Environmentally Friendly Hotels - Essay Example

Running Head: Environmentally Friendly Hotels Environmentally Friendly Hotels of Environmentally Friendly Hotels Introduction The advancements and technological progress of humanity has come at a great cost to the environment. Scientists now believe that the climate is changing due to the phenomenon known as global warming. The melting of polar caps, rising demand for energy and water, destruction of natural environments, and pollution have been considered as threats to the people of the world. There has been an increase in concern amongst individuals, organizations, and governments about the protection of the environment. Environmentally friendly hotels are economical for owner and managers as well as they play a positive role for the resources of the world. Simultaneously, they allow their guests to carry on their high-quality and beneficial things for the environment. Several tourists are fascinated with the green hotel because it is taking steps to preserve the environment from destructive influences. Environmentally friendly hotels contribute a positively towards the conservation of water and energy resources, reduced the consumption of natural resources through mass facilities and newspaper program, etc. Environment The natural environment refers to the different places of the earth where all non living and living things exist. A natural environment can consist of the jungles, deserts, swamps, forests, mountains, and sea water where different species of animals and plants exist. Environmental management This term is used to deal with the relations and contacts of human beings with the natural environment. Environmental management is concerned about the affect of human societies towards the environment (Robbins 59, 2001). It seeks to ensure that negative influences are removed in order to protect the environment from harm. It seeks to promote eco friendly and sustainable policies which allow the interaction of human society with nature in harmony and agreement. Sustainable policies involve the correct use of resources and policies which would be beneficial for humanity in its interaction with the environment. Environmental hotel management This particular field of environmental management is concerned that the hospitality industry should promote policies and procedures which ensure that the environment is conserved. This includes numerous issues like water and energy conservation (Robbins 60, 2001). It can also include the use of biodegradable substances for washing and detergents. It seeks to minimize the use of harmful chemicals in paints, soaps, furniture, and carpets which can negatively affect the health of people. Environment friendly hotels These types of hotels pursue eco friendly and sustainable policies which help to protect and conserve the environment. There are no standard procedures and regulations for the definition of environment friendly hotels (Robbins 67, 2001). Different hotels have attempted to promote sustainable development in different and diverse ways. These hotels have the corporate responsibility to promote good practices in order to save and conserve the environment. The Negative Impact of Non-Environmental Friendly Hotels People who have the awareness on the conservation and preservation of environment and taking care of the natural resources as well as protecting water and energy take special care in protecting it. But when they travel, these are the same people who abandon their environmental friendly values at home and play along with hotel activities which involve extreme dumping of wastes and it damages the environment (Iwanowski 34, 1996). With recent trends, it has become easy to support and execute environmental practices during travel. The first priority should be searching for green hotels for people who are concern about the environment. Involvement in green practices which includes towel and sheet reuse programs, recycling and energy and water protection and maintenance are available in these green hotels which makes these people feel as if they are at their own homes. There are several alternative names for green lodging which includes green hotels, eco-lodges and sustainable tourism. Green Seal is an organization officially certifies the environmental practices of wide ranging businesses. Surveys conducted by this organization demonstrated that 150 room hotel consumes in one week is as much as 100 person households do in one year (Kirk 134, 1996). The reason for increased consumption is that most of these hotels have their lights on 24/7. At the same time, tourists are not careful about resource consumption. There are many tourists who want to be pampered and wish to enjoy good facilities and services, consume non-reusable resources at a shocking rate. This massive consumption has negative impact on air as well as the water. At the same time, deforestation and excavating plains and grasslands in order to lay down the foundations of resort, destroys the local ecosystem which has negative effect on wildlife, air, water and even future vegetation (Kattara 140, 2002). Founding a hotel in the desert causes resources which are not locally available to be piped in which changes