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...

RENO, NEV.—ConservCo Water Conservation Products, LLC announced that its newest product, the WasteStop Valve, can help earn a building two Water Efficiency LEED points from the U.S. Green Building Council because of the water savings it produces. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. It was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. The organization’s rating system for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance provides two points toward LEED Certification for buildings...

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...