FRANKLIN PARK, ILL.—Sloan Valve Company recently released a hardwire version of its popular electronic Sloan ECOS dual-flush Flushometer, which uses 30 percent less water when its reduced flush cycle is activated. The six-volt AC-powered Sloan ECOS features two manual “courtesy flush” buttons on top of the valve, which offer restroom users two water-efficient flush options.

VANCOUVER, B.C.—The Vancouver Convention Centre announced that its iconic West building, opened in April 2009, has been awarded LEED Platinum certification for new construction by the Canada Green Building Council. Platinum is the highest level of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. “The Vancouver Convention Centre is the only convention centre in the world to receive the highest level of LEED certification,” says Kevin Krueger, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “Not only is the expanded Vancouver Convention Centre bringing economic benefits to the province and the tourism industry, but it’s a model of sustainability that will set a new standard.” Vancouver Convention Centre’s sustainable design features include a six-acre “living” roof, the largest living roof in Canada and the largest non-industrial living roof in North America.

KAANAPALI NORTH BEACH, MAUI—The newest full service hotel development on Kaanapali Beach, the Honua Kai Resort & Spa, has unveiled details of its comprehensive sustainability program—in line with the traditional Hawaiian concept of “malama aina,” (caring for the land). Honua Kai’ practices begin with the ocean, protect the surrounding beach, and extend to every room at the property. Honua Kai, which opened in January 2009, has its own director of sustainability, Lance Gilliland. “We call it ‘Eco-nomics,’—practices that are ecologically sound and economically feasible,” Gilliland says. “It just makes sense to conserve energy.”

NEW CASTLE, DEL.—The company that supplies showerheads to many U.S. hotels has appointed Rob Cook as its sixth president and first non-family member to lead the company in its 141-year history. Cook comes to Speakman from Vistage International (formerly TEC), a peer-to-peer business leadership organization.

YOUNTVILLE, CALIF.—Bardessono has just received the highest level of official recognition possible for its sustainable and environmentally friendly design. The hotel has been awarded LEED Platinum certification, an achievement reached by only two other hotels in the world, on the first anniversary of its opening. Phil Sherburne built Bardessono with the intention of creating a hotel that provides guests with a luxurious experience while simultaneously protecting the environment. “I believe it is critical for the development community to be a leader in the effort to preserve a healthy planet,” Sherburne says. “We can’t just continue to talk about environmental problems, we have to begin to act. I hope we have provided an example from which others can benefit.” The hotel’s design, construction and operation followed guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

LAS VEGAS—Organizers of the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), the world’s largest conference dedicated to urban water efficiency, recently announced that the show will remain in Las Vegas at least through 2012. Officials with the Southern Nevada Water Authority, which presents WSI in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection agency’s WaterSense Program and other public- and private-sector organizations, gave the conference the green light to continue for at least three more years. “WaterSmart Innovations provides a platform for professionals from a broad spectrum of disciplines to come together to share their knowledge,” said WSI program chairman Doug Bennett. “There is no greater informational resource for communities facing water supply challenges.” The third WSI is slated for October 6 to 8, 2010, at the South Point Hotel and Conference Center in Las Vegas.

PISCATAWAY, N.J.—American Standard Brands, a leading manufacturer of bath and kitchen plumbing products, announced its commitment of $1 million over a two-year period to The Nature Conservancy to increase awareness of how consumers can conserve water every day and to provide support of the Conservancy’s mission of protecting the Earth’s most vital natural resource—our drinking water.

BALTIMORE—Baltimore’s Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott—blocks from the Inner Harbor—recently received a Special Accomplishment Award from the United States Green Building Council, Maryland Chapter at the group’s fifth annual awards ceremony. The award is the latest in a series of accolades for the hotel. In November, Maryland Governor O’Malley presented the Fairfield Inn & Suites with a sustainable tourism award as part of his announcement of the state’s Green Travel Program, noting, “Baltimore’s first LEED certified hotel has made green practices an integral part of its operation. It has implemented a variety of procedures that promote sustainability, especially for energy efficiency, waste and pollution minimization and environmental purchasing.” The hotel also recently received a WaveMaker Award from the Baltimore Chapter of the Urban Land Institute and was named a 2009 Innovator of the Year. The USGBC Maryland award recognizes building projects that focus on sustainability.

PARK CITY, UTAH—The Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City’s only 100 percent wind powered and 100 percent carbon-neutral “eco-tique” hotel, has taken an additional step towards sustainability by adding solar power to its host of green initiatives. The system was appropriately launched on the first day of winter, the darkest day of the year, and is now generating green power for the lodging property’s spa and courtyard. Andy Beerman, Treasure Mountain Inn’s co-owner and general manager, said the solar system cost about $35,000. The inn’s owners were unable to obtain tax credits for the installation because the inn is considered a condo hotel.

SEDONA, ARIZ.—Sedona’s Kings Ransom Inn recently launched Green Suites International’s “EcoRoom Accommodation Program,” converting each of its 53 guestrooms into healthier, more environmental “EcoRooms.” The guestrooms will now feature more than a dozen environmental products. Kings Ransom Inn has also received a 4-leaf rating as part of the Green Suites Green Hotel Certification Program.