Trade shows and conferences seem to come and go in our industry but one that has had staying power is HD Expo. The event, held at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas last week, brought together over 10,000 designers, architects, hotel owners and operators, developers, specifiers and purchasers with more than 800 hospitality design manufacturers and product providers. HD Expo is always a great venue to connect with suppliers of green products and services and this year was no different. Interestingly, there was one year the planners of HD Expo actually separated out many of its green suppliers and placed them in a green zone of sorts. That idea lasted one year and today you need to pay a little more attention if you want to connect with a company committed to sustainability.
I walked the entire trade show floor twice and discovered some interesting companies to pay attention to—some are newcomers, others have been around for quite some time.
Glass Recycled was at the show with many examples of countertops and other items made by mixing crushed glass with an epoxy resin. The company’s foray into hospitality is very recent. The company can customize a countertop using glass from beer or wine bottles that you or your company has consumed. There’s quite the sustainability story.
Briggs & Thatcher, LLC, dba ZON was on hand with its Powersol solar solution for charging mobile devices under the comfort of a patio umbrella. The solar panels are on top of the umbrella.
Sustainable Sleep Systems
Naturepedic displayed its line of organic mattresses and Sterling Sleep Systems featured its modular bed systems that have been redesigned to cost 20 percent less. Also exhibiting: Allassea Sleep Systems. Its products have been tested and certified by an independent laboratory to meet specific criteria for physical performance, indoor emissions and environmental stewardship.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products introduced its Configure Recycling System that allows a facility to easily customize its system based on container size, color, waste stream and more. Features include magnetic connections and an easy access front door.
Bolidt Kunststoftoepassing B.V. featured its Esthec Terrace decking made of 25 ingredients including natural resins, natural fibers, minerals and colour pigments, 25 percent of which are recycled materials.
Live Edge Design traveled from Duncan, B.C. to display its tables and other furniture made from reclaimed wood. Each piece is custom made.
Renewed Materials, LLC offered its ALKEMI tabletops and tables that contain a minimum 91 percent recycled content.
Electric Vehicle Charging
Tellus Power, Inc. was the only company at the show offering electric vehicle charging stations.
Phoenix Manufacturing featured its Patio Pal rolling beverage cooler that uses evaporative cooling to cool beverages.
Rinnai displayed some of its commercial condensing tankless water heaters that are sold as individual units or as part of a rack system.
SEG Systems was a first-time exhibitor with its frames and displays that one can use to engage customers with fabric printed media. The fabric is recyclable.
Mighty Bright featured its line of LED desk lamps.
Recycling Containers, Planters & More
Architectural Brass was at the show with examples of its recycle receptacles, planters and other items.
Kenyon Appliances featured its compact and sustainable one and two burner ceramic electric cooktops that are available in 120, 208 or 240 volts.
Lucifer Lighting displayed its many options for recessed or surface mount lighting.
TorZo Surfaces featured various surface and other materials made from Blue Stain Pine, denim, hemp, wood chips, wood fibers and other items.
Intus Windows exhibited with its energy efficient windows and doors.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
Green Lodging News is always looking to profile sustainability champions in our Personnel Profile section. If you would like to nominate someone for this section of Green Lodging News, contact me at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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