partners launch a set of electronic tools to help hotels reach zero-Power Consumption

The set of electronic tools neZEH evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels through a questionnaire and identifies options for energy efficiency, including the efficient use of non-renewable sources, while raising awareness of the issue through inspiring examples .

The near-zero Energy Hotels (neZEH) set of electronic tools, which is available online at: www.nezeh.eu evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels and proposes measures to improve efficiency and increase the use of renewable energy sources for almost zero consumption. The toolkit is the result of a project over three years funded by the European Union.

The set of electronic tools neZEH evaluates the energy efficiency of hotels through a questionnaire and identifies options for energy efficiency, including the efficient use of non-renewable sources, while raising awareness of the issue through inspiring examples .

The project aims to support hotels in Europe to comply with the regulations of almost zero energy buildings (NZEB), which requires all EU Member States to meet by 2020. A building NZEB must demonstrate a high level level of energy efficiency. The near-zero, or very low, the amount of energy required to be generated very significantly by renewable energy sources, including those produced on-site or nearby.

As stated by the Secretary General of UNWTO, Taleb Rifai, "this unprecedented initiative shows not only the concerns, but also the high level of commitment, the tourism sector to address one of the concerns around the world: climate change".

Sixteen hotels across seven European countries (Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain and Sweden) have participated in the project as a pilot European neZEH Hotels. These are inspiring examples to become the European hotel industry on how to implement best practices to achieve performance nearly zero energy level.

Prior to the implementation of the set of electronic tools, the political implications of a tourism sector zero energy in Europe were discussed in the European Parliament on 17 March 2016. The event, aimed at heads of regional, national policies and European, they stressed the need to reduce legislative barriers and introduce support measures to promote zero energy growth and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of tourism in the EU.

The neZEH project is co-funded by the European Commission under the Intelligent Energy Programme for Europe. Its aim is to accelerate the rate of large-scale renovation of hotels near zero energy buildings (NZEB), providing technical advice to hoteliers and demonstration of flagship projects NZEB in the European hospitality sector.

The neZEH partnership includes ten partners in seven European countries: the Technical University of Crete-Renewable and Sustainable Energy Systems Lab (Greece), the coordinator of the project partner, together with the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the Network of the Region European sustainable and competitive tourism (NECSTouR), sustainable Innovation (Sweden), Creara Consultores SL (Spain), Energy Institute Hrvoje Pozar (Croatia), the Istituto Superiore sui Sistemi per l'Innovazione Territoriali (Italy), the Agency Braşov for Energy Management and Environmental Protection (Romania), the European Federation of heating and air conditioning associations (Netherlands), and energies 2050 (France).

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ME Miami Hotel officially opens

1100 Biscayne CGI Management, LLC, a subsidiary of CGI Group Merchant, owner of the hotel, which will be administered under the brand ME by Meliá Hotels International Meliá. Merchant CGI Group acquired the building in January 2013, and led to the remodeling of the original hotel from 56 to 129 rooms.

ME by Meliá brand officially opened its first US destination today in downtown Miami. The hotel has 129 rooms and over 1,000 square feet of meeting space. Guests can enjoy exclusive suites brand, a roof deck 14 Sun with sunset outdoor pools out and Bella Bar, a bar poolside and lounge open later this summer. The property also introduce a new interpretation of UNO Group STK restaurant. The opening of ME Miami represents an exciting new chapter in the innovative lifestyle brand, with locations in London, Madrid, Milan, Ibiza, Majorca, Cabo and Cancun.

1100 Biscayne CGI Management, LLC, a subsidiary of CGI Group Merchant, owner of the hotel, which will be administered under the brand ME by Meliá Hotels International Meliá. Merchant CGI Group acquired the building in January 2013, and led to the remodeling of the original hotel from 56 to 129 rooms. The establishment of advance design highlights the practice of ME mark the opening of destinations in the capitals of culture and fresh, a key feature that was attractive to CGI.

ME Miami is located in the heart of the bustling and within a stone's throw from the major cultural institutions such as the Pérez Art Museum Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Patricia and Phillip frost Science Museum. The enviable location of the new hotel is equidistant to the communities of Miami flourishing located near the center, including the popular and artistic Wynwood, booming Midtown, the Design District of Miami, MiMo, Brickell and the Arts & Entertainment District for guests to participate and discover.

