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...

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...