the environment. These changes effect the local environment as well as at local level. The Need for Eco Program Surveys have indicated that many consumers are becoming progressively more conscious about the reliability of businesses to preserve and protect the environment in which it is functional (Schneider 96, 1998). The certainty that the hotel industry requires an active role in environmental conservation and protection emerges out to lessen from lack of trust by users, as recorded in the Century Corporation’s survey (Gee 74, 1994). There is a need to be concern with environmental issues because it will be profitable for the hotel as well as protect the environment (Connor 16, 2000). Cutting Costs Environmental issues are directly connected to the operational costs and proper management can lessen the operational costs of the hotels. In the field of solid waste management, emptying feels increase at high rates as soon as the local landfills reach their complete capacity. At the same time, the transportation of wastes to dumping sites is also becoming high-priced (Mieczkowski 27, 1995). Limiting the hotel’s solid waste through activities such as recycling, refilling, reusing and utilization of fewer packages can save money. Energy is another factor through which savings can be accomplished (Evans 174, 2003). Facilities such as illumination of lights, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning modifications through new parts and replacements can give a return on investment after a diminutive reimbursement period (Eccles 26, 1995). According to the information provided by, Keane, and Company and AH&MA technology consultants, the U.S hotel industry wastes 5 percent of its total revenues on energy. Energy consumption should be decreased which could result in great savings (Swarbrooke 69, 2000). Designing the Eco-Program In accordance to the governmental laws, rules and regulations, inspection and supervision of the hotel industry’s behavior and its impact on the environment has increased. With the backing from users, the government rules and regulation have been successful in the promotion of green hotels (Buckley 82, 2003). At present, hotel owners and managers are making most of the opportunity to make their hotels green hotels in order to meet their requirements as well as protecting it in which it is operation (Gray 78, 2001). Competitive Advantage Green hotels are becoming increasingly popular in the United States because many American citizens are eco-tourists who are enthusiastic and ready to pay 8.5 percent more for environmentally responsive travel suppliers. Hence, a hotel which offers eco friendly practices and connects with the efforts to the general public can increase its access to the emergent market segment. The Financial Benefit of Environmentally Friendly Hotels Solid Waste Management Green hotels offer solid waste management programs which involves the reduction of volume and toxicity of the garbage which is sent to the landfill. The transportation charges of transport of garbage have become unaffordable. Additionally, if the landfills reach their capacity, the cost of dumping the garbage also increases. At the same time, there are some solid wastes which includes cleaning fluids, solvents, discarded paint, etc which become poisonous and accumulate into the water supplies. Green hotels can solve this problem and reduce this costs by removable of certain objects from the waste watercourse. Introduction to reduce, reuse and recycle of objects such as paper, plastic, glass, wood, organic waste, etc can also reduce operating costs (Green Globe 21, 1994). At the same time, safer alternative should be used which will be economical in the long run. Disposable against Reusable and Reduction in Chemical Use Green hotels can use materials which are of reusable plastic glassware and silverware which can reduce the operating cost. Bathrooms installed with amenity dispensers can be refilled which can reduce the cost of small plastic bottles which are thrown in the trash. Avoiding package material can also save operational cost of the hotel (Gaudier 41, 1999). Using detergents and cleansers which are non toxic are safe alternative for protecting the environment as well reducing the financial cost of the hotel. Extend Product Life The opportunities for reuse are environmental friendly and economical. The repairing and replacement of items extends product life and save operating cost. Replacement of lights, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning modifications through new parts and substitutions can give earnings on investment after a very small compensation period (Holliday 32, 2001). Also, old aprons, kitchen utensils, etc should be used for long period of time in order to save operational cost. In this way, green hotels provide creativity and save financial costs. Conservation of Water Water conservation programs offered by green hotels, reduce the amount of water that comes out of valve or showerhead or which is used to flush the toilet. Furthermore, water conservation programs allow water resources to be reused and help in generating revenues (Ledgerwood 125, 1997). Modern technologies can now assist hotel managers and policy makers