In this day in age, why would a hotel or hotel group not embrace and adopt a sincere environmental program? Typical answers include it costs too much money, quality of service will suffer, we don't know where to start, and we have other more pressing priorities. The good news is that all the above responses are misperceptions and there is nothing but bottom line and top line benefits that come from a well thought out and executed environmental program. Furthermore, an environmental program translates into cost savings, new revenue, and happier employees - some of the biggest priorities for any hotel. However, to achieve these outcomes it may be necessary to look outside of the hotel for support and resources. In this article we'll explore how engaging an environmental consultant may be the best option to remain focused on a hotel's core competency while adding business and social value in the process.

You can't start without "go"

As a prerequisite to any environmental effort, hotel management and executives must have a clear understanding of the business value of such a program (see article "Green means Green") and provide the support and sincere interest in undertaking such an effort. Without this backing, it ...