Simple Green Measures Adopted at Hotels

How green is your favorite hotel? Can you tell?

Around the world, hotels are going green.  But the pace at which properties are adopting eco-friendly measures or incorporating sustainable materials into construction has slowed due to the economy.

These days, simple green measures are still being adopted at hotels.  Not the more expensive environmental upgrades like solar panels and retrofits, but switches to energy efficient lighting, low-flow faucets and toilets and adopting of water conservation and recycling programs.  And every little bit is adding up from both a cost perspective and to benefit the environment.  In fact, simply switching to bathroom fixtures that use less water can save a hotel 10-20% right off the bat!

A New York Times article recently noted that Starwood Hotels and Resorts has installed compact fluorescent bulbs, Energy-Star rated appliances and low-flow plumbing at its “Element” hotel in Lexington, MA and saved $52,000 in annual operating costs.   Hotels’ annual budgets typically list energy use as its second-highest expense.  So, transitioning to eco-friendly lodging is great for the bottom line – especially in the strapped economy!

While hotels are adopting simple green measures to save money and the environment, don’t expect them to be obvious.  In fact, companies hope that most of their guests do not even realize the changes that are being made, as it could make some feel uncomfortable or inconvenienced.

Environmentally friendly hotels still want to be recognized for their efforts, however.  Just as long as the people who stay at their properties don’t feel like they will be paying more for going green.

Although there is no consistent industry standard for green hotels, there are number of websites that rate and review the environmental measures being adopted at various properties:

• Green Key Global
• iStay Green
• EcoHotels of the World
• Green Lodge
• Green Hotels Association

Of course, you could always leave a comment below about a green hotel (or otherwise) at which you’ve stayed!