The Ritz-Carlton luxury hotels pride themselves on providing an exceptional guest experience. They operate some of the finest hotel properties in the world focusing on providing luxury, and have found they do not need to compromise the luxury to achieve environmental standards.
The Ritz-Carlton Charlotte designed a LEED Gold property and is constantly looking for ways to decrease the environmental impact without compromising luxury.
To improve the efficiency of their HVAC and enhance their guests’ comfort, The Ritz-Carlton chose to install Hüper Optik’s Patented Nano-Ceramic Window film. This provided an aggressive Return on Investment of less than 4 years. With the added incentives offered through Utility Company rebates, the ROI was reduced to around 2 years.
Lawrence Hindle, Director of Engineering for The Ritz-Carlton says, “I have seen many benefits of using Hüper Optik window film products including Ceramic 35, Ceramic 30 and Ceramic 40, including a very good ROI for utility savings, increased guest comfort and by extending our asset life while improving views from our facilities.” “Mr. Kishi (Huper Optik Authorized Dealer) has always lived up to his promises, is extremely professional, and has a wonderful work ethic and integrity. I have entrusted facilities to Keith and his teams in excess of $400 million and Keith always performs.”
The LEED Gold certification is a distinction awarded The Ritz Carlton Charlotte by achieving the criteria set by the U.S. Green Build Council for environmental stewardship. This award is the culmination of the design and focus of The Ritz Carlton Charlotte in using a sustainable design and efficient use of resources to help protect our environment.
The installation of Hüper Optik Nano-Ceramic films offered an 8% reduction in overall energy use on this property without changing the look of the existing glass.
Hüper Optik USA is a market leader in German engineered, multi-layered nano-ceramic and traditional solar control film technology, providing energy savings and security solutions for commercial, residential, automotive and marine industries through a strategic network of authorized dealers in the United States, Mexico, South America and Canada. The company is known for its innovations in ceramics, including its patented dual layer nano-ceramics and neutral-toned products with low interior reflectivity. For more information or to become a dealer visit http://www.huperoptikusa.com or contact communications@huperoptikusa.com.
Hüper Optik USA, the leader and pioneer of the only Multi-Layered Nano-Ceramic Window Tint, has honored their best dealers in the nation over the last two weeks at their regional meetings. Making a concerted effort to drill down and focus on each region’s markets specifically, the content provided allowed attendees to get much more specific with regional and company-related questions and concerns regarding various topics. This effort resulted in only positive feedback with many stating the meeting being the best film manufacturer meeting they had ever attended.
There were 8 companies honored for their regional successes in 2014. The regional Hüper Optik dealers of the year were XLNT Window Tint in California, Adams Window Tinting in Oklahoma, Solar Reflections in Alabama and The Solar Guys in Florida. These companies are leaders in their communities and have gone to great lengths to satisfy their customers. They are incredible representatives of the Huper Optik value “drive to serve with quality”, which is only one of the reasons they were selected as 2014 Huper Optik USA Regional Dealers of the Year.
Also recognized, were the companies that made a big splash their first year, and the ones that improve some of the finest cars by keeping them cool and saving on fuel consumption. The regional winners for the Horizon “New Dealer” of the year went to All Pro Window Tinting in Georgia Window Tint LA in California and Fine Line Glass Tinting in Texas. The Automotive regional dealers of the year were Accu-Tint in Tennessee and Ultimate Window Tinting in Orlando.
Whether it came to installing Hüper Optik window film for an average home owner or a big celebrity, a large commercial building or a storefront, on the windows of a Ford Focus or Porsche GT3, these companies did nothing short of top quality work. They made sound decisions based on integrity that helped their companies grow exponentially in 2014. These traits and values are just part of the reason they were recognized as new and automotive dealers of the year within the Hüper Optik USA network for 2014. Hüper Optik stands behind their dealersand isfocused on partnering with quality business leaders providing top quality products and services to their clients.
Hüper Optik USA is a market leader in German engineered, multi-layered nano-ceramic and traditional solar control film technology, providing energy savings and security solutions for commercial, residential, automotive and marine industries through a strategic network of authorized dealers in the United States, Mexico, South America and Canada. The company is known for its innovations in ceramics, including its patented dual layer nano-ceramics and neutral-toned products with low interior reflectivity. For more information or to become a dealer visit http://www.huperoptikusa.com or contact communications@huperoptikusa.com
Congress has recently passed HR 5771, an extension of tax credits on energy efficient improvements. These energy efficient improvements include window film and allows taxpayers to claim the incentives on their 2014 returns filed in early 2015. Congress stated that they will cover up to 10 percent of the cost of window films to a maximum of $500.
