NATIONAL REPORT—Going green can reduce operating costs and can help differentiate you from the competition, but many in the lodging industry are not aware of the significant federal tax benefits available. With ever-increasing energy costs, an unprecedented level of government mandates for green building, heightened demand for green construction, and improvements and better pricing for environmentally sustainable materials, many owners, architects, and facility managers are considering significant updates to save cash. Sec. 179D of the IRS Code provides a significant deduction for the cost of energy-efficient improvements to commercial property. With an estimated 4.5 million existing commercial properties in the...

As energy prices rise and the issue of global warming becomes more important to the public, businesses throughout the country are looking to reduce their energy consumption and their carbon footprints. By improving energy performance, owners and operators of commercial properties can reduce operating expenses while demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship that customers are starting to expect. The lodging industry, in particular, has demonstrated a renewed interest in energy efficiency and resource conservation, with many hoteliers incorporating these goals into their core business strategies. One important “green” strategy is the development of procurement policies that encourage the purchase of...

What do I have to do to call my meeting or event green? Is there any industry accepted certification for green meetings that I can apply for? What kind of criteria does my facility need to meet in order to be called green? How do you know if you are green enough? What is that one clear measurement you can turn to that will demonstrate to investors, customers and employees that you are committed to sustainability? What is the role of government and industry in setting the standards? Ultimately, how can you be involved? ASTM, APEX & GMIC and Why You...

Food service can be an accessible entry point for greening your operations that will have a direct impact on your customers, suppliers and community. Start seasoning your food purchasing decisions with sustainable options and watch the green grow on multiple levels beyond just the bottom line as greening your menu can help increase customer loyalty, deepen community ties and help the planet. As energy prices continue to rise and environmental awareness grows, the organic foods segment continues to snowball at about 20 percent annually. According to a recent study released by Organic Alliance, Inc., more people than ever are seeking...

Having been personally committed to helping save our environment for as long as I can remember, it is exciting to read lately about the numerous hotels and hotel brands that are minimizing their impact on the environment, reducing waste and even introducing “Green Rooms” as an accommodation type. While this is all exciting, there’s still the vast majority of hotels that have yet to make any effort to reduce waste or to help guests go “green.” Not to worry; today’s business and leisure travelers face numerous opportunities every day to immediately reduce their negative impact on the environment. All we have...

Use of the term “sustainable” has been increasing in the business world, especially in tourism. By definition, “to sustain” means to give support or relief. “Sustainable” businesses function to maintain or improve the present and future quality of people’s lives. Companies continue to realize that consumers are spending their money consciously, considering more than just the material goods they take home from the store. Consumers are beginning to realize that when they support sustainable businesses, their dollars can impact social and environmental concerns. This group of influential and leading-edge thinkers, representing LOHAS (Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability), seeks out companies...

Green is the new black. Climate change is now embraced by the likes of Wal-Mart. Even Chevron and GMC are feeling the heat. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the food they eat, their children’s toys, and the cleaning products they use at home. Undeniably, sustainability presents one of the hottest business opportunities today. However, the challenges are real. Many hotels are still unsure about what it means to be green and where to begin. They’re uncertain that consumers are really willing to pay more for green rooms, meetings or amenities. Some hoteliers believe that green and a polished guest experience...

If trends are any indicator, the state of hospitality, having undergone a recent boom, now approaches a trough. Standards, whether in quality or performance, are low; the product has significant highs, a modest middle ground, and a disappointing base. Service delivery is spotty, the attitude is careless, and the reception is disinterested. And now we layer another consumer expectation—green. Enter the meeting/convention planner, who must navigate the unsure landscape, further exacerbated by the down economy. We will see new momentum and demand for change through the efforts of those agents who dictate the most traffic—the meeting and convention planners. They...

As the manager of your property, you know every inch of it. That’s helped you identify key areas where green practices can be employed to save the facility in expenses and create a better feeling for guests staying on the property. Now be honest, have you taken a close look at your laundry? Have you talked with your chemical company representatives and equipment distributor to assess how the laundry’s setup and practices mesh with your green focus? Take a moment to think about how many hours your laundry operates. I suggest even stopping in and taking a look at the...

NATIONAL REPORT—Weddings are always good business for hotels, and holding an eco-friendly event is the latest trend. This environmentally-conscious wedding/event “how-to” guide will help “green minded” facilities take advantage of this significant opportunity. Buy Local, Organic Food Buy seasonal and local foods, organic if possible. Local food is fresher and tastier, and requires less processing, packaging, refrigeration, transportation and marketing. To find local food producers, including farmers’ markets and community-sponsored agriculture, try networking sites like Local Harvest (www.localharvest.org) or GreenLeaf Market (www.greenleafmarket.com). Conventional production of meat requires huge amounts of resources and contributes greatly to pollution of rural areas. Choose meat certified...