The Stratosphere Selects Smart Systems' Intelligent Energy Management Solutions to Help Reduce Energy Consumption and Costs

Business Wire, July 14, 2003

Energy Editors/Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 14, 2003

Wireless Systems Improve Room Environment and Guest Comfort

Smart Systems International, a leading innovator of intelligent energy-saving management systems for the lodging industry, today announced that the Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower has selected and implemented Smart System's wireless energy management solutions to substantially reduce energy costs.

The Stratosphere, which features 2,444 spacious rooms including 220 luxurious suites in four towers, was looking for a solution to manage energy throughout its diverse accommodations. Extreme desert heat and ever-increasing utility rates prompted the property to look for a viable solution to control and manage heating and cooling of each of its rooms while providing its guests with maximum environmental comfort. Smart Systems' wireless thermostats, controllers and occupancy sensors with patented Recovery Time(TM) technology allow room temperatures to drift to energy-saving levels when the room is unoccupied and then quickly recover to the guests' desired temperature upon the guest's return to the room.

"By implementing Smart Systems' wireless computerized thermostats, sensors and PTAC controllers in all of our rooms, we will save significantly on our energy consumption and utility bills," stated Jovan Zec, director of facilities for the Stratosphere. "Their Recovery Time technology is a great solution to manage room temperatures so we're not paying for excess energy when our rooms are unoccupied. With these new controllers, we plan on realizing approximately 40 percent in runtime savings. Also, their systems will allow for peak shaving and will reduce wear and tear on our HVAC units -- giving us additional energy and equipment savings."

"The Stratosphere is a perfect property for our advanced systems. Their variety of room-layouts in several towers, high guest traffic and desert weather require an intelligent system to effectively manage and optimize their energy consumption," stated Bill Dukes, Smart Systems International president and CEO. "Being selected by the Stratosphere is a great testament to our technology, systems and people."

During installation, Smart Systems' energy experts worked closely with the hotel's staff to assure streamlined implementation, staff orientation and training. Because the thermostats, controllers and sensors are wireless, installation was very fast with minimal disruption to room availability.

Using a proprietary algorithm, Smart Systems' digital thermostat's advanced microprocessor performs scientific calculations that allow a room's temperature to drift up or down for maximum energy savings while providing quick temperature recovery upon the guest's return. In high-humidity areas, the units can be programmed to adjust for various moisture levels. Controlling the HVAC system for optimized operation and energy savings, the smart thermostat records detailed occupancy and HVAC usage data. This provides hotel management with room occupancy patterns and percentages correlated with HVAC system efficiency and run time hours saved, as well as HVAC unit health statistics.

Available for immediate installation, the wireless digital thermostats and PTAC controllers are UL listed and comply with FCC standards. For more information on Smart Systems' complete line of ENERGY STAR(R) labeled energy management systems, visit them at: www.2GetSmart.com or call 800-2GetSmart (800-243-8762).

Smart Savings:

Usage studies report that "sold" hotel rooms are unoccupied an average of 12 or more hours per day with the HVAC system left on most of that time. Energy savings comes from automating the process of relaxing the HVAC unit when a space becomes unoccupied. Studies show that 42% of the energy used to heat and cool space is commonly wasted. Smart Systems' energy management systems provide room-by-room, guest-by-guest savings using exclusive Recovery Time(TM) technology.

About Smart Systems International:

Founded in 1992, Smart Systems International is a privately held company headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Smart Systems holds several patents and is a technology innovator of in-room energy management systems for hotels, motels, large resorts, office buildings, military bases and school districts throughout the U.S.

About the Stratosphere:

Stratosphere is an integrated casino/hotel/entertainment complex located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. Highlighted by the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, the tallest free standing observation tower in the United States, Stratosphere features 2,444 guest rooms and suites; an expansive 100,000 square foot casino offering the best odds in Las Vegas; uniquely themed restaurants, including the acclaimed Top of the World revolving restaurant at the top of the Stratosphere Tower, Fellini's Tower of Pasta Italian restaurant, The Crazy Armadillo Oyster Bar, Lucky's Cafe and Hamada's Asian Village; The Tower Shops at Stratosphere, a vast retail and entertainment mall; the destination Big Shot and High Roller thrill rides; and the popular American Superstars and Viva Las Vegas productions. For more information on the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, call 702-380-7777 or 800-99-TOWER (998-6937).