As part of a home or building’s insulation envelope, window films like those manufactured by Huper Optik, reduces energy consumption by rejecting the sun’s solar energy and UV rays during the hot months of the year. Window films have been formulated to allow in the maximum amount of natural light, all while still protecting you against the sun’s heat, and UV rays. Not known to most, but in the winter months some window film can reflect heat, keeping it in, allowing for less energy consumption.
It has been proven that window films are beneficial in residential and commercial energy efficiency improvements by reducing a property’s carbon footprint. There are many dealers around the country that carry it and application time is short. It also has been proven that window films have a lower cost than most energy efficient improvements, as well as a faster return on investment. These are just a few reasons window film has made it on HR 5771 allowing consumers to claim the tax credit on their 2014 returns.
Heritage ll provides a quick look across a timeline of technical advancement. Starting with earlier times, moving through the industrial revolution and into later innovations. The video gives a brief but deeper insight into the uses of ceramics, along with the formulation and benefits of Titanium Nitride, a key ingredient in the industry leading Nano-Ceramic technology.
This short takes a brief look into the origins of Hüper Optik, the heritage, glass architecture and window film construction, while highlighting our patented revolutionary technology called Nano-Ceramics.
Presented with an opportunity to host an autobahn Advanced Window Film Shaping course, Hüper Optik USA Director of Business Development, Harry Rahman, and VP of National Sales, John Yard, were curious to see this company, program and window film training in action.
Autobahn today offers the world’s best window film program with the vision to become the world’s premier auto spa. They’ve only been on the scene for a year, but seem to be making a big splash in the market with 16 stores to date. The focus on consumer satisfaction, quality of their Performa Window film product (or window tint as most people know it), and the choice to use the patented Huper Optik Nano-Ceramic films, is why dealers are excited about this program. Gary Clark, the autobahn Program Manager, formerly involved with launching other automotive film brands, had this to say about the company’s current success. “Along with the world’s highest performing non-reflective films, current automotive dealers are upgrading to the autobahn premium program because of the intangibles the program offers.” The no-hassle warranty, advanced window film shaping course, annual continued education and an amazing marketing display (with custom heat demo) shows auto dealers the effort, commitment and support autobahn provides the dealers.
Standing on the sideline watching the training, Harry and John could see what autobahn is bringing to the market. These are not just products they are trying to sell to consumers, they are teaching and encouraging dealers to take the utmost pride, paying strict attention to detail and creating an all-round experience for the customer from the minute they walk into an autobahn shop. A commitment to the end consumer, its people, programs, policies and warranty are autobahn’s competitive edge.
Since the Wright brothers’ first flight and the creation of the Ford motor car, all vehicles have been using fuels that are damaging to the environment. We continue to search for viable clean fuels that will allow us to travel to the neighborhood store or around the world. Unfortunately, for the moment, we must continue to use these harmful fuels and pay the steadily rising price for it per barrel and via our ozone.
The Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Facility Management Team was searching for a solution to save energy, and impact energy efficiency with an environmentally friendly product. Faced with the challenges of preserving views, along with attempting to achieve their objectives, one of Royal Caribbeans’ options was to replace the glass on all vessels. Fortunately, instead of replacing 500,000 sq. ft. of glass, Hüper Optik Ceramic 40 and Ceramic 50 window tints (or window film, as industry insiders call it) were installed for one tenth the cost of replacing the glass.
The Hüper Optik Window Film allowed Royal Caribbean to achieve their set goals impacting energy efficiency by saving energy, and reducing fuel consumption. This saved on costs while doing it in an environmentally friendly manner. Twenty-three vessels had film installed, which also helped to reduce the fading of carpets and upholstery, lowered surface temperatures by over 9 degrees Fahrenheit, and kept cabins cooler and more comfortable.
Like the rest of the soccer fans around the world, I’ve been watching the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil since day one. Introduced to soccer the untraditional way…through video games (EA Sports FIFA ‘98), I fell in love with futbol as I controlled players like Thierry Henry, Patrick Kluivert, and the current team USA head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann.
Now older, more observant and environmentally conscience, I’ve wondered, what effects are being created by such an event on Brazil. Is the tournament effecting the native Brazilians’ way of life? How much energy is being consumed during the tournament? 12 Stadiums are being used for the tournament, so factor in the energy used for stadiums, venues around the stadiums and country, the networks and broadcasting the tournament, along with transporting fans and teams in, out and around the country. Then add ground transportation for everyone there as well. These are just the major energy consumers; the list is much longer than you think.