in implementing efficient and effective environmental friendly systems. Research conducted by hospitality management sector found that with the shortage of water resources the demand for water will increase. This will place additional burdens on hotels because of the wastage in water. One simple way to ensure water conservation is to educate guests to use towels more than once. This results in the less use of soap which can cause harmful and deadly effects. Seven Springs Mountain Resort reported saving one million gallons of water by this technique. Cooling systems and water pumps can also conserve water through the use of innovative and creative techniques. Linen washing takes a heavy cost on the hotel because of the wastage of water and energy use. Hotels can adopt policies of not washing the linen of guests daily which would save water and energy costs. Dual flush toilets are pioneering and ingenious technologies that can assist in the conservation of water. Energy Management Energy management is one of the most important aspects in terms of operational cost issues. The rising costs of equipments and uncompromising requirement on hotel systems, hoteliers are unwilling to spend money on the replacement of serviceable equipment (Roome 59, 1998). However energy conversation still can be achieved by monitoring temperature controls, turning off unnecessary lights, etc. In this way, energy will be conserved as well as it will economically benefit the hotel (Robbins 45, 2001). Replacement of some equipment with more efficient equipment is also cost saving. The bills from heaters can be reduced by providing extra blankets to the guests in their rooms. Many tourists prefer to keep their room cool by using air conditioners. Clear instructions should be given to enable the guests to achieve the right temperature which will prove to be economical. The use of solar heating systems can provide simple and efficient means to reduce the dependency on expensive and energy choking heating systems. Other ways to achieve this is reduce the washing temperatures which can save up to two thousand dollars in energy costs. Preventive maintenance Another added feature of the environmental friendly hotel program is to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of equipment. The equipment needs to be thoroughly tested and maintained so that it is meeting the specifications of the manufacturer. The proper temperatures are also crucial for creating an environmental friendly atmosphere (DeSimone 63, 1997). Preventive maintenance can reduce financial costs for the hotel by a vigorous and comprehensive system of routine check ups and documentation. The program could be observed by the management to identify any bottlenecks. Obsolete equipment should be discarded and replaced by better and environment friendly equipment which would also reduce the costs associated with the maintenance of such equipment. The use of hazardous chemicals for cleaning should be discarded as they cause harmful medical effects on staff members. Fluorescent light bulbs are much more efficient and green as compared with conventional lighting. Research conducted found that these bulbs can reduce costs of thirty percent for environmental friendly hotels. Use of environment friendly equipment and accessories Equipment can be installed like sensors which automatically turn off heating and cooling systems. Detergents, soaps, and cleaning materials can be used which are friendly towards the environment. Bath fixtures are available which efficiently allocate and use water. Recycling bins installed inside guest rooms have created new opportunities for waste management. Other hotels are using natural paints which emit low levels of chemicals. Carpets and other furniture are being installed in the guest rooms which would have low concentrations of hazardous chemicals. Sophisticated computer systems are being used in the hotels which give the guests an idea of how the hotel is conserving energy and water. Environment marketing In the old times, it was considered to be quality the changing of soap, towel, and other accessories in order to attract guests and customers. However with the increase in awareness about the melting of polar caps, global warming and climate change, hotels are promoting environmental management and marketing techniques to attract new customers (Hansen 98, 1999). Hotels can benefit if they promote the concept of clean and green environments on their premises. This can assist them in capturing a huge segment of the market. The heightened concerns about the environment have spearheaded the need for eco friendly environments. Visitors are more likely to visit such hotels because they will be investing the money inside an organization that cares for the environment. A number of hotels in Chicago developed floors that use filters and biodegradable soaps which efficiently conserve energy. An environment friendly hotel is more likely to attract visitors which can increase its revenue and volume of sales. Development and training of staff Environment friendly hotels can also implement training programs for staff members who have the expertise and skills to make the premises eco friendly. Training programs should