Hotels demand to be greenified, not putrefied

If you have traveled and stayed in a hotel recently, you may have noticed the signs and postcards placed throughout the room that advertise a relatively new green initiative: optional linen cleanings. Other quick fixes like glass cups and coffee mugs have also made there way into the temporary housing option, replacing the wasteful paper and Styrofoam cups.

So are these quick fixes or sustainable solutions?

The questions perhaps needs to be examined from a business and marketing perspective. Green hotel searches on the web have become a hot topic. Environmentally conscious consumers want to know they are contributing to the recovery of the earth by staying in green buildings with eco-friendly accommodations.

Hot searches mean attractive business opportunities, and, as with any trend, businesses try to catch the wave and adjust to changing attitudes. Hotels are no exception, but what separates the green marketed hotel from the truly sustainable green hotel?

The answer is in the money. Hotels willing to either renovate or build with the prospect of future savings are the ones truly worthy to be called green hotels.

Temporary solutions like the optional linen cleanings, glass cups, houseplants, ceiling fans, recycling bins and even non-smoking rooms are quick, inexpensive fixes, but should be the standard in all hotel rooms; they should not separate the green from the un-green.

What should separate the two are a few renovations that could lead to ultimate cost savings and efficiency in the long run.

First, central heating and cooling systems along with the plumbing infrastructure should be modified and renewed. Many elite green hotels have computerized and motion sensor thermostats that help regulate wasted energy and maximize heating and cooling efficiency. Solar panels should be installed to help generate energy not only for the facility, but the water heater as well. Additionally, by switching to low volume toilets and low flow shower heads, hotels will see a steady return in investment over the years.

Hotels that claim to be green should consider hiring a staff that is eco-knowledgeable to insure the hotel is buying local and organic products; a knowledgeable staff should also help the hotel keep current with technological advancements. Having the knowledge of sustainability is half the battle of creating a green building and green hotel.

The more expensive fixes will take time to see the benefits, but they will be there. Judging by how many people are looking for green hotels, smart investors will start renovating soon.