NATIONAL REPORT—For good reason, becoming more environmentally friendly is now a priority among many property owners worldwide. With the threat of a looming climate crisis, it makes sense that those who can adjust to become more eco-conscious and environmentally friendly do so. As such, this article will be looking into small changes that don’t require heavy expenditure or lots of man hours to put into place that can be done either by yourself or with the help of a professional. We’ve been sure to weigh up the environmental cost of each change to make sure the fix isn’t as harmful...

LAS VEGAS—The Southern Nevada Water Authority, organizers of the annual WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), announced it is cancelling this year’s event, originally scheduled for September 30 to October 1 in Las Vegas. “After much deliberation, we’ve decided the conference would be less effective and appealing if social distancing measures are still in effect,” said WSI Program Chairman and SNWA Conservation Manager Doug Bennett. While this year would have marked WSI’s 13th anniversary, organizers will instead offer a series of webinars this fall, featuring leading water-efficiency professionals who were slated to speak at the event. Bennett said more details about...

ATLANTA—Throughout the current pandemic, Atlanta’s historic Stonehurst Place has continued to provide a safe place to stay for travelers in search of boutique luxury—all with a dose of eco-friendliness thrown in. The eight-suite property, owned by Barb Shadomy and first constructed in 1896, has features including a solar thermal system for water heating, a greywater recycling system, and rainwater purification system. “My partner and I purchased Stonehurst in 2007 and after 14 months of intense renovation, I returned the grand old lady back to her youthful self—with a few modern and green improvements,” Shadomy says. “We have not closed during the current...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—Bradley Corp. introduces the next generation of its award-winning WashBar series. This new extension delivers Bradley’s exclusive clean+rinse+dry functionality along with an ultra-modern, edgier profile designed to make a statement in upscale commercial washroom applications. The next generation WashBar features a thin, L-shaped design that gives the feel the all-in-one fixture is floating above the sink for an innovative and sleek aesthetic. And with only one connection point to the sink, the unique design provides more open space for easier cleaning while providing a striking design element. Designed in collaboration with award-winning international design firm platinumdesign, this new model...

PETALUMA, CALIF.—We know that washing our hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases such as COVID-19. But hands-free hand washing can even further reduce the spread of harmful germs that can make us sick. Bacteria and viruses can linger on faucet handles for days, where they can easily be picked up when turning the water on and off. Sonoma Forge’s Sans Hands Automated Faucet Technology eliminates the need to touch the faucet handles, thereby eliminating the transfer of harmful pathogens from turning on and off a traditional faucet. With no visible sensors, Sans Hands...

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.—Sometimes it really is the little things that make the biggest difference. California Faucets’ new All-Brass Multifunction Handshowers fit this notion with a quick and easy way to enhance the overall bathing experience while adding a spa-like sense of luxury to the bath. Bathers can select from three spray settings to soothe tired muscles, refresh the spirit, or invigorate the body and mind. Each ergonomic handshower is made from solid brass. Plus, with a choice of four designs and over 28 artisan finishes, the handshowers offer a no-fuss way to personalize the bath. “A handshower is one of...

JOSEPH, MICH.—Whirlpool has a long, proud history of environmental sustainability and a strong track record of action and success. In 2019, the company raised the bar on its environmental commitments, and accelerated the progress of its short- and long-term goals that meet or exceed the Paris Accord,” said Marc Bitzer, Chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp. “As we continue to navigate the impact of COVID-19, the health and safety of our employees and communities remain our priority. We strongly believe that our sustainability efforts are as important now as ever. These efforts are guided by a clear mission to...

NATIONAL REPORT—With so much attention on virus elimination given the COVID-19 pandemic, Green Lodging News has been exploring green cleaning technologies that make it easier for hoteliers to provide a safe, hygienic, disinfected environment for guests and employees. One such technology is electrochemical activation (ECA)—the process for creating electrolyzed water using a low electric charge and natural minerals. Hypochlorous acid, one of the sanitizers created from charged salt and water, has 80 to 200 times the sanitizing power of chlorine bleach, according to Larry Smith, Vice President of Sales for GenEon Technologies. In this article we will also explore...

MEXICO CITY—Grupo Vidanta, the leading resort and tourism developer in Mexico and Latin America, continues to set new benchmarks for sustainable, eco-tourism at its beachfront destinations, leading up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Since its founding in 1974, Grupo Vidanta has made protecting the environment and natural beauty of Mexico a top priority. “It’s our belief that our practices should serve the greater good and promote a brighter future for generations to come. All of our projects have been designed, built and operated using solutions and socially conscious programs that are ecologically responsible and efficient in reducing impact...

FRESNO, CALIF.—Jain Irrigation, Inc., a world leader in irrigation technology, announces the general availability release of JAIN Unity, an automatic irrigation control system and environmental data services platform. Unity is the first-ever smart irrigation solution for landscape management fully powered by artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. Jain Unity gives users (contractors, water managers, home and building owners) direct access to view how much water the plants in their landscape requires, along with real-time visibility to the efficiency of their irrigation system for eliminating water waste. Arcadis and Bluefield Research recently released a report that is projecting over 36 percent...