EAST BERLIN, CONN.—EDRO Corp. announces the availability of the world’s first fully integrated ozone powered soft mount washer-extractor line. The products are ideal for hoteliers interested in reducing water and natural gas consumption. Savings are possible because of the built-in DynOzone—DynaWash® Ozone System feature that allows for laundry to be washed primarily in cold water. The soft mount machines can be installed without the need of a foundation and can be therefore used in upper floor locations. These super high G-force washer-extractors are available in 60-, 110-, 175-, 225-, 350- and 450-pound loading capacities. For 60 years,...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—A new patented valve stops running toilets immediately. The valve measures the exact amount of water needed after each flush. Once the tank is full, the valve shuts off any additonal water. A leak is quickly detected and stopped, says Robert Easter, founder and CEO, H20Guard Inc. Slow leaks often go unnoticed, costing hundreds of dollars in water bills. Catastrophic breaks in the toilet tank cause thousands of dollars in flood damage each year. The Guard puts an end to water waste and damage. It flags a problem with the toilet the first time a leak occurs....

ATLANTA—With concern for our nation’s environment and conservation of its natural resources on the rise, today’s travelers want a safer, more healthy and sustainable experience while on the road. Now, two hotel chains—America’s Best Inns & Suites and Country Hearth Inns—will feature a green initiative known as EcoRooms with products that are energy efficient, water efficient, waste reducing, and non-toxic and/or biodegradable. The systemwide program was announced by America’s Best Franchising Inc., franchisor of the hotel brands. “EcoRooms are more comfortable for guests and more cost-effective for hotels,” says Doug Collins, chairman and CEO of America’s Best Franchising...

NATIONAL REPORT—If you are looking to reduce water consumption in your kitchen and still have not implemented pre-rinse spray valves that conform to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPAct 2005), now is the time to do so. Thanks to EPAct 2005, all spray valves sold today must have a flow rate of not more than 1.6 gallons per minute (gpm) at 60 pounds per square inch (psi). According to Phil Germinario, director of marketing, sales and customer service for Niagara Conservation, Cedar Knolls, N.J., there was a time when these valves used 3 to 6 gpm. “If you switch from...

INDIANAPOLIS—Delta Faucet Co. announces its involvement in the biggest commercial construction project in the western hemisphere—the MGM Project CityCenter in Las Vegas. Chosen by MGM Mirage and Gensler, a leading architecture, interior design, planning, and strategic consulting firm, Delta will provide bath and shower fixtures for the 68-acre urban development. The project will change the face of the Las Vegas strip with a mini city, redefining urban living. Product from both the Delta and Brizo brands of Delta Faucet Co. will be included. “CityCenter is not only design-centric, but it incorporates new products that many people have not...

TORONTO—As an environmental ambassador and industry pioneer in responsible tourism practices and sustainable hotel management, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts announced it has launched the third edition of its acclaimed Green Partnership Guide, a comprehensive how-to text for companies looking to “green” their operations. The ultimate source for companies looking to introduce or expand their green policies, the latest edition of Fairmont’s authoritative manual once again opens the vault on the brand’s environmental best practices. Forwarded by world-renowned environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki, the Green Partnership Guide focuses on key areas such as energy management, water conservation, and innovative community...

NATIONAL REPORT—If your idea of a water-saving toilet is 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf), it is time to pull yourself out of the 1980s. Since 1994, it has been a requirement in the United States for new toilets to be installed with at least 1.6 gpf tanks. With today’s high-efficiency models, it is possible to use as little as 1.28 gpf or even less per flush. High-efficiency toilets (HETs) can save thousands of gallons of water per room over a year’s time, reducing expenses and preserving valuable natural resources. That is good news for hoteliers, especially those with hotels in...

DALLAS—In honor of international Earth Day on April 22, Accor North America (NA), which operates more than 1,200 upscale and economy hotels, will launch Accor Earth Guest Week from April 15-22. As part of the Earth Guest initiatives implemented at Accor hotels worldwide, Accor NA will plant 20,000 trees representing each Accor employee in North America, implement a 65-point environmental checklist at all properties and corporate, and donate $375,000 to educational and charitable groups. The Accor NA Earth Guest Week efforts are designed to maximize Accor employee involvement in beautifying Mother Earth, educating and helping the community and...

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan Flushmate announces the availability of its new flush-valve cartridge that was designed to be quieter and require less handle torque than previous generations. The user will experience a much more conventional feel. The new cartridge significantly reduces the actuation force required to flush, (<1.5 lbs.), bringing it more in line with traditional gravity-fed units (3.5 lbs.). As a result, handle kickback has been minimized, extending the life of the assembly, and overall operation is much quieter due to a more “fluid” actuation. “Quite often, people don’t appreciate subtle changes that manufacturers make in products,...

JACKSON HOLE, WYO.—Proving that luxury and sustainability can join forces with unprecedented results, Hotel Terra will open in Jackson Hole this winter season. The first in a collection of green hotels launched by the Terra Resort Group, Hotel Terra will offer the exceptional amenities and services expected from boutique hotels, combined with environmentally sustainable building and operating practices. Green practices include Hotel Terra’s pending LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, which will put it in an elite group of just five LEED-certified hotels in the United States. The 72 room, six-story Hotel Terra is a condominium hotel property built...