"The opening of ME Miami is not only historic because it is the brand first foray into the US market, but also because it is a recognition and celebration of the thriving community center of Miami, which has experienced an extraordinary and exciting cultural renaissance" said Andre P. Gerondeau, executive vice president of hotels, Meliá Hotels International. "As the brand makes all its destinations, ME Miami actually receives guests in the middle of the urban vitality and momentum. We are delighted with what we have achieved here, and we know our customers will find an ME Miami also distinctive and compelling to an already strong portfolio of unique destinations ".

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Chains must move quickly to maintain revenue growth in the face of softening Reservations

After enjoying years of unprecedented growth, the hotel industry now needs to prepare for difficult times ahead, for example Alan Lewis and Dan McKone, CEOs in L.E.K. Consultant.

2016 has finally seen a slowdown in the growth of revenue per available room. And in some bellwether markets such as New York, recently they experienced declines. Meanwhile, many of the properties that construction started during the boom are connecting, adding supply to the market, they say.

"Hotels have had a relatively easy time finding growth in recent years, and some may have become complacent," says Lewis. "To survive a downturn, they have to work harder to protect margins while keeping their full beds."

Added services key to surviving the downturn

With base rates under pressure, more powerful strategy available for hotels - in all price points - is to create a series of addressing the needs of different customer segments optional supplementary services.

"Hotel chains need to rethink that one size fits all cuts across many of its products," says McKone. "With more options, which can better meet the needs of its customers, increasing its total income per person and win the loyalty that is based on more than price and promotion."

Lewis and McKone are authors (Harvard Business Review Press, 2016). The book demonstrates how business leaders can unlock new value by taking a closer look, and perhaps modify, intersections of the assets they already have and customers who have already paid. Continually doing this leads to what they call a "mindset Edge" and opportunities for new revenues and profits with little risk.

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Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River, Oregon Opens July 13th

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River opens Wednesday, July 13. newest hotel in Hood River, the Hampton Inn & Suites is located on the banks of the Columbia River, near downtown Hood River. The hotel will have 88 rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a gym and a conference room with space for up to 75 people.

The Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Hood River opens Wednesday, July 13. newest hotel in Hood River, the Hampton Inn & Suites is located on the banks of the Columbia River, near downtown Hood River. The hotel will have 88 rooms and suites, an indoor pool and spa, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a gym and a conference room with space for up to 75 people. Some rooms have views of the Columbia River. The new hotel is the only Hilton brand hotel in Hood River.

Located steps from the Columbia River, the hotel offers easy access to plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in the area of ​​Hood River; From skiing on Mount Hood, to waterfalls and beautiful hiking Columbia Gorge National Scenic River area, windsurfing, other water activities on the Columbia River and kite surfing. The hotel is also located near several of the breweries in Hood River, with easy access to area wineries and the famous Hood River Fruit Loop. "Situated at the base of Mount Hood, our new hotel is grateful to have the beautiful mountains as a backdrop ours," said Tim Pyle, CEO. "With our customer service of the firm known as Hamptonality and trained staff, we are very pleased to welcome guests who are willing to explore this amazing city driven and outdoor adventure-."

The hotel offers guests a fresh start each day with the House hot breakfast, which includes eggs, oatmeal and waffles. In addition, the hotel offers Hampton On the Run ™ breakfast bags filled with a bar of various grains, an apple, a loaf of homemade breakfast and a bottle of water with a flavor packet for guests in a hurry, available from Monday to Friday. Each room features high quality facilities, including the signing of the Bed ® brand clean and fresh Hampton, HDTV 40 inch, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. inviting suites are also available, offering extra space and a comfortable sofa bed. Each guest is guaranteed to be satisfied with each stay, or do not pay, and that's the 100% Hampton Guarantee®.

The hotel is being managed by InnSight Hotel Management Group under a licensing agreement with Hilton Worldwide. InnSight Hotel Management Group is a full service, award winning hotel management company headquartered in Springfield, Oregon and operates hotels throughout Oregon and Washington.

