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Americas:Hotels get 'Green'option to lure guests

Americas:Hotels get 'Green'option to lure guests

Write: Hannah [2011-05-20]
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, American hotels spend an average of almost USD 2,200 per available room on energy each year, representing about six percent of all operating costs.

A reduction in energy consumption of just ten percent is the same as raising the average daily room rate at a green hotel by USD 0.062 to USD 1.35.

That savings can really add up consider, what it did for Marriott International. Just by changing lighting and laundry systems at its green hotels, the company was able to save almost USD 6 million in 2006 alone, not to mention reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70,000 tonnes.

Taking the case of the Willard Intercontinental in Washington, D.C, just by changing to CFL lighting in guest rooms and commons areas, the Willard saved a whopping USD 100,000 in one year. The upgrade paid for itself in just six months, and guest complaints about lighting quality actually decreased after the property made the switch.

Who said that guest satisfaction goes down when hotels go green?

The savings are real, the benefits are quantifiable, and the expert help is also available. EcoGreenHotel has guided green hotels from coast to coast through the process of benchmarking, certification, upgrading, and funding. They re pros at helping properties just like hotels locate and obtain the federal, state and local tax incentives, rebates, grants and loans to get the job done, quickly and cost-effectively.

The roadmap to energy efficiency and major cost savings can boost businesses at green hotels.