CHICAGO—In a presentation at Greenbuild earlier this month, Destiny USA founder and chairman Robert J. Congel introduced the initial design of a hotel and conference facility that will be the next phase of the Destiny USA project in Syracuse, New York. The hotel, which will feature more than 1,300 rooms, is being designed to LEED Platinum standards and will serve as a showcase for sustainability. “Five years ago, Destiny USA was still learning what it takes to build a living laboratory for environmental stewardship, renewable energy and innovation,” Congel said. “Fortunately, we were ahead of the curve. Today we are...

DUBAI, U.A.E.—The Grand Hyatt Dubai has converted its main water heating system from diesel oil-fired to solar powered in a bid to reduce climate change and running costs. With the UAE’s carbon footprint spiraling, causing the country to be one of the largest emitters of carbon dioxide per capita in the world, the Grand Hyatt Dubai’s new solar panel heating system will reduce its own emissions dramatically. “This is the first commercial installation of its kind in the U.A.E., and probably the largest in the whole of Europe, the Middle East and Africa,” says Phil Barnett, Grand Hyatt Dubai’s director...

RIPON, WISC.—With its new IWF series of washer-extractors, IPSO continues to produce not only high-quality equipment, but machines that take a more environmentally friendly approach to laundry. This new energy- and water-efficient line includes 14-, 18-, 25-, 30-, 40-, 55- and 75-pound models. “We couldn’t be more excited about the IWF series and what it brings to the market,” says Dan Bowe, North American sales manager of IPSO USA. “From high-speed G-force extraction to inverter drives, these IWF models can help on-premises laundries save money. Best of all, laundries that add the washer-extractors are adopting a greener approach to operations.” The...

CHICAGO—For hotel developers in search of everything necessary to build smart, high performance buildings, Greenbuild was the place to be this week. Approximately 850 vendors offering everything from environmentally friendly cinder block to roofing materials to carpeting were on hand. The event, sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, was held here in Chicago at McCormick Place. Here are just a few of the vendor announcement highlights: • As a part of its continued commitment to sustainable practices, Osram Sylvania announced its participation in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program. By participating in Climate Leaders, Sylvania has pledged...

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan Valve Company, a leading manufacturer of water-conserving plumbing systems, is a platinum sponsor of Greenbuild 2007, the world’s largest conference and expo dedicated to green building, taking place November 7 to 9 at McCormick Place West in Chicago. Sloan will introduce six new products at Greenbuild, adding to its established line of energy- and water-efficient restroom solutions. “Water is the most precious natural resource in the world,” says Jim Allen, manager of Sloan’s water-efficiency division and a LEED-accredited professional. “Being a Platinum sponsor of Greenbuild shows our commitment to providing outstanding products that deliver on the promise...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Enviro Bath LLC as a Green Product Directory partner. Enviro Bath is a company dedicated to being green. Its product line consists of water-conserving sensor faucets, and sinks cast from solid recycled metal. All Enviro Bath products are cast from salvaged brass, aluminum and various other alloys. Enviro Bath offers numerous original finishes and unique designs. Enviro Bath product is made here in the United States and the company welcomes custom projects. Go to Enviro Bath, write to joe@elitebath.net, or call (866)-701-2284, for more information.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Consumers will soon be able to identify high-performance, water-efficient sink faucets for their bathrooms now that EPA has released a product specification for ones that use about 30 percent less water than conventional models. “EPA’s WaterSense program just made it easier for consumers and communities to save money, energy, and water one tap at a time,” says Assistant Administrator for Water Benjamin H. Grumbles. “Water efficiency is the wave of the future and WaterSense bathroom faucets will turn a trickle into a stream of savings without sacrificing performance.” In order to earn the WaterSense label, faucets must be...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Geberit North America introduces the Geberit Concealed Tank and Carrier System. It gives a bathroom an entirely new dimension by mounting the toilet on the wall instead of the floor—allowing the freedom to create an individual style with installation flexibility. The Geberit System makes it possible to position components in any part of the bathroom, while concealing the functional components. The system’s flexibility and adaptability is also designed for installation ease. Engineered for long life and reliability, the system utilizes a steel frame supporting up to 880 pounds. Using a minimum of standard tools, the system attaches...

BOSTON—The Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston has just received official Energy Star status in recognition of its energy conservation and efficiency efforts. The hotel, built in 1963, has just completed a year-long effort to achieve this status. To that end, building automation systems were used to efficiently control the building’s energy consumption, coordinating HVAC, boilers, chillers and common area lighting. The guestroom energy management system manages heating and cooling when guests are not in their rooms and guestrooms are now lit by compact fluorescent lighting. “The overall guiding principle in decision making for all projects over the last year has...

NEW YORK—Neo-Metro, a leading design and manufacturing firm of luxury plumbing products and a legacy division of Acorn Engineering, launched their new wall-mounted Ebb Concept wash basins for hospitality and service installations in early 2007, and introduced the Mini Loo eco-dual flush sanitary system at the HD Boutique Show in Miami. Given its custom color, finish and size specifications, Ebb Concept has successfully been showcased in colorful, high visibility national projects that include the Gibraltar Bank in New York City and The Aurora Hotel in Catalina Island among others. The new Betsy Hotel, a boutique hotel named after...