Checking In on Sustainability Efforts

Have you ever implemented an environmental initiative, only to find out that no one on your property knows it’s been implemented? Or launched a recycling program without increasing your capture rates? In today’s day and age, companies cannot afford to ignore sustainability, nor can they afford to put environmental initiatives in place without ever looking back. These programs, similar to mechanical equipment, need maintenance if they are to work effectively and contribute to savings.

Ranging from 15 to more than 95 initiatives in place at various Saunders Hotel Group properties, each was at one point selected and implemented based on energy/water savings, guest health, return on investment, as well as other criteria deemed important to our program. In a fast paced hotel, the opportunity for an initiative to “slip,” resulting in lost savings, is too great to ignore. Understanding this, the Saunders Hotel Group created the “Eco Check,” our version of an internal audit on sustainability programs in place.

A quick look at an Eco Check identifies the time of day, outside weather conditions and the person assessing the situation—the “spot checker.” Time of day and weather are important to understanding how the building is holding the heat or air-conditioning and what rooms are most affected by direct sunlight. The spot checker can be anyone from senior management, to engineering staff, to front desk agents, creating an opportunity to involve all employees and increase the level of awareness about the program.

Each spot checker gathers a list of rooms—two from each floor—and heads to the elevator. By randomly sampling two rooms from each floor, the spot checker can get a sense of where key problems might lie and which housekeeping staff could benefit from additional training. After entering a guestroom, the spot checker assesses the status of a list of in-place initiatives. Are they still in place? Are materials missing or in need of repair/updating? Rotating spot checkers allows for a fresh pair of eyes to review the program each month, creating opportunities for new ideas to invigorate the program with each check.

Eco Check Covers All Areas

Running the list from thermostat temperature and operating status, to bathroom night-lights, leaking faucets, towel and sheet cards, and CFL bulbs, the Eco Check is a comprehensive audit of the program. It doesn’t end there. Exiting the guestroom, the spot checker also reviews guest hallways, public areas and back-of-the-house spaces. Focusing on housekeeping carts for recycling capture rates and green cleaning products not only catches the occasional bleach stowaway, but also offers an opportunity to explain the significance that green cleaning products play in creating a healthy work and guestroom environment.

A point value has been associated with each initiative based on the contribution to energy/water savings, carbon footprint reduction, and other environmental factors. Points are tallied at the end to produce a score, which can be compared month over month to assess the overall program effectiveness. The benefit of this evaluation is twofold: one, to identify what problems exist; and two, to track whether these problems have been effectively addressed. As Saunders Hotel Group has expanded, and properties are compared to each other, it is an effective tool to inspire friendly competition. Looking to be the best in the portfolio, hotels are inspired to increase the number of initiatives in the program and ensure their quality.

While Saunders Hotel Group savings from this program are not directly quantifiable, the program has become an instrumental part of our preventative maintenance efforts. Cumulatively, the discovery of running toilets, leaky faucets, open windows in wintertime and thermostats operating incorrectly adds up to significant savings. Additionally, identifying these problems early preserves the high opinion guests have of our brand as a socially and environmentally responsible company and ensures guests are comfortable during their stay—a benefit without a price tag.

Elaine Strunk is the environmental program manager for EcoLogical Solutions and the Saunders Hotel Group: Lenox Hotel (Boston) , Comfort Inn  & Suites (Boston/Logan Airport), Marriott Residence Inn (Merrimack, N.H.), Hawthorn Suites Hotel (Alexandria, Va.), Hampton Inn (Norwood, Mass.), and The Premiere Hotel and Suites (New Haven, Conn.) Go to www.saundershotelgroup.net for more information.