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Green Hotel Scorecard
WASHINGTON—The American Hotel and Lodging Association's (AH&LA) Green Assessment Survey results reveal were released in May and show the top 10 green initiatives hotels are enacting and the top 10 green programs hotels can improve upon as well as motivations and challenges for implementing green lodging practices.
Survey Stats
Among the many findings of the AH&LA Green Assessment Survey, here are some of the most notable statistics:
· 88 percent of respondents' properties have a linen reuse program for guests who stay multiple nights; 83.5 percent offer a towel reuse program;
· 43 percent of responding properties have programmable on/off timers or sensors used for lighting in low traffic/occupancy, though only 16 percent use occupancy sensor control for guest room thermostats;
· 82.3 percent of properties surveyed train maintenance staff on conservation and energy procedures;
· Environmental benefits and building guest loyalty tie for biggest motivation responding properties cite for implementing green practices; and
· Respondents note that having enough capital to invest and achieving return on investment (ROI) are the top two biggest barriers to implementing eco-friendly initiatives. |
"Results of this survey show that the hospitality industry is serious about the environment and addressing eco issues head on," said Joseph McInerney, CHA, AH&LA president/CEO. "Of particular interest is successful linen reuse programs at many of our member hotels across the country. In addition to reducing the hotel's environmental impact, programs like these engage the guest, increasing their awareness of environmental concerns and offering an easy way they can minimize their eco footprint while they travel."
The survey results were compiled based on 217 responses from AH&LA member hotels.
AH&LA Green Assessment Survey Top 10 Green Things Hotels Are Doing Well: 1. Offering linen reuse program
2. Recycling paper
3. Using compact fluorescents in guest rooms
4. Using compact fluorescents in public spaces
5. Offering towel reuse program
6. Training maintenance staff on conservation and energy procedures
7. Recycling cardboard
8. Water conserving retrofits for showers
9. Recycling program in administrative areas
10. Tracking energy and water consumption on a monthly basis
AH&LA Green Assessment Survey Top 10 Green Things Hotels Can Improve On: 1. Having occupancy sensor controls for the thermostat in guest rooms
2. Recycling food waste
3. Using indoor paints that have low or zero volatile organic compounds or are Green Seal Certified
4. Using energy friendly lamps in corridors
5. Giving preferential treatment to vendors/suppliers who offer recycled products
6. Using daily cleaning chemicals that are deemed earth friendly or are Green Seal Certified
7. Using Energy efficient lamps in back of house
8. Tracking generation of solid waste on a monthly basis
9. Having a recycling program in guest rooms
10. Having a recycling program in recreational areas
Motivators & Challenges
The survey also noted some of the biggest motivations for hotels to go green, including environmental benefits, building guest loyalty, financial savings, increasing market share, new revenue opportunities, marketing and public relations coverage, and preempting government regulations.
Responding hotels also noted some of the challenges in implementing green lodging practices, including lack of capital to invest, achieving a return on investment, ability to find vendors offering the products needed, and limited knowledge and resources.
