The Hotel Maintenance and Engineering Divisions are Going Green

Unit 33 Hospitality and Tourism Content Standards (33.3.1, 33.3.4, 33.3.8)

What does this mean?

Produce less waste Recycle Save energy Buy and use sustainable products Decrease pollution levels Use less toxic chemicals

The Green Movement

Came from the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, held in June 1992 All over the world people are becoming more aware of our resources and are trying to save our land, air and water

A green hotel uses resources wisely, incorporating energy, water, recycling and waste

Why do we need to control our resources?

More hotels and resorts are being built and remodeled

More people are staying in hotels and resorts

Energy costs have increased

How will the hotels control their resources?

By developing Energy Management Systems (EMS)

What is an Energy Management System?

Computers and other electronic devices to control peak (high) power demand.

The devices control:

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) throughout the building as needed
Photoelectric sensing to control lighting All other aspects of energy use in the operation (water use)

Why is it important to use good energy practices?

People will learn ways to conserve energy and water
They will use up to 20% less energy

Using good energy practices.

Equipment and systems will last longer and perform better Lodging guests will be more comfortable due to better air and water quality Properties will be able to control costs better by having fewer emergency repairs

Who makes the rules for lodging properties?

All lodging properties must follow the rules and regulations of the federal government

What governmental agency monitors proper disposal of waste?

The Environmental Protection Agency commonly known as the EPA

What are the different methods of waste disposal?

Landfills
90% of U.S. garbage is in landfills

Incinerators

Deep wells in the earth

What are the classifications of waste? (33.3.1)

Physical, chemical, biological Consistency Another Classification
Hazardous
Toxic properties Flammable

Non-hazardous
Pose no threat to human health and the environment, and example is household garbage

Special waste
Radioactive medical

Hotel waste is made of two components

Biodegradable
Landscape waste, food waste, paper waste, biodegradable plastic

Non-biodegradable
Plastic, aluminum, glass, other metals

What are some ways to reduce waste? (33.3.4)

Staff training
Let all employees know that there is a program in place to save energy, recycle trash.
Alert guests that they can help reduce water, electricity, and disposable items waste

How much hotel waste is created in the state of Florida each year?
This busy tourist state estimates 20 million visitors stay at hotels each year The waste generated by these guests makes up a huge portion of Floridas waste stream One large property can generate 8 tons of waste per day The same is happening in all large tourist states all over the country

Can some waste be reused and recycled?

Hotel waste materials recovered at recycling programs include:
Cardboard Office supplies Printer cartridges Newspaper Telephone books Linens / Towels

Recycled waste continued..

Plastic bottles Landscape waste Magazines Furniture Steel and aluminum cans Computers Food waste Building materials Appliances

What is E-waste?
Electronic Equipment
The fastest growing waste stream in the country

What areas or divisions in the lodging property can reduce waste?

Office areas
Food and beverage Guest rooms Swimming pool and spa

 Convention and meeting rooms

Landscaping Maintenance Purchasing

Why is it important to be green?

It is important because: Energy prices Consumer support Socially responsible hotels drive supplier expectations and the business travel markets

It is important because
American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) promotes green hotel practices Certification Programs International Hotels Environment Initiative
encourages the development of sustainable tourism practices

What do federal and state programs contribute to green hotels?

They give economic considerations to hotels for environmental management programs
In other words, they give the green hotels financial breaks for practicing conservation

What does the word sustainability mean?

To maintain and support environmental resources in the Hotel industry

How can hotels with long term conservation programs help? (sustainability):
Economic stability Healthy communities Best practices promotion Loyal customer base

What do environmentally sound and resource-efficient buildings offer?

Healthy, comfortable environment Reduced operation and maintenance costs Waste reduction

How can customers participate? (33.3.8)

Hotel guests can:
Be socially responsible Reflect personal value systems, beliefs, and morals by participating in efficiency programs
Participate in recycling

 Educate guests as a public relations tool

Guest books Media boards In-house television

Towel / linen programs

Not necessary to change sheets and towels everyday Use door hangers to alert housekeepers not to change towels Hang towels on rods after use

How can guests reduce waste?

Turn off air conditioning, lights, TV, radio Reduce the amount of water used for bathing or showering Participate in hotel recycling programs by placing recyclables in appropriate bins Bring a bag to carry dirty laundry home Leave little bottles and packages of amenities in the guestroom if unopened

 Leave complimentary newspapers in the lobby Turn off exercise equipment, sauna, whirlpool, jacuzzi when finished Reduce paperwork by checking out via the hotels electronic program Carry your own cups and bottled water Avoid room service and carryout

What did a Holiday Inn study discover?

That guests preferred to stay at a hotel where a towel/linen program is in place

and guests realize that the hotel cares about its community and the earth!