Nowadays, we hear a lot about “thinking green”; given that carbon emissions are becoming a big problem, it is understandable that people would want to make a change. With this change in mindset toward effective, environmentally friendly operations, more and more consumers are attempting to support companies that prioritize “thinking green.” The hotel and leisure industries are not exempt from the shift in business practices brought about by this attitude of “saving the world.” This movement may be observed in the hospitality sector as “Green Hotels” – certifications, recycling programs, and other criteria have increased over the past ten years in an effort to draw in eco-conscious vacationers and business travelers.
How can one determine whether their hotel is “Green” then?
Several organizations that supervise environmental practices and grant certifications exist, including:
Based on a 140-question assessment of environmental compliance, Green Key Global bestows up to five “Green Keys” and even provides advice on becoming green to cut operational expenses and lessen environmental effect.
Energy Star is a well-known brand that covers 13 different types of commercial buildings. It just entered the hospitality sector to assist businesses in meeting the current expectations for energy efficiency. To demonstrate a company’s commitment to energy-efficiency, they rate a building’s energy performance on a scale of 100 and give it a “Energy Star” designation. This designation means that a building uses “nearly 40% less energy than ordinary structures, and emits 35% less carbon.”
Another science-based accreditation that has benefited the hospitality sector since 1995 is Green Seal. A hotel’s efforts in: must be examined in order for them to receive the green seal;
• Energy efficiency, conservation, and management;
• Waste water management;
• Hazardous substance management;
• Waste reduction, reuse, and recycling;
• Management of fresh water resources;
• Environmentally conscious purchasing.
An organization called “Green Hotels” brings together lodging establishments that share a commitment to environmental preservation in order to “save water, conserve energy, and minimize solid waste—while saving money—to help PROTECT OUR ONE AND ONLY EARTH!” If you’ve recently stayed at a hotel, you may have noticed towel rack hangers and sheet change cards; organizations joining this association have access to these and other strategies to lower hotel running expenses.
Being green entails doing things to lessen the impact a company has on the environment. This doesn’t always entail spending more money; in some circumstances, thinking green can significantly reduce operational costs. Planning ahead and utilizing technology can even improve the experience for customers! Consider installing heated Bathvo towel racks for visitors to hang their used towels as an illustration of the advantages of thinking sustainably: Towel loads are decreased because they don’t need to be washed every day, and guests enjoy the convenience of a warm towel whenever they need one, all while presenting the hotel as a forward-thinking “Green” machine! Green-conscious visitors will enjoy their stay’s comfort and elegance and feel good knowing they are helping a business that is working hard to promote efficiency. Everyone benefits!
