Radisson Blu Mall of America Becomes First Hotel in the World with CarbinX™ Carbon Capture Unit to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Installation of CleanO2's groundbreaking technology is part of a CenterPoint Energy program offering cleaner energy solutions to its customers
BLOOMINGTON, MN. - Yesterday CenterPoint Energy (NYSE: CNP) and Radisson Blu Mall of America, part of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), announced the groundbreaking installation of a carbon-capture technology unit, CarbinX™, developed by CleanO2. This marks the first hotel in the world to use this innovative system that captures greenhouse gas emissions from heating equipment. The installation is part of a program by CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota's largest natural gas utility, to explore the potential of new, cleaner energy technologies.
As the world works quickly to find ways to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from human activity, CarbinX is a bold and innovative step in these efforts for commercial buildings such as Radisson Blu MOA.
The size of about two home refrigerators, the CarbinX device is connected directly to the flue of the hotel's natural gas water heating equipment, where it captures carbon dioxide (CO2) and converts it to a nontoxic carbonate powder known as pearl ash. CleanO2, the manufacturer of CarbinX, collects the pearl ash and recycles it as a key ingredient in commercial products such as soaps and detergents. The products are sold online at CleanO2.ca to customers in the U.S. and Canada. They are also sold through several retail chains and boutiques in Canada.
Radisson Blu MOA also expects to reduce its energy bill because the CarbinX unit recycles heat, increasing efficiency in the water heating system to achieve both energy and cost savings.
CenterPoint Energy is deploying the CarbinX technology in a pilot program with 10 of its commercial customers in Minnesota, including Radisson Blu MOA. Additional CarbinX installations are also being considered for inclusion in the utility's first five-year innovation plan under the Natural Gas Innovation Act, a landmark new Minnesota energy law.
We are thrilled to be leading the way to the future of hospitality stewardship. We at Radisson Blu Mall of America and Choice Hotels International are committed to being part of the climate change solution, and we are proud to be a leader in the industry as the first hotel in the world to install a CarbinX unit. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with CenterPoint Energy and CleanO2 to demonstrate the success of CarbinX in this setting, and we're extremely optimistic about the impact this technology can make. Alberto Abreu, General Manager of Radisson Blu Mall of America
CenterPoint Energy is committed to evaluating innovative solutions to reduce emissions and advance a cleaner energy future. Through our natural gas utility in Minnesota, we are excited to offer our business customers the opportunity to deploy this new technology that can help decrease their carbon footprint while also reducing their energy usage and heating bills. Steve Greenley, CenterPoint Energy's Senior Vice President for Utility Operations Support
Moving carbon capture technology to the mainstream takes vision and commitment. At some point, we hope people will take it for granted. But right now, we need leadership and collaboration. That's exactly what we've experienced from CenterPoint Energy and Radisson Blu Mall of America. We're proud to collaborate with them for this installation. Jaeson Cardiff, CEO of CleanO2
Having this innovative new technology installed at Radisson Blu MOA is one example of Choice Hotels' overall focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts to strengthen sustainability in the lodging industry while driving financial returns and lower costs for owners.
A brief video explaining how the CarbinX unit works:
To learn more about this technology, visit: CenterPointEnergy.com/CarbonCapture.
About CenterPoint Energy
CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (NYSE: CNP) is an energy delivery company with electric transmission and distribution, power generation and natural gas distribution operations that serve more than 7 million metered customers in Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio and Texas. As of December 31, 2022, the company owned approximately $38 billion in assets. With approximately 9,000 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. For more information, visit CenterPointEnergy.com.
About CleanO2 Carbon Capture Technologies
CleanO2 is a privately held cleantech company and champion of the circular economy. Its proprietary CarbinX™ technology captures carbon dioxide from natural gas heating systems and converts it into pearl ash (potassium carbonate). CarbinX units have been deployed in Canada, the United States and Japan. CleanO2 pearl ash has numerous commercial applications, including the manufacture of personal care products, cleaning products, fertilizers, foods, pH balancers and more. The revenue from the sale of the pearl ash funds further research and deployment of CarbinX units.
About Choice Hotels®
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. The one to watch in upscale and a leader in midscale and extended stay, Choice® has nearly 7,500 hotels, representing more than 630,000 rooms, in 45 countries and territories. A diverse portfolio of 22 brands that range from full-service upper upscale properties to midscale, extended stay and economy enables Choice® to meet travelers' needs in more places and for more occasions while driving more value for franchise owners and shareholders. The award-winning Choice Privileges® rewards program and co-brand credit card options provide members with a fast and easy way to earn reward nights and personalized perks. For more information, visit www.choicehotels.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication includes "forward-looking statements" about future events, including anticipated development and hotel openings. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including construction delays, availability and cost of financing and the other "Risk Factors" described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, any of which could cause actual results to be materially different from our expectations.
Addendum
This is not an offering. No offer or sale of a franchise will be made except by a Franchise Disclosure Document first filed and registered with applicable state authorities. A copy of the Franchise Disclosure Document can be obtained through contacting Choice Hotels International at 915 Meeting Street, Suite 600, North Bethesda, Maryland 20852 or by email at: [email protected].
