one thing in common: rates are increasing and expected to go up even more. The bulk of these charges is for purchasing water,...