be specifically designed which would enlighten the staff members about tactics and strategies that are crucial for maintaining competitive edge. The knowledge about energy management technology is also important as it can contribute to the development and enlargement of eco friendly policies and procedures. Sensible and realistic guidelines must be implemented that can integrate operations with environment protection and performance (Hansen 99, 1999). Specific manuals and instructions can be developed to enhance the awareness about energy and water conservation. Equipment should be rapidly monitored and regulated to check their environmental performance and efficiency. Monitoring systems are essential in order to make routine check ups of equipment, water, and energy. Efficient audit systems can identify and recognize the faults and hurdles of any environmental management program. High standards of environmental management must be tried so that it will lead to increased business and revenues. Hotels must also collaborate with government agencies, contractors, and suppliers to ensure that observance of environmental management techniques are implemented at the highest level possible. Conclusion The concerns about global warming and climate change have created an immense concern in the hospitality industry. Hotels are aggressively promoting and marketing environment friendly policies. This is because tourists and guests are increasingly concerned about staying at hotels which do not implement environmental management programs. Environmental management and marketing provides numerous advantages for hotels. Environmental management will remain a major trend for the hospitality industry as hotels move towards the implementation of environmental friendly activities. The hotels are reaping the financial benefits by conserving energy and water usage. They are also actively reducing the damage and harmful effects of chemical which are used inside the industry. The installation and implementation of creative and innovative technologies have assisted in substantially reducing the costs. One of the financial benefits of environment friendly hotels is that they are more likely to attract customers as compared with other hotels. The recycling of water and conservation of energy has reduced substantial costs for major hospitality players. Hotel industry is witnessing a boom because of the growing demand by tourists. The sector is attracting business in the tourist spots of the world. The tourist of the twenty first century is more conscious about the environment. They want hotels which are friendly towards the ecosystem. Hotels can improve their environmental management procedures and policies by the implementation and development of comprehensive training programs. Pioneering and imaginative technologies can be implemented which reduce the overall costs of maintaining obsolete equipment. They also assist in reducing the costs associated with huge energy usage. The rising price of energy means that hotels are proactively engaged in a campaign to ensure that they reduce their costs. Environment friendly heating, cooling, and water systems have witnessed a decrease in prices which means that different types of hotels can afford such environment friendly products. Hotels must also actively collaborate and work with local agencies and partners to increase the awareness about environment management. References: Iwanowski, Kirk, Rushmore, Cindy. 1994. Introducing the eco-friendly hotel. Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly 35, no. 1 (February 1): 34 Kirk, D. (1996) Environmental Management for Hotels. A Student’s handbook. Butterworth Heinemann Kattara H S and Zeid A W (2002) Current environmental issues: a study of Sinai and Red Sea hotels Food Service Technology Schneider M, Tucker G and Scoviak M (1998) The Professional Housekeeper 4th edition, United States of America: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 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Wallingford, Oxon Gray, R & Bebbington, J (2001) Accounting for the Environment, London, Paul Chapman Publishing Green Globe (1994) Waste Minimisation for Restaurants and Catering Facilities, Oxford, WTTERC Gaudier, M. 1999. Firms of the Future: Economic Efficiency and Social Performance, Bibliographical Series No. 19. International Institute of Labour Studies: Geneva Holliday, C. and Pepper, J. 2001. Sustainability through the Market: Seven Keys to Success. World Business Council for Sustainable Development: Geneva Ledgerwood, G. 1997. Greening the Boardroom: Corporate Environmental Governance and Business Sustainability. Greenleaf Publishing: Sheffield Robbins, P. 2001. Greening the Corporations: Management Strategy and the Environmental Challenge . London: Earthscan. Roome, N. (ed.). 1998. Sustainability Strategies for Industry: The Future of Corporate Practice. Island Press: Washington, DC. DeSimone, L. 1997. Signals of Change: Business Progress towards Sustainable Development. World Business Council for Sustainable Development: Geneva. Hansen, M. 1999. Cross-Border Environmental Management in Transnational Corporations: An Analytical Approach, Occasional Paper No. 5. UNCTAD: Geneva Read More