Information for Hoteliers
Did you know that the most costly and wasteful use of resources within the hotel industry today are the consumption of nonrenewable energy, excessive water use, and generation of waste?There are ways that you’re hotel can save money, increase its customer base, and be environmentally friendly. This may seem too good to be true, but believe me, there is a way you can do all of these things- simply by applying environmentally responsible (or “green”) business practices and a more sustainable solution to the way you operate and manage your hotel.
First let me explain why you should consider green operations in order to gain a larger customer base. According to Jim Butler in his Case for Green Hotel Development which appeared in The Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, “Hotel developers and managers may be wary of the current emphasis on “green” hotel development, because such trends have come and gone in the past. This time, however, consumers will almost certainly continue to demand that hotels join other commercial real estate operators in constructing and operating their buildings in accordance with standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.” Governments are beginning to mandate reduced energy use and emissions through LEED standards- showing the population that we need to be serious about our wasteful practices. Since travelers and hotel customers are becoming more and more aware about the actions taken to be green, they will inevitably be concerned during their travels as well. Ecotourism- tourism that is nature oriented and environmentally focused- is growing rapidly with a count of 43 million tourists considering themselves ecotourists. Travelers are demanding environmentally responsible practices in the hotels they stay in, and will continue to do so. This is not just a fad as the popularity of “going green” has in the past- there is evidence that green and sustainable development will be the new “norm,” by looking at pop-culture, government regulations, and political awareness.
First let me explain why you should consider green operations in order to gain a larger customer base. According to Jim Butler in his Case for Green Hotel Development which appeared in The Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, “Hotel developers and managers may be wary of the current emphasis on “green” hotel development, because such trends have come and gone in the past. This time, however, consumers will almost certainly continue to demand that hotels join other commercial real estate operators in constructing and operating their buildings in accordance with standards established by the U.S. Green Building Council.” Governments are beginning to mandate reduced energy use and emissions through LEED standards- showing the population that we need to be serious about our wasteful practices. Since travelers and hotel customers are becoming more and more aware about the actions taken to be green, they will inevitably be concerned during their travels as well. Ecotourism- tourism that is nature oriented and environmentally focused- is growing rapidly with a count of 43 million tourists considering themselves ecotourists. Travelers are demanding environmentally responsible practices in the hotels they stay in, and will continue to do so. This is not just a fad as the popularity of “going green” has in the past- there is evidence that green and sustainable development will be the new “norm,” by looking at pop-culture, government regulations, and political awareness.
Green hotels also save money and gain profits. These hotels conserve and preserve by saving water, reducing energy use, and reducing solid waste have seen benefits such as “reduced costs and liabilities, high return and low-risk investments, increased profits, and positive cash flows,” according to Sarah Alexander for the Zero Waste Alliance.
Here is a breakdown for some information on the savings involved with energy, waster, and waste management and conservation:
Some ways to save by being more energy efficient are to install motion detectors, lower the temperature of washing machines, install incandescent fluorescent lighting, and to consider solar power as an option.
As far as water conservation, hotels are encouraged to better manage how and when water is being used, addressing both the technical and human side of water management issues. Simply by purchasing and using the proper system and tools can be helpful. Some options include installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, ultra-flow toilets, and more efficient washing machines.
Solid waste in hotels has many components such as paper, food, various metals, plastics, aluminum, and glass. Implementing a solid waste reduction program in a hotel can create significant cost savings such as in waste hauling fees.
Here is a breakdown for some information on the savings involved with energy, waster, and waste management and conservation:
Some ways to save by being more energy efficient are to install motion detectors, lower the temperature of washing machines, install incandescent fluorescent lighting, and to consider solar power as an option.
As far as water conservation, hotels are encouraged to better manage how and when water is being used, addressing both the technical and human side of water management issues. Simply by purchasing and using the proper system and tools can be helpful. Some options include installing low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, ultra-flow toilets, and more efficient washing machines.
Solid waste in hotels has many components such as paper, food, various metals, plastics, aluminum, and glass. Implementing a solid waste reduction program in a hotel can create significant cost savings such as in waste hauling fees.