SHEFFIELD, MASS.—Cypress Hotel & Spa, a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury bathrobes, towels, slippers, and sheets for the hospitality and spa industry for more than 25 years, introduced its exclusive new MicroCotton Green EarthTM towels to the spa market during the 2008 ISPA Conference & Expo. The conference was held earlier this month in Las Vegas. The MicroCotton Green Earth towel is engineered to maximize absorbency, durability and eco-conservation. They are made from super-fine, Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton; a variety of cotton known for its sustainable consumption and also recognized worldwide for its superior softness. Green Earth towels are...

LARKSPUR, CALIF.—Advanced Telemetry, LLC, a company committed to resource conservation, has recently introduced EcoView Commercial, a proprietary, next generation climate control and resource management solution for commercial applications. The EcoView system is designed to help business owners control energy and water costs and reduce the environmental impacts of running their businesses. The simple-to-install system empowers users to easily and effectively monitor and manage resource consumption. “As economic pressures grow, energy costs rise, profit margins shrink, and environmental responsibility becomes more vital, we are offering businesses a solution to easily reduce the costly waste of energy and other resources,” said Gus...

SHOREWOOD, ILL.— MJSI, Inc. announced that it will be conducting on-going demonstrations of its water-saving line of HydroWorks toilet improvement products at booth 1028 at the 2008 International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. The HydroClean toilet fill valve was introduced to the hotel industry less than a year ago and is now in use in eight out of the 10 top hotel companies. It saves water, time and money. Most toilets, even low-flow 1.6 gallon per flush (gpf) toilets, waste a lot of water. Invented by a fourth generation plumber, the HydroClean is the only toilet fill valve that eliminates the...

ADELPHI, MD.—More than three years after earning Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification—it was the first hotel in the United States to do so—Marriott’s University of Maryland University College Inn and Conference Center (UMUC ICC) is continuing its efforts to reduce its impact on the environment. The property, which includes 237 guestrooms and 11 suites, has recently stepped up its recycling efforts and has pledged to pursue Green Seal certification to ensure its continuous commitment to operational improvements. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, which manages the LEED program, UMUC ICC earned LEED certification for its 127-guestroom,...

HILLSBORO, ORE.—Caroma, a leader in dual flush toilets, urinals, and bathroom sinks, announces the newest high efficiency waterless urinal (HEU): H2Zero. The H2Zero urinal utilizes breakthrough technology to use zero water for optimum performance and water conservation. The vitreous china urinal addresses key challenges that have been associated with other waterless urinals, including performance, operation, odor management, durability, and waste build-up, ensuring a consistently superior product. The H2Zero’s unique patented cartridge technology does not use an oil-based seal, as is traditionally used in waterless urinals. Within the cartridge is a Bio Fresh deodorizing block that is activated during use....

KOHLER, WIS.—Kohler Co., a leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, was chosen by the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program as the Manufacturing Partner of the Year. “Kohler is honored to be recognized by the EPA for the company’s efforts promoting the WaterSense program, and overall water efficiency,” said Shane Judd, senior product manager for water conservation at Kohler. “Public education, along with new water-efficient products and building design methods, are critical to contain water use. Kohler has responded to this need by developing new products that use less water, but don’t sacrifice performance.” EPA launched the WaterSense Awards program...

CHICAGO—On Thursday, October 16, Mayor Richard M. Daley acknowledged the efforts of 25 Chicago hotels that are currently striving for an environmental designation. The Green Hotels Initiative challenges hotels to obtain Green Seal certification, an environmental lodging standard with requirements in waste minimization, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste water management and green procurement. The program also offers resources, best practices and recognition to the hotels going green. “Whether you are working to install energy efficient equipment in your kitchens and laundry facilities, installing water-saving plumbing fixtures, or planning for a green roof, like the one we have on top of...

ATLANTA—CQ Construction and CQ Capital Partners, both parts of the Clarkston, Ga.-based Charania Group of Companies (CGC), are completing construction of a new Cambria Suites property that is located less than one-half mile from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The 143-room hotel, which includes a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and meeting space, is well on its way to earning a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating from the U.S. Green Building Council. According to Rahim Charania, president of CGC, the Choice Hotels International franchised property will open in the first quarter of 2009 and is expected to...

NEW YORK—Thanks to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), hotels throughout the state of New York can receive low cost building energy audits, and incentives on kitchen equipment ranging from reach-in solid door refrigerators to insulated holding cabinets. Incentives run as high as $500 for freezers and ice makers and as low as $30 for pre-rinse spray valves. The services are paid through the System Benefits Charge that many owners and operators in the hospitality industry cover through their electric utility bills. According to Ed Smyth, manager of the Troy, N.Y. office of RLW Analytics,...

PISCATAWAY, N.J.—High Efficiency Toilets (HETs), with their proven performance and water-saving features, are the next important wave in plumbing conservation efforts for North America, according to a new white paper released by American Standard Brands. This document, entitled, “High Efficiency Toilets (HETs): Why ‘Flushing with Confidence’ is Here to Stay”, provides an overview of why HETs were developed, how American Standard perfected its models to achieve powerful flushing performance, and why these low-flow toilets will be vital to the future. Authored by C.J. Lagan, compliance engineering manager for American Standard Brands, this informative piece is available for free download at www.plumberprotects.com....