I write about a lot of hotel companies but I have to say that one of the companies that has impressed me most so far is Tifton, Ga.-based Stafford Hospitality. Greg Brosius, president of the company, and Susan Smith, controller, are Sherlock Holmes-like in their constant search for ways to save energy, water and reduce other operations-related costs. Stafford manages a collection of 12 hotels, eight of which it owns, and has two other hotels under development. Some of the brands represented in its inventory include: Hampton Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, Howard Johnson, Holiday Inn Express, and Ramada Limited. The two properties under development will fly the Hilton Garden Inn and Wingate by Wyndham flags.
In just two years, Stafford has taken major steps to reduce the carbon footprint of its hotels. Amazingly, last year the company reduced the amount of energy it used by 25 percent. At the Ramada Limited in Valdosta, Ga., where it installed on-demand water heaters and an ozone laundry system, it reduced natural gas costs by 50 percent. (Wow!) Those two systems will also be installed at the new Wingate and Hilton Garden Inn properties. Because Smith measures energy consumption so closely, she knows immediately if a new product or system has made a positive difference.
In addition to finding better ways to heat water and launder towels and linens, Stafford has implemented a long list of initiatives throughout its portfolio to further reduce costs related to water and energy. Here are some examples:
• Compact fluorescents have been installed in all guestrooms, reducing the energy used for lighting by as much as 75 percent.
• Every guestroom features an energy management system that powers down heating and air-conditioning when guests are not present.
• Faucet aerators and devices such as pre-rinse spray valves help reduce water consumption.
• A Project Planet program offers guests the option of not having their towels and linens washed on a daily basis.
• Motion sensors have been installed in many public areas to reduce the energy used by lighting.
• Window film has been installed where appropriate to reduce air-conditioning needs.
• Appliances and equipment are continually reviewed and replaced with more efficient models.
• Liquid pool blankets on heated pools reduce energy consumption and water evaporation.
Further proof of Stafford’s environmental commitment is its goal of obtaining Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its Wingate and Hilton Garden Inn hotels, as well as all other future new-builds. Brosius has been so sold on the business case for greening operations that it will be at the core of any new management project Stafford takes on.
“We are always looking for ways to improve our profits,” Brosius says. “The payback on our investments in some cases has been 18 to 24 months [13 on the guestroom energy management system] but you see a reduction in energy usage immediately.”
Green Lodging News will be featuring Brosius soon in its “Personnel Profile” section. Don’t miss that article.
Upcoming Travels
Thank you to Newmarket International for inviting me to speak at its User Conference in Las Vegas on April 8, and to Dr. Daniel J. Mount for inviting me to address students and faculty at Penn State University on April 24. During the month of May, I also look forward to participating in the Choice Hotels convention (Las Vegas, May 6-8) and to attending the HD 2008 Exposition & Conference (Las Vegas, May 14-17). It is exciting to see so much interest in green design and operations.
As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
