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...

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.—Using less water and energy than other conveyor dishwashers with equal productivity on the market today, the Conveyor Dishwasher Line by Electrolux Professional North America is the highly efficient solution for medium to high output warewashing demands. The Electrolux Conveyor Dishwasher can be set to clean at either 130 or 200 racks per hour to accommodate varied requirements. At 200 racks per hour, the dishwasher uses only 79 gallons of water per hour. It is ideal for use in hotels, catering and full-service restaurants. The Electrolux Conveyor Dishwasher provides energy savings through the use of...

TALLAHASSEE, FLA.—The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is partnering with OzoneSolutions Inc. to help Florida’s lodging industry protect the state’s environment. The partnership is the latest component of DEP’s Green Lodging initiative to encourage hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving ‘green’ practices that conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality and reduce waste. “Through the Green Lodging program, DEP is encouraging the lodging industry to become environmental leaders in their community,” says DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “Florida’s certified Green Lodges and program partners continue to save money and conserve resources while at the same time...

VANCOUVER, WASH.—The Hilton Vancouver Washington—one of the country’s first green, environmentally sustainable hotels—has been certified under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system, the nationally accepted benchmark for green buildings. This coveted certification recognizes buildings’ superior performance in areas such as water savings, low-impact landscaping, reduced energy use and indoor air quality. The Hilton Vancouver Washington is the first LEED-certified Hilton in the world and one of only a handful of LEED-certified hotels in the United States. “We are obviously very proud to have a hotel in America’s Vancouver receive this prestigious certification,” says Mayor Royce Pollard. “It is...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Mirage’s $7 billion City Center project, an 18-million-square-foot development that will encompass 76 acres of the Las Vegas Strip between the Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts, is moving closer to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification one big bucket of dirt at a time. Construction has been underway for nine months now and foundations have been poured for each of the project’s seven towers. Set to open in late 2009, the mixed-use project will include the following: a soaring 60-story, 4,000-room hotel tower, casino and convention center; a five-star, 400-room Mandarin Oriental; 400-room Harmon...

Many business owners and managers are well aware of the problems caused by hard water—from clogged pipes and iron stains to spotty glassware and inferior drinking water. What they’re not always aware of, however, is the impact of hard water on energy use and the associated costs. In hotels there are several types of equipment that can be affected by hard water, in terms of impaired efficiency and wasted energy: boilers, hot water heaters, cooling towers, humidifiers, washing machines, dishwashers, and shower heads to name a few. Let’s take a look at how hard water affects the energy efficiency of boilers....

DAWSONVILLE, GA.—Project Planet Corp. and the Willard InterContinental Washington were recently featured on Channel 4 NBC in Washington, D.C. The “Going Green” news segment focused on the many ways the hotel has greened its operations, including the implementation of Project Planet’s linen and towel reuse program. Project Planet’s program is helping the hotel in many ways: reduced water consumption, lower energy costs and a reduction in the need for laundry chemicals. “We applaud the the hotel’s efforts and wish them big savings with the program,” says Karmen Pharris, sales and marketing director for Dawsonville, Ga.-based Project Planet....

OAK PARK, CALIF.—Designed to conserve water and reduce costs associated with water consumption, the Cyber-Rain XCI eight-zone sprinkler controller is an easy-to-use computerized system that manages an area’s watering needs. It is the most effective solution for hotels in areas with severe water shortages. The Cyber-Rain XCI combines the power of a PC, the internet, and the latest wireless technology to automatically manage a property’s watering schedule based on weather conditions. Features include software that allows you to set your watering schedule in minutes. The system will also automatically check your local weather forecast several times a day...