FIFA did a study, and based off the energy used at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, just TV operations will inject 24,670 tons of CO2 to the Brazilian atmosphere. This is equivalent to burning 13,250 tons of coal or 2.8 million gallons of gas. FIFA’s estimation of the complete carbon footprint that would be left behind in Brazil came in at 2.72 million tons of CO2 (306 million gallons of gas). The energy consumers FIFA accounted for was a similar list to the above list I created. This included stadiums, training grounds, concessions, festivals, travel, hotels, etc.
These numbers may discourage you from wanting to ever attend an event of this magnitude. It clearly reveals that we contribute to the strain on the environment in one specific area for 30 days every four years. Yet, it’s studies like this that help us to decrease the events’ total energy consumption, and move towards cleaner fuels, more efficient energy consumption and the innovation that it takes to create and incorporate better ways of life into these larger than life events.
In keeping with the spirit of the 2014 Fifa World Cup Brazil, here’s a look at the 12 stadiums that were built and/or remodeled for the most watched sporting event in the world. The architecture of some of these buildings is amazing! Arena Corinthians and Arena Amazonia are breathtaking! Also, with the first weekend of matches in the books, see the updated scores for the upsets and victories that occurred in just the first four days of the tournament.
CITY: Rio de Janeiro STADIUM: Maracana (capacity 73,531) HOME TO: Fluminense FC and CR Flamengo
People living outside of Brazil know Rio de Janeiro for its amazing beaches, Sugar Loaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer statue. However, those who know football know that the newly rebuilt Maracana stadium is the historic site where Uruguay beat Brazil, on their home field, in the 1930 World Cup final.
MATCHES:
June 15, 2014 23:00 Argentina 2 v Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 – Group F
June 18, 2014 23:00 Spain 0 v Chile 2 – Group B
June 22, 2014 23:00 Belgium 1 v Russia 0 – Group H
June 25, 2014 21:00 Ecuador 0 v France 0 – Group E
June 28, 2014 21:00 Winner Group C v Runner-up Group D
July 4, 2014 21:00 Quarter-finals
July 13, 2014 20:00 Final
CITY: Sao Paulo
STADIUM: Arena Corinthians (capacity 65,000)
HOME TO: Corinthians
The birthplace of football (Sao Paulo) was given the honor of hosting the first match of the 2014 World Cup that featured host Brazil v. Croatia. The match was a great opener to start of what has been a brilliant tournament thus far. Though many say the win was a controversial one for the Brazilians, you cannot fault the ref, he made the right call. The angle in which he was when Naymar Jr. was slightly pulled down to the ref clearly looked like a foul and he was deserving of the penalty kick.
MATCHES:
June 12, 2014 21:00 Brazil 3 v Croatia 1 – Group A
June 19, 2014 20:00 Uruguay 2 v England 1 – Group D
June 23, 2014 17:00 Netherlands 2 v Chile 0 – Group B
June 26, 2014 21:00 Korea Republic 0 v Belgium 1 – Group H
July 1, 2014 17:00 Winner Group F v Runner-up Group E
July 9, 2014 21:00 Semi-Final
CITY: Brasilia
STADIUM: Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha (capacity: 68,009)
HOME TO: Brasília Futebol Clube
This stadium takes its name from Brazilian football icon Garrincha. The country’s capitol city is Brasilia, and this newly built stadium is home to the Brasília Futebol Clube.
MATCHES:
une 15, 2014 17:00 Switzerland 2 v Ecuador 1 – Group E
June 19, 2014 17:00 Colombia 2 v Ivory Coast 1 – Group C
June 23, 2014 21:00 Cameroon 1 v Brazil 4 – Group A
June 26, 2014 17:00 Portugal 2 v Ghana 1 – Group G
June 30, 2014 17:00 Winner Group E v Runner-up Group F
July 5, 2014 17:00 Quarter-finals
July 12, 2014 21:00 Third place match
CITY: Fortaleza
STADIUM: Estadio Castelao (capacity: 58,704)
HOME TO: Ceara SC and Ferroviario AC
The Fortaleza stadium has been given a face-lift for the World Cup. Brazil with take on Mexico in their second group game. Being a coastal city you can find some of the best seafood in Fortaleza.
