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Why Do Economy Level Properties Lag Behind?

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In last week’s Publisher’s Point of View column I summarized the results of the 2016 Lodging Survey—a production of the American Hotel & Lodging Assn. and STR. The survey was funded by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation. Unique to the survey is how it breaks out its results—by chain scale, location, price segment and room range. I have read through the results of the past several surveys and have always been intrigued by the fact that economy types of properties seem to struggle a bit or lag behind when it comes to sustainability initiatives. Is it all due to cost? I wonder and would like your input. Are there other reasons lower-priced hotels don’t implement green initiatives as often as properties in higher scales (luxury, upper upscale, etc.)? Perhaps they are less likely to have green teams?

I took a close look at this year’s survey report. Here are some examples where economy properties lag behind. Just 16 percent of economy respondents said they have energy management sensors in the guestroom. At the luxury level: 80 percent. OK, cost would certainly be a factor here. Only 26 percent of economy respondents said they have recycling programs. At the luxury level: 91 percent. With this one I am baffled. Do economy level owners really care less? Is it a staffing issue? Your thoughts? Similarly, just 15 percent of economy level respondents said they have an amenities recycling program. At the luxury level: 77 percent.

Just 46 percent of economy level respondents said they have a water-saving program. At the luxury level: 95 percent. Just 7 percent of economy property respondents said they offer an air purifier in the guestroom. There should be no surprise here. Air purifiers can be expensive. At the luxury level: 68 percent. Many hotels have gone 100 percent nonsmoking but in the economy segment respondents said just 80 percent of room inventory is nonsmoking. When it comes to contributing to charities, 71 percent at the economy level said they do so. At the luxury level: 97 percent.

On the plus side, nine percent of respondents representing economy properties said they have shampoo/conditioner dispensers in the shower. At the luxury level: 8 percent. Dispensers are most likely considered to be money savers at many economy properties.

What besides cost and possibly staffing leads to these kinds of results?

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