GREENSBORO, N.C.—The greenest hotel in North America? If not, it is certainly among the top few. Dennis Quaintance, CEO and CDO (Chief Design Officer) of Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels, developer of the 147-room Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, N.C., has his sights set on Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification. The property, still under construction, will use 40 percent less energy and 35 percent less water than a comparable hotel. It is expected to open in August or September. What makes the eight-story Proximity Hotel so different than a typical luxury property? The roof is a good place...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The ongoing efforts of the Hilton Portland & Executive Tower—one of the country’s first hotels to green its operations and the largest hotel in Oregon—have been recognized by Green Seal with the coveted Green Seal Lodging Properties certification (www.greenseal.org). Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that promotes the management, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services. In 2005, Hilton Portland & Executive Tower turned its attention to greening hotel operations. Recognizing the enormous consumption and dramatic impact of the hospitality industry on the planet, hotel management decided to take action to decrease its environmental footprint....

FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.–Sloan Valve Company’s new AC-11 Series Act-O-Matic showerheads, which have a flow rate of 2.0 gpm/7.5 Lpm, conserve 20 percent more water than standard showerheads using 2.5 gpm/9.4 Lpm, the maximum flow rate allowable under the U.S. Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992. The AC-11 conserves water while maintaining a consistent, powerful spray. Sloan’s new AC-11 2.0-gpm models with fingertip water volume control are appropriate for commercial applications, such as hotel rooms and health club locker rooms, as well as multi- and single-family residences. Sloan will continue to offer 2.5-gpm Act-O-Matic showerheads that are suitable for...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Marriott International Inc. announced the winners in the first phase of the company’s Energy and Water Resource Management Contest, open to more than 350 hotels outside of the United States. Marriott challenged these hotels to reduce the percentage of total consumption of energy (kilowatt hours per occupied room) and water usage during a six-month period in 2006 in comparison to the same timeframe in 2005. Creativity, innovation and associate teamwork were vital to the success of the three hotels named as winners of the challenge: the London Marriott County Hall, Renaissance Chemnitz Hotel, and Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort...

ORLANDO, FLA.—Alsons, a leading manufacturer of distinctively-styled shower products, announces the launch of patented fluidics spray technology that delivers a reduced, water-saving flow while giving the user a superior showering experience. There are fluidics showerheads available with a 1.85 gallons per minute (gpm) spray, a 1.75 gpm spray and, for a 36 percent water savings over the standard 2.5 gpm, there is a 1.6 gpm spray. Also available is a convenient two-spray unit that allows the user to switch between a water-saving 1.85 gpm and standard 2.5 gpm with the turn of a lever. “The fluidics technology describes...

PORTLAND, ORE.—The Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center Portland-Lloyd Center is doing its part to help make Portland one of the greenest meeting destinations in the United States. Host to the Green Meeting Industry Council’s recent Greening the Hospitality Industry Conference, the 476-room hotel is a national leader because of its commitment to sustainable hotel operations. From the lobby area, where recycling containers can be found, to the back of the house, where food scraps are collected for composting, the Doubletree’s commitment to waste reduction is evident. Purchasing policies ensure that waste and recycled content is considered before anything is...

NATIONAL REPORT—In a three-week period, Denver was hit with three major snowstorms unlike any the area has experienced in decades. Each one caused the city to essentially shut down. At about the same time this was happening, New Yorkers were enjoying near 70 degree weather, at least 30 degrees warmer than what is expected this time of the year. Although global warming may indeed be playing a part in this year’s crazy weather, scientists say a lot of it is because of El Niño, a weather pattern that has played havoc in North America before. In the past it has...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Environmental Protection Agency is releasing a final specification for the latest generation of water-saving, high-efficiency toilets. Those that use less than 1.3 gallons per flush and meet performance standards for quality will qualify for EPA’s WaterSense label to help consumers make informed buying decisions about water-efficient products. “The WaterSense label will help consumers identify high-performing, water-efficient products,” saYS EPA Assistant Administrator for Water, Benjamin H. Grumbles. “By purchasing WaterSense labeled plumbing fixtures, consumers can help protect the water supply and their wallets.” The new toilets are the product of extensive research in fluid dynamics conducted...

KOHLER, WISC.—Kohler Co., a leader in kitchen and bath design and technology, has joined the Alliance for Sustainable Built Environments. Founded in 2003, the mission of the Alliance’s international corporate members is to educate the marketplace and top management on the benefits of reducing the overall impact facilities have on the natural environment and on building occupants. Members include Johnson Controls, Milliken & Co., Forbo Flooring, Philips Lighting, JohnsonDiversey, Owens Corning, USG Corporation, and now Kohler. The Alliance invited Kohler to join based on the company’s commitment to water conservation through its product offerings, its recognition of sustainability...

VISTA, CALIF.—Facility managers may now take advantage of a free evaluation sheet to determine if waterless urinal systems will help them save money and water. Developed by Waterless Co., makers of Waterless No-Flush urinals, Vista, Calif., the evaluation sheet asks facility managers a series of simple questions, such as: • How many males populate the facility? • Number of urinals in the facility? • Hours of operation? • Amount of water used per urinal, per flush? • Local water and sewer rates per 1,000 gallons? Most urinals use between one and three gallons of water, depending on...