MATCHES:
June 14, 2014 20:00 Uruguay 1 v Costa Rica 3 – Group D
June 17, 2014 20:00 Brazil 0 v Mexico 0 – Group A
June 23, 2014 20:00 Germany 2 v Ghana 2 – Group G
June 24, 2014 21:00 Greece 2 v Ivory Coast 1 – Group C
June 29, 2014 17:00 Winner Group B v Runner-up Group A
July 4, 2014 21:00 Quarter-final
CITY: Belo Horizonte
STADIUM: Estadio Mineirao (capacity: 57,483)
HOME TO: Cruzeiro Esporte Clube
Since winning the hosting duties of the world’s biggest sporting event, Brazil has given some of its current stadiums a makeover. The Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte was one of those stadiums chosen to get an upgrade. Expect to be wowed as you enter this awesome structure. From a fan’s perspective Belo Horizonte is more affordable than Rio but it is about an hour flight from city to city. Travelers, make sure you have a plan, winging it is not advised.
MATCHES:
June 14, 2014 17:00 Colombia 3 v Greece 0 – Group C
June 17, 2014 17:00 Belgium 2 v Algeria 1 – Group H
June 21, 2014 17:00 Argentina 1 v Iran 0 – Group F
June 24, 2014 17:00 Costa Rica 0 v England 0 – Group D
June 28, 2014 17:00 Winner Group A v Runner-up Group B
July 8, 2014 21:00 Semi-final
CITY: Porto Alegre
STADIUM: Estadio Beira-Rio (capacity: 48,849)
HOME TO: Sport Club Internacional
You want to talk about architecture, ok, let’s talk about the Estadio Beira-Rio. This stadium is so visually appealing, it’s incredible! The contrast of the green pitch and the white used on the structure is stunning. If you plan on watching the France v. Honduras game live (as its looks to be a good one) be sure to come armed with an umbrella. The subtropical climate of Porto Alegre has been know to bless the city with rain quite often.
MATCHES:
June 15, 2014 20:00 France 3 v Honduras 0 – Group E
June 18, 2014 17:00 Australia 2 v Netherlands 3 – Group B
June 22, 2014 17:00 Korea Republic 2 v Algeria 4 – Group H
June 25, 2014 17:00 Nigeria 2 v Argentina 3 – Group F
June 30, 2014 21:00 Winner Group G v Runner-up Group H
CITY: Recife
STADIUM: Arena Pernambuco (capacity: 44,248)
HOME TO: Nautico
If there was any community that has a love for its city, teams, and the sport of football, its Recife. The football fans of this town can rival sport loving cities like New England, London and Dallas. This is a new stadium built for the World Cup but will be home to three legendary Brazillian FCs, Santa Cruz, Nautico and Sport.
MATCHES:
June 14, 2014 23:00 Côte D’Ivoire 2 v Japan 1 – Group C
June 20, 2014 17:00 Italy 0 v Costa Rica 1 – Group D
June 23, 2014 21:00 Croatia 1 v Mexico 3 – Group A
June 26, 2014 17:00 USA 0 v Germany 1 – Group G
June 29, 2014 21:00 Winner Group D v Runner-up Group C
CITY: Salvador
STADIUM: Arena Fonte Nova (capacity: 52,048)
HOME TO: EC Bahia and EC Vitoria
The Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador is not just a stadium…it’s an entertainment complex. This stadium has a restaurant that boasts panoramic views, shops, hotels, a museum of football and a concert hall. It’s its own mini city. Incredible! This building will be lit up and buzzing long after the World Cup is over. Salvador is a northeastern city so it will be humid. For fans attending the games, be sure to keep hydrated.
MATCHES:
June 13, 2014 21:00 Spain 1 v Netherlands 5 – Group B
June 16, 2014 18:00 Germany 4 v Portugal 0 – Group G
June 20, 2014 21:00 Switzerland 2 v France 5 – Group E
June 25, 2014 18:00 Bosnia-Herzegovina 3 v Iran 1 – Group F
July 1, 2014 18:00 Winner Group H v Runner-up Group G
July 5, 2014 22:00 Quarter-final
CITY: Cuiaba
STADIUM: Arena Pantanal (capacity: 42,968)
HOME TO: Cuiaba EC and Mixto EC
Cuiaba, the “Green City,” which is surrounded by a national park, is located south of the Amazon but close enough that they share the same climate. So sitting (or probably standing and cheering) in the Arena Pantanal will be hot and humid. However, you’re not going to want to miss the Russia v. Korea or Japan v. Colombia games, those are sure to be great games.
