Mr. Sawchuk

Eco-Friendly Practices

Greening Hotels to Improve Occupancy and Sales

By Mike Sawchuk, President & General Manager, Enviro-Solutions

Hotel owners and managers are always interested in what attracts guests to a certain property. Many of the draws have remained basically the same over the years, but recently guest demands have changed. For instance, luxury amenities previously found in only the best hotels are now requested in less expensive hotels, and as new technologies such as wireless Internet evolve, we are again seeing a change in guest wish lists as well.

And because of new technologies business guests, as well as those traveling for pleasure want high-speed Internet in their rooms, a business center, and the ability to make reservations online. In addition, in recent years we are seeing a new trend evolve. Guests are increasingly looking for "Greener" hotels, which install more environmentally preferable carpets and fabrics, incorporate energy- and water-conservation measures, and use Green cleaning chemicals, among other things.

The Green Trend

Although the hotel industry has not been a leader in building and operating environmentally preferable facilities when compared to schools, office buildings, and other public and private facilities, in recent years it appears that they are fast catching up. One of the first steps hotels have taken is to adopt designs that allow more natural light into their facilities. Larger windows let more sunlight into the building, which can lower energy costs for lighting. And lighter-colored fabrics, wall coverings, shelving, and other decor elements generate more ambient light, again helping to cut energy costs.

Water-saving devices, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and urinals and even waterless urinals, are also becoming commonplace. Not only is less water used, protecting natural resources, but the cost to heat, deliver, and remove water from the hotel property has also been reduced.

And today, as both the hotel industry and the public become more environmentally concerned, some hotel owners are building new properties and renovating older ones seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. In order to achieve LEED certification, facilities must earn points by incorporating Green and sustainable components into their buildings' design and operation. For instance, points can be earned for cutting long-term energy use, reducing water usage, transferring to Green cleaning products, installing energy-saving HVAC systems that also help protect indoor air quality, installing Green roofs or heat-reflecting roofs, and planting more water-efficient landscaping.

A good example of this is the Hilton Vancouver, in Vancouver, Washington. The 226-room facility opened in June 2005 and contains an impressive array of sustainable-design elements that have helped the hotel's owners earn LEED certification. Among these are:

The Cost of Going Green

It is believed one reason hotels have not jumped on the Green bandwagon is the concern about the cost of going Green. About 10 years ago, it was estimated that building a sustainable, environmentally preferable facility would add approximately 20 percent to overall construction costs.

However, as more Green buildings have been constructed, architects have found ways to reduce construction costs, and the prices of many, if not most, environmentally preferable products used to build and furnish these facilities have also been reduced. Today, it is estimated that building a Green facility costs no more than 5 percent more than a conventional facility and possibly even less.

According to Mike Shea, the architect and project manager of the Hilton Vancouver, the added costs of going Green were negligible-only about $125,000 of a $30 million building project. "With the systems we put in place, we save about $85,000 annually [just on] energy costs," he says. "[With this and other Green systems] the $125,000 extra cost will be paid back in about eight months."

In addition, there are usually less-tangible components of a Green facility that can help compensate for any additional expenses. Energy-reducing systems and designs can save hotel owners thousands of dollars over the long run. And the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products has been proved to reduce staff absenteeism and improve worker morale, which helps enhance productivity.

But Do Hotel Guests Want a Green Hotel?

Even realizing that the costs of going Green can be negligible and likely to be recouped fairly quickly, some hotel chains and owners still believe the only true value in going Green is that it is "the right thing to do," amounting to little more than a public relations marketing ploy. However, a closer examination appears to indicate that hotel users are increasingly asking for and selecting Green facilities.

While guests may not always notice Green measures incorporated into a hotel property, they do appreciate them, and many believe it is now a requirement that major companies be environmentally responsible. "There are groups and companies out there that try to do business only with businesses that are environmentally conscious," says Gerry Link, General Manager of the Hilton Vancouver. "I think our project will raise awareness of the many [business] benefits of going Green."

According to Michelle White, Director of Environmental Affairs for the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, in recent years, many of their corporate customers are asking if their properties are Green. They want to do business with hotels that are environmentally conscious. "They want to Green their events [as well as] provide Green accommodations for their guests," she says. "In this way, they can organize conferences and provide accommodations that consider the environment and also [help] conserve valuable resources."

Additionally, hotel owners and managers must realize that a new generation is coming of age that is increasingly concerned about environmental issues. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, many people in North America were troubled by the way we were treating the planet and sought ways to alleviate environmental problems. However, in the 1980s and early 1990s, these same concerns garnered less attention. Today we are seeing a resurgence of interest in Green.

Don't Forget the Employees

One final note: hotel staff should be fully aware of the Green features and benefits incorporated into their hotel. Many of these measures, including the use of Green cleaning chemicals, are for the protection of their health as well as the health of hotel guests.

Being aware of the hotel's Green stance also encourages workers, especially hotel housekeepers, to perform their duties with the environment in mind. Providing employees with information about their hotel's leading-edge Green initiatives helps enhance pride in their properties and in the work they perform to keep their hotel healthy.

Mike Sawchuk is VP and GM of Enviro-Solutions, a leading manufacturer of certified-Green cleaning chemicals. He has developed and implemented programs in the cleaning industry throughout North America. His career has spanned sales, marketing, and operations positions with manufacturers and distributors. He holds a bachelor of business administration from Brock University and a MBA from McMaster University. He is a frequent presenter at seminars and tradeshows and am author of several articles on Green cleaning issues. Mr. Sawchuk can be contacted at 877-674-4373 or Sawchuk@Enviro-Solution.com Extended Bio...

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