Go Green
Going Green can help save money, the environment, and improve your hotel’s image. Hugo Martin from the Los Angeles Times writes that nearly 60% of travelers are basing their hotel visits on whether or not they are eco-friendly. Learn how to save money on electricity, water, and recycling with our list on how to make your hotel greener!
Save Electricity
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient fluorescent bulbs.
- Turn off electronics when they are not in use. This goes for lights, computers, televisions, etc.
- Use fans instead of air conditioning when possible.
- Make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed. Caulk areas where air leaks are present.
- During winter, cover windows with plastic to retain as much heat as possible.
- Close the drapes during summer to keep the heat out. During winter, the drapes will help keep heat inside.
- Put lights on motion sensors to eliminate unnecessary electricity consumption.
- Install programmable thermostats to avoid unnecessary heating and cooling costs.
- Use daylight to light rooms
- Buy Energy Star rated products
- Use “smart power strips” that automatically shut down when electronics are not in use.
- Wash linens with cold water.
- Lower the temperature of your hot water. Nobody enjoys scalding hot showers!
- Hang dry linens to cut down on drying costs. Hang drying extends the life of linens.
Save Water
- Wash towels and linens after each guest rather than each day.
- Install low-flow shower heads.
- Install toilet tank diverters which can save as much as 3/4 gallon per flush.
- Install sink aerators.
- Fix leaking toilets and sinks as problems occur.
- Direct downspouts to gardens or other areas that require watering.
- Use rain barrels to collect rain water for other uses.
Recycling
- Donate used soap to organizations such as Clean the World.
- Put recycling bins in guest rooms.
- Recycle/donate old equipment, linens, etc.
- Use old sheets as cleaning rags.
- Reuse plastic shopping bags for wastebasket liners.
- Reuse printed paper as scrap paper.
- Go paperless by going online. Get paperless billing statements and order online!
- Install signs that direct guests to turn lights off, reuse towels, and reuse linens.
- Use less laundry detergent. You can get away with using 1/2 to 2/3 of the recommended amount.
- Use biodegradable cleaners. Your housekeepers will appreciate it too!
- Use low VOC paints- short for “volatile organic compounds.”
- Use rechargeable batteries in television remotes and other remote controlled items around your hotel.
Want to Learn More?
- Hotel Certification Programs
- LEED Certification
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Green Hotels Association
- The TripAdvisor GreenLeaders Program
- EarthCheck Certification
Be Smart. Save Money. Go Green.