WASHINGTON, D.C.—The green team at Kimpton’s Hotel Monaco Washington, D.C. has had a lot to smile about lately. The hotel was presented with the Technology Innovation, Medium Property award earlier this summer by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. That honor followed last year’s Mayor’s Sustainability Award. More importantly, in the last two years the hotel has completed a long list of projects—$2.4 million worth—that have resulted in a drop of 48 percent in utility costs, 24 percent reduction in energy use, 31 percent reduction in energy rates, and 32 percent drop in water consumption.Getting to its current operating...

BURLINGTON, ONT.—Wolseley Canada and TOTO announced a new partnership, making Wolseley the first company in Canada to carry TOTO’s full product line from coast to coast. All TOTO fixtures and fittings, including faucets, accessories, showers, flush valves, lavatories, toilets, baths and urinals, are available at Wolseley’s 144 plumbing branches and showrooms across Canada.This new agreement between Wolseley and TOTO is an expansion of their relationship that has existed successfully in Western Canada for over 10 years.“Wolseley is thrilled to expand the relationship with TOTO to all of Canada,” says Paul Kennedy, Wolseley Canada vice-president, Plumbing. “We are proud to...

LOS ANGELES—L’Heure Bleue, the eco-chic resort of Nosy Be, in Madagascar, has been created as a model for sustainable tourism: Everything is designed from the outset, in a spirit of respect for the environment and sustainable development, in harmony with local people. L’Heure Bleue was recently awarded Green Globe certification.“L’Heure Bleue wants to demonstrate that another type of tourism is achievable, based on ethical values and respect,” said Yves Benouaich, general manager. “We would like to prove that responsible tourism brings together pleasure and well-being, without impacting on the quality of services and benefits. We are committed to fight...

NEW YORK CITY—Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Carter Strickland, CEO of NYC & Company George Fertitta, and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City Joseph E. Spinnato announced that eleven of the city’s premier hotels have joined the New York City Hotel Water Conservation Challenge. As part of the challenge, each hotel will reduce their annual water consumption by 5 percent and thereby save a total of approximately 13 million gallons of water each year. Commercial buildings in New York City, and hotels in particular, represent a significant opportunity for water and financial savings because they...

WOODRIDGE, ILL.—Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC announced its Wicker Park toilet is now one of the top, exclusive guestroom specified toilets in all Marriott Courtyard Hotels for renovations and new construction.This WaterSense certified product operates at 1.28 gallons per flush and provides significant water savings over older, more traditional products in the marketplace. These toilets will save Marriott more than 20 percent in water usage, equating to millions of gallons.According to Gary Cardono, Gerber’s director of hospitality sales, Marriott and Gerber have had a longstanding relationship and have worked closely on developing the specification. Simple, Clean, Contemporary Design Wicker Park products feature...

MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS.—Expanding on its line of hot and cold food wells, Alto-Shaam has added the Drop-in Hot Wells with Large Flange (HWLF) to match the Cold Well flange profiles for countertop and décor consistency.The HWLF's are available in sizes ranging from a single full-size hotel pan up to five pans wide and accommodate 2" (51mm), 4" (102mm) or 6" (162mm) deep pans. Halo Heat wraps around the food well, radiating from the recessed surface, providing greater ambient surface temperature control. The adjustable thermostat provides hot holding temperature flexibility, and the hot well can be used with an existing...

NEW CASTLE, DEL.—Speakman recently introduced Kevin Mayer as their new national sales manager. He will be responsible for growing the commercial and specification channel at Speakman. All of Speakman’s regional managers will directly report to Mayer. In addition, he will also be directly managing all West Coast specification reps.“The salesman in me drives towards delivering the company sales plan and solid growth in all categories,” Mayer said. “Putting a market plan in place and achieving the measured goals is the fun part of the job. Most of all, I look forward to developing the people on my team. I...

WOODRIDGE, ILL.—Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC has added several kitchen and bath faucets to its Viper Collection, previously known for its high performance toilets.  The Viper kitchen faucets come in three configurations: pull-out, single handle and single handle with side spray. Each of the faucets feature a ceramic disc cartridge with temperature limit stops to ensure quality and safety, a solid lever handle and an aerator that ensures a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute at 60 psi. Faucets are available in chrome and stainless steel finishes.The new bath products in the Viper line offer a full suite of...

NORTH OLMSTED, OHIO—Moen Inc. announced the promotion of Kevin Campbell to vice president and general manager of its Commercial Business Unit, effective immediately. The announcement was made by Mike Bauer, president of Moen’s U.S. businesses.In his new role, Campbell will be responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction for Moen’s commercial faucet business. Campbell replaces Tim Baker, who previously held the dual position of Moen’s vice president-Information Technology and vice president/general manager of the Commercial Business Unit. Baker will now devote his time fully to Moen’s IT needs as vice president-Information Technology.“Kevin started his career with Moen more...

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes Leak Beeper as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Leak Beeper LLC sells a wireless device that detects leaks in the water tank of gravity fed toilets. The device detects leaks based on timing water flows at the toilet’s refill tube. All abnormal flows, whether longer or shorter than the calibrated flow, are flagged as potential leaks. Algorithms then determine which abnormal flows are actual leaks and upon identification, the device wirelessly transmits an alarm to maintenance personnel.The company currently has more than 4,000 units installed...