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Everywhere you go today, you
hear the word "green". Companies are making an effort to rethink their
impact on the environment. When new construction isn't an option, it is still
possible to reduce the carbon footprint through green renovations. The
International Conscious Design Conference & Expo, 2007 is being held September
27th - 30th at the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel in Parsippany, New Jersey. So why,
you might ask, did we pick this hotel to hold such an event? The
Sheraton Parsippany, a Starwood Hotel, has consistently been a leader in incorporating
green renovations and energy efficiency. By re-thinking their policies and making
bold changes, they have paved the way for other corporations to follow their fine
example. Starwood Hotels
initiated acquisition of a fuel cell to use at their Parsippany location. A fuel
cell is a device that converts the energy of a fuel (natural gas in this case)
and an oxidant (air or oxygen) into usable electricity and heat without combustion.
Fuel cell construction consists of a fuel electrode (anode) and an oxidant electrode
(cathode) separated by an ion conducting membrane, much like a common battery.
Fuel cells are extremely clean, quiet and efficient compared to traditional power
generation technologies. The fuel cell was installed by PPL Electric Utilities
(ppl) of Allentown, PA, and is maintained by Tri-State Mechanical of Yonkers,
NY. Electricity produced
by the fuel cell is sold back to the power company and directed to the main power
grid where it can be distributed to consumers. The by-product, hot water, is used
by the hotel for domestic use in its kitchens, bathrooms, and guest rooms. The
hotel in turn uses less BTU's and ultimately saves money. Laundry
at the hotel is washed in cold water using ozone generation, and chlorine bleach
is never used. The system uses an ion exchange. The results are crisp, clean,
fluffy towels and linens. All
of the Sheraton's garbage is sorted through and separated behind the scenes. Recyclables
are stored in separate dumpsters on the hotel grounds. Guests
who stay at this hotel can participate in their Guest Room Green Program. The
guest alerts Housekeeping with the use of a card, whether or not the sheets need
to be changed prior to their checking out. Towels left on hooks will be left to
dry and only towels left on the floor will be sent to the laundry prior to the
guest's departure. It is
easy to see why the Sheraton Parsippany Hotel has been rated in the top 10 of
the most improved in energy conservation, year after year by Energuard Technologies.
Join us September 27th - 30th and see the fuel cell yourself and experience a
4 Star Hotel that cares about our future. Kudos to Starwood, congratulations to
the Sheraton Parsippany, and thank you to Paul Lechthaler, Director of Engineering
for a job well done! To learn more about the conference visit www.ConsciousDesignExpo.com 
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