EPA Tightens Engine Standards for Lawn & Garden Equipment

WASHINGTON, D.C.—From lawn mowers and weed trimmers, to personal watercraft and speedboats, gas-powered engines will soon contribute to healthier and cleaner air for Americans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set strict new standards for gas-powered lawn equipment and marine engines, enhancing public health by substantially reducing the amount of gas fumes, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and smog-forming pollutants emitted from a wide range of engines. The regulations will take effect in 2010 and 2011. “EPA’s new small engine standards will allow Americans to cut air pollution as well as grass,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.

> Hilton University of Florida to Host Florida Green Lodging Conference

GAINESVILLE, FLA.—Officials of the 248-room Hilton University of Florida Conference Center announced it will be the host hotel for the inaugural Florida Green Lodging Conference from November 10 to 12, 2008. Entitled “Being Green, Saving Green & Making Green,” the conference is sponsored by VisitGainesville and the University of Florida TREEO (Training, Research & Education for Environmental Occupations) Center. The Hilton University of Florida Conference Center is the only Green Certified hotel in Gainesville. To receive this certification, the hotel implemented a number of state-mandated procedures related to water conservation, including utilizing low-flow features on showerheads, faucets and toilets.

> 100-Mile Menu Tests Planners at The Plaza Grand Ballroom

NEW YORK CITY—Central Park South (CPS) Events at The Plaza, manager and operator of The Plaza Grand Ballroom, the exquisitely restored and glamorous site of countless memorable New York affairs and events, recently hosted a 100-Mile Menu dinner for a select crowd of New York City insiders. Serving a menu comprised solely of ingredients sourced within a 100-mile radius of New York City, CPS Events indulged more than 250 invited guests with a “Country Chic” buffet dinner featuring locally grown food, wines and spirits. The evening celebrated CPS Events’ partnership between Delaware North Companies and Great Performances, two companies known for consistently supporting sustainable agriculture and local growers.

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GLN Welcomes United Feather & Down as Directory Partner
CLEVELAND, OHIO—Hasek Communications, the Cleveland, Ohio-based publisher of Green Lodging News, welcomes United Feather & Down as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. Hotels looking to cater to those seeking organic options can turn to United Feather & Down’s Prestige Naturals for Hospitality collection.
Blue Leaf to Feature ‘Green’ Casablanca Line at HD Boutique
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.
W.A.C. Lighting Introduces Energy-Saving InvisiLED Tape Lights
GARDEN CITY, N.Y.—As part of its ongoing program to “go green,” W.A.C. Lighting has introduced InvisiLED energy-saving display and accent lighting solutions using the latest LED technology. W.A.C. Lighting is a leading manufacturer of track, recessed, undercabinet, decorative and monorail lighting.

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When hospitality and food service provider Delaware North Companies and caterer Great Performances celebrated their partnership with Central Park South Events recently, they planned a very unique dinner at The Plaza Grand Ballroom in New York City. It was not so much the type of food that was served that was different; it was where the food came from. The menu was comprised solely of ingredients sourced within a 100-mile radius of New York City. The meal was catered by Great Performances.

The Plaza Grand Ballroom is the first major entertaining and event venue in the country to incorporate the 100-Mile “field to fork” concept into all of its menus, from wedding receptions and black-tie events to business banquets and charity affairs. According to Christopher Harkness, executive chef for New York City-based Great Performances, the 100-mile menu is something the company has been working on the last two years.

Supporting local farmers has been a priority for the company.

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1.5-Megawatt Wind Turbine at Jiminy Peak Passes One-Year Mark

HANCOCK, MASS.—After the price of electricity jumped 50 percent during the 2005-2006 ski season at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort, management knew it had to do something significant. It could not just keep passing along rising costs to its customers; it would lose market share. The resort invested in a 1.5-megawatt wind turbine that will pay huge dividends in the long term.

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IHG’s David Jerome Relishes Role as Champion of CSR

WINDSOR, U.K.— Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is something the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) takes seriously. So serious, in fact, that two years ago it appointed David Jerome to lead the company’s efforts as senior vice president for corporate responsibility.

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New ENERGY STAR Specification for TVs Allows Hotels to ‘Tune In’ to Energy Savings

By requiring the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified TVs—which are up to 30 percent more energy efficient than conventional models—you can help to reduce the estimated 50 billion kWh that are required to power the country’s 275 million TVs each year. Many have already chosen to include ENERGY STAR TVs in their procurement policies.

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