MATCHES:
June 13, 2014 23:00 Chile 3 v Australia 1 – Group B
June 17, 2014 23:00 Russia 1 v Korea Republic 1 – Group H
June 21, 2014 23:00 Nigeria 1 v Bosnia-Herzegovina 0 – Group F
June 24, 2014 21:00 Japan 1 v Colombia 4 – Group C
CITY: Manaus
STADIUM: Arena Amazonia (capacity: 42,374)
HOME TO: Nacional FC, Fast Club and Rio Negro
Arena Amazonia, which is probably one of the most beautiful stadiums of the 12 that will host the World Cup, stands right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. The city is no Recife when it comes to the love of the game, but World Cup Brazil organizers’ goal was to spread the games throughout the entire country. Some feel this stadium will be the white elephant of the event once this is over. However, this stadium being surrounded by the rainforest makes it unique, which may draw more use especially as a neutral site future matches.
MATCHES:
June 14, 2014 02:00 England 1 v Italy 2 – Group D
June 18, 2014 20:00 Cameroon 0 v Croatia 4 – Group A
June 22, 2014 20:00 USA 2 v Portugal 2 – Group G
June 25, 2014 21:00 Honduras 0 v Switzerland 3 – Group E
CITY: Natal
STADIUM: Estadio das Dunas (capacity: 42,086)
HOME TO: America FC
The flower of the 12 stadiums, the Estadio das Dunas’s roof was designed to mimic petals of a flower. Amazing how design inspiration can come from anywhere. Natal, or Sun City as many call it, boast year round perfect 82ºF weather and arguably the country’s best beaches.
MATCHES:
June 13, 2014 17:00 Mexico 1 v Cameroon 0 – Group A
June 16, 2014 23:00 Ghana 1 v USA 2 – Group G
June 19, 2014 23:00 Japan 0 v Greece 0 – Group C
June 24, 2014 17:00 Italy 0 v Uruguay 1 – Group D
CITY: Curitiba
STADIUM: Arena da Baixada (capacity: 41,456)
HOME TO: Atletico Paranaense
Built in 1914, Arena da Baixada might be the oldest stadium of the 12 chosen to host the World Cup, and has been given a face lift twice. Being refurbished instead of completely rebuilt tells you a little about the historic importance of the stadium and what it means to the southern Brazilian city. Due to its location, Arena da Baixada may boast the best climate conditions of the games with temperatures expected to stay around 77ºF with no humidity. Fans will undoubtedly be buzzing around Curitiba.
MATCHES:
June 16, 2014 20:00 Iran 0 v Nigeria 0 – Group F
June 20, 2014 23:00 Honduras 1 v Ecuador 2 – Group E
June 23, 2014 17:00 Australia 0 v Spain 3 – Group B
June 26, 2014 21:00 Algeria 1 v Russia 1 – Group H
A few of these stadiums have quite a bit of glass incorporated into their structure. All could have benefited from using Huper Optik window film to keep the heat out. The Huper Select Drei’s incredibly high heat rejection would have been amazing and saved them money on their electricity.
Stadium statistics and images courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Scores have been updated as of the end of the group stage of the World Cup.
Faced with losing tenants due to complaints about excessive heat and increased glare coming through the facility’s windows, Los Angeles’ famed Beverly Center management had their back against the wall. Both tenants and consumers were feeling the extreme heat the building’s windows were allowing in, causing for unhappy consumers and tenants due to lost business.
Management at the Beverly Center needed a quick and inexpensive solution before they started losing tenants, consumers and revenue. Facility officials were introduced to Hüper Optik window films and thought this would be the perfect solution. Installing Hüper Optik’s Select Sech commercial window film on all of the buildings’ outward facing glass, would reduce the heat entering the building by about 60%. This would also keep management from having to completely replace all of the windows, which would cost three times as much money, and ten times as much time.
The high heat rejected by the Hüper Optik Select Sech Window Film allowed for a more comfortable shopping experience for consumers, and prevented tenants from moving out of the facility. The Beverly Center’s unique signature views did not change, and the facility’s monthly utility bills were significantly reduced, allowing commercial chillers to operate even more efficiently.
With a job this large, Manny Almeida of ClearView Sun Control knew he could not do it alone, so he called on the Huper Optik Network’s most skillful west coast dealers to assist him. Here is Manny’s Hüper Optik West Coast ‘Dream Team’ that worked with him on the Beverly Center installation:
Window Innovations, Steve Clark of Brentwood, CA
Songs Tint Masters, Hann Kim of Los Angeles, CA
Solar Shield, Brian Malone of Central Point, OR
Protective Glass Coatings, Joey Jones of San Diego, CA
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