MIAMI—Blue Leaf Hospitality announced its participation in the Hospitality Design (“HD”) Boutique from September 17 to 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The Miami-based contract furniture company is putting its “green” foot forward at the event with a new product line born of recycled materials, an Art Deco vintage collection and a contemporary cabana concept.

ATLANTA— As designers and consumers become more involved in the eco-friendly movement and wish to purchase products that protect the health and well-being of their families and building occupants, one product they focus on is paint. To assist in the purchase decisions, the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) wants to educate consumers on the difference between volatile organic compound (VOC) content and VOC emissions. VOC content is the amount (by weight) of VOCs that are in the formulation of paint, while VOC emissions are the amount of VOCs released into the air following the application of paint.

SANTA MONICA, CALIF.—Santa Monica-based hotel developer, The Ambrose Collection, has won two awards for its latest concept, Hotel Ray. Having pioneered environmentally responsible practices long before “going green” was in fashion, The Ambrose Collection, with these two new honors, has once again proven that sustainability can—and should—seamlessly coexist with luxury. Winning a Finalist Award at Hospitality Design (HD) magazine’s fourth annual Hospitality Design Awards (HD Awards), and the Los Angeles Architectural Awards’ 2008 Award of Excellence in the Commercial Design Concept category, Hotel Ray serves as a model of sustainability for future development.

MIAMI—Site activity is now underway at One Bayfront Plaza, announced Florida East Coast Realty, Inc. (FECR). Borings have been completed on the $2 billion development in downtown Miami that will comprise a 70-story mixed-use tower. At 1,049 feet, the One Bayfront Plaza tower is poised to be the tallest building in Miami. Adjacent will be a 43-story hotel, the first to be built north of the Miami River in 25 years. Together, the project will total 4 million square feet. FECR is pursuing Silver level LEED certification for the buildings. According to FECR’s construction manager, Alan Krause, the findings are being evaluated to determine the proper foundation for the site.

CHICAGO— Mr. Bamboo, Inc. is introducing BamLoc strand-woven “click” or “floating” bamboo flooring for eco-friendly commercial spaces. BamLoc is the first 100 percent solid strand-woven floating bamboo floor with a unique interlocking design. The sustainability, durability and natural beauty of strand-woven bamboo flooring make it a popular choice for designers and builders.

CLEVELAND, OHIO—Green Lodging News welcomes Moran Architects, P.C. as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Moran Architects is an international, multi-disciplinary design firm specializing in sustainable design for the wellness and hospitality industries.

SAGINAW, MICH.—The Duro-Last roofing system has been installed on the Bardessono Inn & Spa in Yountville, Calif. The spa is scheduled to open in February 2009, and will be submitted to the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED Platinum certification. The spa consists of five separate buildings that are protected by Duro-Last’s single-ply PVC roofing system.

ATHENS, GA.—Atlanta-based Rialto Property Partners, LLC and Savannah, Ga.-based Melaver, Inc. announced that construction on a new Hotel Indigo has commenced in downtown Athens, Ga. Located five blocks from the University of Georgia’s campus, the boutique hotel will have 130 eco-luxury guestrooms and plans to be open by the fall of 2009. The building is anticipated to be among the first three hotels in the world to achieve LEED Gold Certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. Hotel Indigo Athens will offer a complete boutique experience. Features include residential-inspired guestrooms, hardwood floors and spa-like showers, which are all part of the Hotel Indigo design.

ROGERS, ARK.—BioBased 1701s Insulation is the first spray polyurethane foam insulation to meet the stringent GREENGUARD Certification guidelines for indoor air quality. The GREENGUARD Certification Program is an industry-independent, third-party testing program.

PORTLAND, ORE.—With shared vision and focus, The Heathman Hotel and Ankrom Moisan Associated Architects (AMAA) have partnered to deliver a locally responsible, sustainable and efficient remodel of all 155 of the historic hotel’s bathrooms.