SAN FRANCISCO—MindClick SGM, a leader in sustainability performance measurement and consulting, announced the results of a recent study to help hospitality providers understand the growing demand for green hotel rooms. Conducted among corporate travel executives from Fortune 1000 companies, the study found that sustainable purchasing of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is among the most important criteria for evaluating hotel sustainability.
Sixty-five percent of corporate travel executives responsible for more than $10 million in annual travel budgets are in various stages of implementing green business travel guidelines. Representing a variety of industries—ranging from technology and business services to manufacturing and financial services—the majority of these “green” corporate travel buyers choose from mid-scale hotel properties.
When asked to define hotel sustainability, only 2 percent of those surveyed mentioned the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification.
“LEED certification is an important and highly valuable contribution to the building and operating performance of hotels,” said JoAnna Abrams, CEO of MindClick SGM. “However, the average guest has no idea what LEED is or what benefit it has on their hotel experience.”
Travelers Prefer Green FF&E
Survey participants were asked to evaluate two recently renovated mid-scale name brand hotel properties, both of which minimized their environmental impact through sustainable operating practices. One hotel renovated with sustainable FF&E products and gave examples of how doing so benefited hotel guests’ health, well-being, and comfort.
When asked which hotel they would select for their employees, 80 percent chose the hotel with sustainable FF&E products. Additionally, 75 percent would be willing to pay a premium of as much as 5 percent if they knew their employees experienced more restful sleep and felt more productive and healthy after their stay.
“Given that travelers are willing to pay a premium for extra leg room when flying, it makes sense they would pay more for a better night’s sleep,” Abrams says.
By making environmentally preferable purchasing choices, hotels can select materials and furnishings that provide guests with a healthier, more comfortable experience.
The study also indicated that among the corporate travel executives surveyed, no brand emerges as a leader in sustainability.
“With significant growth in hotel renovations anticipated for 2011, hotels have an opportunity to achieve industry leadership, improve the guest experience, and gain share through sustainable FF&E purchasing,” Abrams said.
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