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...

MANSFIELD, OHIO—EcoSolutions by Crane introduces the EconoMiser One “BigFoot” single function pressure-assisted toilet that flushes with less than one gallon of water. EcoSolutions by Crane offers 13 high efficiency toilets (HET) listed under the EPA Water Sense Program. In addition to the environmental benefits, the EconoMiser One “BigFoot” reduces toilet water consumption by 40 percent or more—resulting in corresponding cost reduction in toilet water and sewer bills. The cost savings will actually pay for the toilets in 2.5 years based on $.008 mills per gallon at a conservative 85 percent occupancy. The “BigFoot” bowls feature the largest foot print...

WORCESTER, MASS.—Wet-Tech introduces the EnviroSaver II ELS Ozone and Water Re-use system. Both systems, which result in significant cost savings, can be retrofitted to existing laundries and provide proven bacteria and virus protection. Using the company’s Water Re-use system can result in water savings of up to 50 percent or more. Go to www.wet-tech.com for more information.

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Geberit North America announced that it has become a member of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). USGBC encourages the adoption of sustainable building and provides a rating system for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. Similar to Geberit’s purpose, USGBC promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability. “Geberit’s focus on sustainability makes this an imperative,” said John Fitzgerald, Director of Marketing. “That commitment to sustainability, which runs throughout our products such as the dual flush in our wall-hung carriers, parallels with the USGBC’s commitment. We realize that the plumbing industry especially is concerned with water conservation,...

AUBURN, N.H.—“If North Carolina implemented 85 percent cold-water washing using ozone at laundry facilities in colleges, universities, hotels and nursing homes statewide, the savings in water and natural gas could provide enough energy to run a city of 45,000 people for one year,” said Ralph Daniels, founder of Aqua Wing Ozone Injection Systems (AWOIS) LLC. Daniels was an invited speaker at the recent North Carolina State Energy Office Strategic Water Technology Conference, a meeting held in response to the state’s severe drought. Gov. Michael Easley tasked the North Carolina State Energy Office with investigating and recommending strategic measures for public...

STOCKBRIDGE, MASS.—The Massachusetts Lodging Assn. awarded The Red Lion Inn the Good Earthkeeping Award at the Stars of the Industry Awards ceremony in Boston on February 12. The award recognizes a property that is a leader in the industry for its good earth keeping efforts. The Red Lion Inn won the award for the Up to 150 Rooms category. Good earth keeping is a vital part of The Red Lion Inn’s company culture and the way it conducts business. The Red Lion has integrated effective environmental management practices into as many aspects of its operation as possible and staff...

NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO—Moen’s Commercial Division announces the availability of its new 2008 Commercial Products Catalog, as the Division expands its presence in the commercial marketplace. The easy-to-use catalog gives builders, architects and engineers a high-level review of the Moen Commercial kitchen and bath products available to meet their standards for durability, accessibility, safety and conservation. “The new Commercial Products Catalog enhances our commitment to ‘needs-focused’ design——from reliability to conservation,” said Allen Talley, Moen’s director of commercial marketing and product development. “It is a user-friendly guide to the best products available for commercial and institutional applications.” Moen has...

NATIONAL REPORT—Years ago, before there were standards limiting water flow, hotel showers were kind of like Niagara Falls—fast and mighty. Today, for the most part, showerheads allow 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm) to funnel through to guests. Increasingly, because of environmental concerns such as drought, as well as a desire to trim recurring water and energy costs, hoteliers in every lodging segment are opting for low-flow showerheads that give up a miserly 2.0, 1,85, 1.75, 1.6 or 1.5 gpm. Every hotelier knows that one of the best ways to rankle a guest is to provide an inferior shower...

TOBERMORY, ONTARIO—With its six suites, the E’Terra Inn here serves as one of the best examples of sustainable building in Canada and the United States. Ninety-five percent of products and materials used throughout the inn were made in North America, and the property is one of the first in the world to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold status. It was awarded that designation in 2005 by the Canada Green Building Council. E’Terra sits within the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve, at the tip of the Bruce Peninsula separating Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The luxury property...

ATLANTA—Georgia Power recently signed an agreement with TOTO USA, Inc. to begin providing the company with green energy. Under the terms of the agreement, TOTO USA, Inc. has agreed to purchase 480,000 kilowatt-hours of green energy. Green energy is environmentally friendly electricity generated from sources like the sun, wind, water, landfill methane and biomass. Customers who participate in the program help reduce the environmental impact of energy production, conserve natural resources, and support domestic energy self-reliance. “The recent green energy purchase by TOTO USA is evidence that more and more of our customers see the value of making renewable sources...