InnSight is experiencing rapid growth, with five hotel openings within the next year and five projects that will begin construction in the course of next year throughout the northwest. InnSight provides development, operations management, human resources management, digital services, sales and revenue management, and financial management.

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What is the Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust?

February 1 of 1998 was the founding date of the Celotex Asbestos Settlement Trust. This trust fund was the result of the bankruptcy declared by Celotex Corporation and Carey Canada. 

Celotex Corporation, based off of Delaware, was originally founded in 1964. The company specialized in manufacturing and distributing building and roofing products for residential and commercial use. Celotex's subsidiary Carey Canada ran operations in mining and processing asbestos.

Asbestos exposure is known as the cause for a variety of severe and fatal health conditions. Year after year, mesothelioma, asbestosis and certain forms of asbestos induced lung cancers are responsible for thousands of patients getting diagnosed or die as a result of having developed any of the aforementioned diseases. Unfortunately, all illnesses caused by asbestos are known for their long latency period, in other words, before a conclusive diagnosis can be made, chances are that the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage already. Mesothelioma and lung cancer have a poor outlook on survival, a cure is yet to be found and the current treatments are targeted to provide the patient with the best possible quality of life, but cannot prevent the disease from progressing further.

Celotex and Carey Canada had to file bankruptcy on October 12 of 1990 and the installation of the Celotex Asbestos Trust was a consequence of that. In a nutshell, the purpose of the trust is to review valid asbestos injury claims as well as processing and issuing the compensations accordingly. But who is eligible for filing a claim with the Celotex trust?

Anyone who suffered a personal injury due to asbestos exposure while he was employed by either Celotex or Carey Canada, or any of their predecessors, is allowed to file a claim under the conditions of the trust. Furthermore, the trust does protect those who are actually not injured yet, but may have reason and proof to be at a risk of developing an asbestos induced disease as a result of their tenure with Celotex or Carey Canada. The initial deadline for filing a claim was March 15 of 1996. If an individual is uncertain of his eligibility, he may still go ahead and file a claim. The claim will be evaluated internally and a decision will be made as to whether or not it is found to be valid under the terms and conditions of the Celotex Asbestos 
Compensation Trust.

If your claim receives approval, you will get an offer for compensation. In case you accept the offer as is, you can expect a check within a few months. But either way, it is strongly advisable to seek the help of a personal injury asbestos lawyer to assist you in filing your claim, just to make sure that all your paperwork is in order and that you will receive the maximum out of your case.

The author Tony Ulrich was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October of 2009. In his research on what his cancer could have been caused by, he came across with data that suggests a strong link to environmental toxics, such as asbestos. Please visit his Kindey Cancer and Mesothelioma website for more details.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tony_Ulrich/493667

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What You Need To Know About Asbestos Poisoning

Asbestos poisoning is considered at cause for a wide range of ailments, specifically several cancers of the lung. People who has been poisoned in this manner may be entitled to legal compensation for the illnesses from which they suffer, is they can prove that prolonged exposure to asbestos is responsible for their health conditions. in this article we'll discuss asbestos, how it poisons people, and what is being done to stop the spread of disease.

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally. It is still mined in many parts of the world, including Canada. Before the medical community noted the responsibility of asbestos in causing various health problems, this mineral was used widely in the building industry for fire-proofing and insulation. It was also utilized in the automotive industry in the manufacture of brake pads and other tiles.

When asbestos is left intact, it does not cause any health problem. When it is disturbed, however, people in the vicinity can unknowingly breath in the mineral fibers. This disturbance may be caused by pulling asbestos insulation out of a ceiling, or stripping it from water pipes in a basement of an old house. It is this exposure that has been linked to various health problems.

The most serious consequence of exposure to this mineral is cancer of the lungs, but the cancerous cells may also appear in other body parts. Patients may develop lung conditions such as asbestosis, pleural plaque, or mesothelioma while also experiencing skin lesions due to mineral particles which may be lodged in the epidermis.

The major issue with asbestos poisoning is that it can take several years before its symptoms appear. This makes it difficult to determine when and how a person was exposed. It is straightforward for an asbestos miner to claim that the exposure was occupational, but it more complex for people who work on old buildings to identify where their exposure occurred.

