TOLEDO, OHIO—Betco Corp. introduces its Smart Restroom System. The Smart Restroom System provides a comprehensive solution to building owners, managers, and facility management to reduce building operating expenses while conserving natural resources while generating higher customer retention and satisfaction. Betco’s Smart Restroom System includes SmartValve and SmartScreen. These patent pending components turn most any urinal with a standard or automatic flush mechanism into a water conserving urinal avoiding costly tear-outs and installation of water free urinals as well as monthly cartridge maintenance costs. SmartValve and SmartScreen: •    Install quickly. The locking unit replaces handle or automated flusher in less than five...

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA.—All interested parties are invited to join in the development of a proposed new ASTM International standard that will identify and define sustainable best management practices that are used in commercial laundry facilities to reduce their impact on the environment.  ASTM WK35985, Practice for Sustainable Laundry Best Management Practices, is being developed by Subcommittee D13.40 on Sustainability of Textiles under the jurisdiction of ASTM International Committee D13 on Textiles.According to Gary D. Gramp, Textile Rental Services Association, and chairman of the task group developing ASTM WK35985, the commercial laundry industry has made a commitment to sustainability. “We...

DELAVAN, WIS.—When the husband-and-wife team of Fritz Kreiss and Catherine McQueen learned that a two-lane highway adjacent to their five-acre property in Delavan, Wis. would be expanded to four lanes they could have tried to sell the land with their cottage on it. Instead, they decided to build perhaps North America’s greenest lodging establishment—the 19-suite Green Leaf Inn that will be a net zero energy property. Net zero energy properties generate more energy than they consume. The Green Leaf Inn is scheduled to open in the spring of next year.It is the owners’ intention for the inn to serve...

VANCOUVER, B.C.—fluid has unveiled additions to their collection of sustainable faucets with the introduction of a kitchen series: F-810 and F-821. The polished chrome pull down high arc spout is designed with 360 degree rotation capability. The faucets are constructed from heavy brass for durability and reliability. The single handle operation allows both volume and temperature control. The dual function spray head has an aerated flow of 2.2 gpm at 60 psi. They are ADA compliant and AB1953 California Lead Plumbing Law Certified.fluid is owned and operated by Sustainable Solutions International (SSi), the green products manufacturer known for their...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International marked World Water Day (March 22) with a pledge of $1 million to support the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. ONE DROP was initiated by Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil, and is dedicated to fighting poverty through projects aimed at supporting access to water, and raising awareness of water-related issues.“At MGM Resorts, environmental sustainability is a key pillar of our vision for social responsibility,” said Jim Murren, the company’s chairman & CEO. “We are proud to be a leader in...

VERNON HILLS, ILL.—Scotsman Ice Systems announced it was named in McDonald’s Corporation’s 2012 Best of Sustainable Supply Chain report for its Prodigy line of ice machines. The line reduces up to 50 percent of water consumption, which translates into saving more than 150,000 gallons of water over the typical lifetime of the machine. McDonald’s Best of Sustainable Supply Chain report recognizes companies that implement innovative and effective ways to address challenges to help improve food sources, the environment, communities and employee wellness across the world. “Scotsman was the only ice machine manufacturer awarded this distinction in 2012 by McDonald’s,” said Rich...

KAPAAU, HAWAII—Guests staying at the boutique-style Hawaii Island Retreat on Hawaii Island’s North Kohala coast can choose to stay in one of the Retreat’s nine lavishly appointed guestrooms or “rough” it a little bit and stay in one of the property’s seven well-appointed yurts. No matter what accommodations are chosen, guests have the satisfaction of knowing they are staying in a place that is off the grid—powered by the sun and wind.The Hawaii Island Retreat is nearing its third anniversary. It opened on April 1, 2009. Jacque Waters, associate director at the property, said the owners—Jeanne Sunderland and Robert...

DES PLAINES, ILL.—Chicago Faucets, the leading manufacturer of commercial faucets, has introduced its new 2012 Commercial Catalog. The new catalog features an extensive line of products currently available from Chicago Faucets, as well as new products that will be launched this year. The full-color, comprehensive catalog was designed to make it easy to find the right faucet, fitting or component for any application. Product images and descriptions highlight the unique benefits of Chicago Faucet products. The catalog also features Chicago Faucets’ new line of lavatory metering faucets, the 3500 Series. Sleek, stylish and affordable, the 3500 Series offers a modern look...

LAS VEGAS—MGM Resorts International and Cirque du Soleil announced that they are joining forces in support of the mission of ONE DROP, a global non-governmental organization that promotes global awareness of the central role of water. From March 20 to March 25, and in recognition of World Water Day on March 22, MGM Resorts and Cirque du Soleil will donate the proceeds from ticket sales of performances of Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows to help further ONE DROP’s mission. Initiated by Guy Laliberte, founder of Cirque du Soleil, ONE DROP is dedicated to fighting poverty worldwide through projects aimed...

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—The Green Hotel Pilot Program, funded by the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I), was created in order to engage New York State’s lodging properties and understand key environmental challenges affecting this industry. The goal of the program was to assist lodging properties in reducing their environmental footprint while saving operating costs as well as increase revenue by attracting environmentally conscious tourists. In addition, those participating in the certification process would have the opportunity to increase the number of certified green hotels in New York and be featured in green tourism marketing.In the spring of 2009 in...