Thursday, October 27, 2011

Green hotel chains lead the way

Hotels can make big and small changes
to be more green and profitable.
Big hotel chains seem to have the advantage when it comes to going green, a new analysis by Washington State University researchers shows.

Chain hotels often have more green practices in place, including:

  • Energy efficient light bulbs
  • Staff training to conserve energy by turning off lights, heaters and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms
  • Bulk purchasing to save on packaging
  • Using less toxic cleaners and chemicals
  • Offering tips to guests on how to save water and energy during their stay (reusing towels and sheets, for example)

The researchers found that the appearance of being green impacted a guest’s decision when it came to similar rooms at the same price.

Traditionally, hotels have had large environmental footprints in the hospitality industry because they use so much water and cleaning chemicals, electricity by keeping lights on all night, etc.

The green hotel movement has become more and more popular since the 1990s.

"It's a smart practice for hotels," says Dennis Reynolds, Ivar B. Haglund Endowed Chair in the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management.

"When it started, no one acknowledged that. They said, 'This is a green practice. We're doing it for the environment.' That caught on very quickly because, yes, it's good for the environment but it's also good for the bottom line."

Greener buildings with better insulation, improved ventilation systems and increased control over room temperature and air quality can cut energy costs significantly.

Source: Washington State University press release

Improve a room’s air quality for more comfort

9400 Ceiling Mount air cleaner
Many hotels are seeing the benefits of green practices - and indoor air quality plays an important role in the experience provided to guests.

A portable air cleaner with activated carbon and HEPA air filters can remove the widest range of odors, chemicals, gases, allergens, molds, bacteria and viruses and provide relief to guests affected by allergies and asthma or chemical sensitivities. Units can also be ducted or otherwise incorporated into existing ventilation systems.

Contact Electrocorp for more information about our line of air cleaners for the hospitality industry and other options.

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