Regardless of where and how people were exposed, the afflictions that result require serious medical treatment. because of the contentious nature of asbestos related disease., most patients who are diagnosed with conditions related to this mineral find themselves dealing with lawyers almost immediately. If you should go this route, choose experienced legal representation.

The construction industry has put asbestos abatement programs in place to remove the mineral from old buildings and vehicles. Medical science continues to take steps to reduce and eliminate infections related to asbestos. Countless law firms are pursuing litigation against companies that exposed people to the mineral.

At present this is as much as we can do to eliminate the asbestos threat, keep society safe from further asbestos poisoning, and care for those that are suffering from illness related to exposure.

Need to find out more about mesothelioma compensation [http://www.mesotheliomacompensationinfo.com]? Visit Andrew Reikes-Tessier's site and learn about asbestos poisoning [http://www.mesotheliomacompensationinfo.com/asbestos_poisoning.html], treatments, and compensation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Andrew_Reikes-Tessier/1363569

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Why Asbestos Testing Is So Important

We hear about asbestos testing and wonder why it is so important? You will even find some writers and bloggers try to convince you there are no dangers related to asbestos exposure. But no matter how the data is spun or twisted danger exists and asbestos testing is very important any way you look at it.

By zeroing in on the U.S. alone estimates of the death rate caused by mesothelioma is more than ten thousand people every year. Exposure to asbestos causes thousands of people to suffer from many other diseases that are non-fatal.

We hear the word almost every day (mesothelioma) sure cancer and death come to mind but many wonder what it is. The organs are all protected by a membrane called (mesothelium). The thin membrane covers organs such as the heart, lungs and abdomen. The disease mesothelioma attacks the mesothelium.

Asbestos dangers are everywhere but some of the worst offenders occur in everyday working environments. Carpenters, electricians, ship building, plumbers, insulation workers and asbestos abatement teams. Workers from all the different environments leave the work sites with the asbestos fibers on their clothing and indirectly expose their families and others they come in contact with.

One of the major reasons that some believe the dangers are not real is because symptoms of exposure may not appear for 20 to 50 years after exposure. So sometimes the connection is not made between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma. Once diagnosed the survival rate is 2 years or less.

In the U.S. some recent studies confirmed more than 28 million pounds of asbestos are still used to make many things. Commonly used in ship manufacturing and construction processes because of its insulating properties. You would not believe the large numbers of people live as close as 2640 feet from sites the mine asbestos and use it in manufacturing processes.

Asbestos testing is of major importance because of the possibility of exposure. The asbestos fibers are invisible so there is no way other than testing to verify the possibility of exposure. There is also no way of knowing if materials used in construction contain asbestos simply by looking at it. It is possible to safely collect asbestos samples but they must be sent to a certified testing facility to verify.

Asbestos samples must be collected and submitted to a facility for asbestos testing. Professional qualified people can safely perform the asbestos sampling. There are do-it-yourself asbestos testing kits that will instruct you how to perform the sampling safely yourself.

Asbestos insulating properties are regarded as the best in the world so for many years it was used for insulating everything you can think of going back 4000 years. Not much was done about the dangers until the late 1970s. The used of the mineral was banned for use in construction and other materials. Asbestos is the name given to six types of naturally occurring fibers. The major problem is the fibers are microscopic and easily become airborne. The danger occurs when inhaled.

The EPA requires the PLM method of asbestos testing which is performed with very powerful microscopes. The PLM method is (polarized light microscopy) analysis. This type of asbestos testing verifies the type and the amount of asbestos contained in the samples submitter for testing.

Asbestos testing laboratories get their accreditation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. They have set up the accreditation program that labs must comply with to do asbestos testing. Directory of Accredited Laboratories for testing can be found at: http://ts.nist.gov/Standards/scopes/plmtm.htm

Testing for asbestos [http://www.asbestosremovalsolutions.com/asbestos-testing-why-test-for-asbestos/] and asbestos removal solutions [http://www.asbestosremovalsolutions.com/] is a subject that everyone should be aware of for their own personal safety. Not to mention the safety of their families and friends.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/David_Nettles/134562

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