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Can going green help your hotel save money? Though expensive, some of these practices may end up paying for themselves in long run finds Amrita Chhabria
A few years ago, going green was a tree hugger’s purview, not a hotel’s, it just wasn’t profitable enough.
But this attitude has changed in recent times. Not only is the customer demanding it, but the developer is also looking into it. Going Green has turned into a financial and investment issue. Investors prefer green companies.
Buying into going green has proven to result in an improved corporate image, an energised workforce as well as competitive advantage in the market place. Efficiencies are created, costs are reduced, and energy is saved by integrating sustainable business practices which increase profitability.
Here are a few of the green initiatives creating a buzz in the hospitality industry,
1. LEED certified Buildings: - The US Green Building Council has developed this internationally recognised certification system – Leadership in Energy and Environmental design works throughout the building lifecycle to promote an approach to sustainability that recognises performance in five key areas–
a. Sustainable Site development
b. Water savings
c. Energy Efficiency
d. Materials Selection
e. Indoor Environmental quality
The Indian Green Building Council (www.igbc.in) has successfully launched LEED in India which offers levels of certification – Platinum, Gold and Silver. There are over a 100 LEED certified projects in India.
Achieving this certification provides a large number of benefits. The immediate one being reduction of energy consumption to an extent of 40%, other benefits include a decreased consumption of water, overall improvement in productivity and a “green” image for the brand.
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Starwood is rolling out its Element brand which will feature recycling bins (for paper, glass and plastic) magnetic Do Not Disturb signs, filtered water and soap dispensers to eliminate plastic bottle waste. Rooms also feature full kitchens, healthy food pantries and ergonomic desk chairs. Hybrid drivers get priority parking. Most importantly all Element hotels will be LEED certified. This brand has been launched in North America and the Middle East as of now.
Marriott is striving to expand its portfolio of “green” hotels and buildings, and is developing green hotel guidelines in line with LEED for use by its hotel development partners. The Courtyard by Marriott—Portland City Center 256-room hotel was built to earn LEED Gold certification from the US Green Building Council.
According to a survey of organisations that had undergone at least one LEED certified green retrofit project, by Deloitte, the benefits of the same included
• 93% of the respondents reported a greater ability to attract talent
• 81% saw greater employee retention,
• 87% reported an improvement in workforce productivity
• 75% saw an improvement in employee health
• 73% reported that they had achieved cost reductions as a result of implementing green measures
2. Green Key cards: - Kaba Ilco inc., which makes hotel key cards, has introduced two environmentally friendly products made from 100% recycled poly-vinyl chloride or from polylactide acid plastic – this is derived from a corn byproduct and is both recyclable and biodegradable. An average 100-room hotel property uses approximately 10,000 keycards annually. This adds up to approximately 25 kilograms – or roughly 50 pounds – of materials. Green keys will help tip the scales against adding more non-biodegradable waste to landfills. Marriott has “unlocked” the door to a greener hotel stay by purchasing 24 million key cards made of 50% recycled material, saving 66 tons of plastic from being dumped in the landfill.
3. Travelocity’s Green Directory: - In a survey conducted by Travelocity, 59% of travelers indicated that a green rating would have some influence in their hotel selection in 2009. Hence, the green travel directory was launched to highlight properties and destinations already offering meaningful sustainability initiatives. Travelocity’s green directory, which can be accessed at www.travelocity.com/greentravel, currently features more than 200 hotels from across the world.
Many are 100% carbon neutral, serve locally-grown, organic foods in their restaurants, and some have partnerships with local conservation groups and encourage guests to make individual donations, which will be matched by the hotel. The Lemon Tree hotel in Delhi and the Orchid hotel in Mumbai both feature in this directory.
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