FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—WaterPure International, Inc. announced an agreement to place two Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs) test units at a major international hotel chain. The two AWGs are part of a WaterPure environmental green initiative program targeting the lodging industry. The company is offering AWGs for evaluation at various hotels and expects to strategically position units throughout the lodging industry. AWGs from WaterPure produce three to five gallons of absolutely pure chilled or heated healthy drinking water each day using a condensation process that extracts moisture from the atmosphere. Similar in appearance to a traditional bottled water stand, the AWGs contradict...

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF.—Hilton Hotels revealed that it delivered energy savings of more than 10 percent in 2007 across its portfolio of more than 80 properties in Europe. Water consumption also fell by 5 percent, the equivalent to nearly 75 Olympic sized swimming pools. “In just two years we are seeing some very real and tangible results across Europe,” says Wolfgang M. Neumann, president of Hilton Hotels-Europe. “We made a commitment in January 2006 to think green, take action and responsibility to switch to more environmentally sustainable methods of working. Today’s results speak for themselves.” Hilton has made these impressive reductions through...

BETHESDA, MD.—Marriott International, Inc. and the state of Amazonas signed an agreement to support the first project of its kind to help protect 1.4 million acres of endangered rainforest. This innovative partnership between government and the private sector is one of the first in the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. Marriott has committed $2 million to fund an environmental management plan administered by the newly created Amazonas Sustainable Foundation. By year end, Marriott guests and group customers will also be able to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated from their hotel stays by contributing to this rainforest...

NATIONAL REPORT—Not so long ago, ice machines were not purchased based on energy or water efficiency. That all changed when the economy began to experience some bumps five to 10 years back, which is when most hotel chains began to take a much closer look at their operational costs. In response to concerns about costs, as well as environmental impact, manufacturers of ice machines began producing more efficient equipment. The results have definitely been favorable. In the last five years, according to experts, ice machine energy efficiency has improved by about 15 to 20 percent, and some models are...

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.—One of the most recognized hotel brands in the world is getting a makeover. Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.’s largest and most global brand, has launched a comprehensive new design of its lobbies and guestsrooms that will significantly enhance its portfolio of hotels and resorts. Included in the new guestroom design are bath and shower fixtures and a dual-flush commode that will reduce water usage by up to 30 percent. Sheraton and its owners are undertaking an aggressive multi-year strategy to improve the quality and consistency of the brand portfolio that includes $1.3...

ALPHARETTA, GA.—Hansgrohe recently broadened its already expansive World of Styles bathroom faucet and shower offering with the addition of two new showerheads and two new handshowers, all carrying the “Croma 100” name. In addition, Hansgrohe is offering a green version of each of the four models. Providing the full, drenching coverage of a conventional high-end handshower or showerhead, the green options do so at a water-saving flow rate of only 1.8 gallons per minute (gpm)—nearly 30 percent less than the current standard maximum of 2.5 gpm. The models include the Croma C 100 3-Jet Handshower and the Croma C 100...

As any facility manager will tell you, energy costs have become a major budget concern for those in the lodging industry, and as energy prices continue to climb, the future doesn’t appear to offer much relief. And while energy-wise green building principles are quickly catching on for new construction, many managers are unaware of the basic opportunities for saving energy in their existing facilities. How does one go about finding such opportunities? Often, the solutions begin with an audit of your facility’s existing energy and water use. While such audits can come in many levels of detail, even a simple...

NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO—Moen Inc.’s Commercial Division introduces new Ultra-Low Flow showerheads, in fixed and handheld models, designed with conservation and durability in mind. The new Ultra-Low Flow showerheads have a flow rate of 1.6 gallons per minute, offering a 30 percent water savings from the industry standard of 2.5 gallons per minute. Not only is this savings significant in reducing water consumption, but it also reduces energy costs, as less hot water is used. Unlike some low-flow showerheads that simply restrict the water flow, Moen Commercial’s Ultra-Low Flow showerheads feature an optimized spray pattern to preserve the showering experience that...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Marriott Golf, one of the world’s premier golf operators, announced new standards requiring 34 of the company’s managed golf courses throughout North America and the Caribbean to become Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries by the end of 2008. Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries, which enable golf facilities to protect the environment by enhancing natural areas and wildlife habitats, are part of a systemwide commitment by Marriott International, Inc. to promote environmental stewardship. Marriott’s Audubon Certification mandate program includes 34 golf courses at 25 locations throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean, including famed golf destinations such...

HILLSBORO, ORE.—Caroma, a leader in water-saving dual flush technology, announced that it now has 34 products sporting the EPA’s WaterSense label, the most approved product of any brand doing business in North America. The WaterSense label ensures that a toilet uses 20 percent less water than the currently mandated 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf) toilets, and is a quality product that also has met rigorous testing requirements for performance. In addition to being the leading resource for WaterSense product, Caroma offers the largest selection of high efficiency toilets (HETs) in the marketplace. All of Caroma’s 34 WaterSense approved...