DENVER—Zion Lodge, the only in-park lodging in Utah’s Zion National Park, has received “Top Product of the Year Award in the Environmental Leader Product & Project Awards” for developing a water-cooled system for walk-in refrigeration units in its Red Rock Grill kitchen. The system has resulted in approximately 1 million fewer gallons of water annually.“Congratulations to the staff at Zion Lodge for its innovative approach to conserving water,” said Catherine Greener, Vice President of Sustainability for lodge operator Xanterra Parks & Resorts. “While the water flowing right outside the lodge’s doors may seem inexhaustible, the actions we take have...

NATIONAL REPORT—A series of six webinars with topics ranging from water efficiency to green cleaning to window film will launch on March 26 and wrap up on May 21. In total, there will be 18 different presentations throughout the six webinars that are sponsored by the U.S. EPA. The free webinars are being organized by Dan Ruben of Boston Green Tourism and Peter Cooke of the Manomet Center for Conservation Sciences. Those who attend all six sessions will be acknowledged with a Certificate of Completion.The following is the schedule for the webinars:Session 1: March 26, 1 p.m to  2:15...

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA—Do you think you could ever get to the point of being able to describe your hotel as the greenest on your continent? If you followed the lead of the innovators behind Hotel Verde in Cape Town, South Africa, you might be able to. The hotel was built with sustainability in mind from the ground up. It’s literally in the walls since the construction includes Cobiax void formers—recycled plastic balls placed strategically within the concrete slabs that are required for the various floors. They dramatically reduce the amount of concrete required, while maintaining the structural integrity.Andre...

LOS ANGELES—Eco Products Group (EPG), a startup environmental technology corporation, has invented and developed a hands-free device capable of reducing water use by 50 to 70 percent. The Ecofaucet allows consumers to control water flow hands free to use only the minimum amount of water needed for either bathroom or kitchen sinks.It is common knowledge that there is a global shortage of clean, fresh, potable water. The situation is rapidly becoming so dire that it can only be a matter of time before some face mandatory restrictions on the amount of water used on a daily basis for personal...

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the WaterSense H2Otel Challenge as a way for agency partners and other organizations to encourage hotels to use best management practices that will save water and money, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.  “Hotels that reduce their water use will not only help their community save precious resources, but can gain a competitive edge in today’s green marketplace,” said Nancy Stoner, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water. “Since 2006, WaterSense has helped Americans save more than 487 billion gallons of water, and now we’re building...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Econo Lodge is celebrating the one year mark of its Room to be Green program. A first of its kind initiative executed across the entire lodging portfolio, Room to be Green is designed to reduce environmental impact and waste, meet the changing expectations of today’s environmentally conscious guests and potentially lower operational expenses, (including energy and water costs) at the property level. The Econo Lodge brand, which is fully franchised by Choice Hotels International, Inc., one of the world’s largest hotel companies, is a leader among economy hotel brands for implementing mandatory green initiatives throughout all its properties....

MANCHESTER, N.H.—Xeros, the innovator of an ultra-low water laundry system, announced it has successfully established its presence in North America as demand has escalated for green laundry solutions. Xeros established its North American headquarters in September 2013 and has sold more than 30 polymer bead commercial laundry systems globally to dry cleaner customers that include Kleen Dry Cleaners and Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners; industrial laundries such as Sterling Linens Service; and in four of the top six hotel chains in North America, including Hyatt and Wyndham.The Xeros Commercial Laundry System helps organizations, through the use of polymer bead technology,...

WOODRIDGE, ILL.—Danze, Inc. and Gerber Plumbing Fixtures has announced the promotion of Jeff Pratt to Senior Vice President of Sales. Pratt joined the Globe Union family in 1999, helped launch the Danze brand in 2001 and assumed a leadership role on Gerber when that product line was acquired in 2003. He continues to oversee the overall sales strategy and sales management structure for both Danze and Gerber.“Jeff’s promotion reflects his tremendous personal and business success leading our branded sales team to increasing sales and market share over the years,” said Michael Werner, President and CEO. “He has become a...

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—In an effort to more wholly focus and invest in its fastest growing areas, Niagara Conservation recently divested a portion of its business to AM Conservation Group, Inc., a Charleston, S.C.-based supplier of weatherization, energy and water conservation products. Among the acquired products are Niagara Conservation’s showerheads, aerators, lighting and weatherization products, which all will continue to be sold under the Niagara brand name. Niagara will retain its toilet and program related business. Niagara Conservation plans to expand its line of ultra-high-efficiency toilets and pioneering utility programs by investing in a new toilet manufacturing plant in Kokomo, Ind.,...

GUIYANG, CHINA—Johnson Controls, a leader in building technology and services, recently helped Hyatt Regency Guiyang become Hyatt Group’s first hotel in China to achieve gold certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, New Construction (LEED-NC Gold). Peter Templeton, vice president of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and Nellie Cheng, China director of USGBC, officially awarded the certification to Qiao Gencai, general manager of Hyatt Regency Guiyang.“Zhongtian Group promotes a sustainable lifestyle, builds green cities, practices energy conservation and reduces emissions in our work to develop western China,” said Luo Yuping, chairman of Zhongtian Urban Development Group and...