“We now live on a planet where the cheapest way to produce energy is to point a sheet of glass at the sun. This isn’t ‘alternative energy’ anymore—it’s the common sense obvious path.”—Bill Mckibben
Let’s hear it for the sun. It will get “star” treatment on September 21—Sun Day. And yes, even though there are still those who categorize solar as “stupidity,” it is a proven clean, affordable technology that has been embraced around the U.S. and the world for a long time—much more so in recent years.
One need look no further than a report from the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to see that solar is here to stay. In June, solar alone provided 82 percent of new electricity generation capacity, making it the 22nd consecutive month in which solar has held the lead among all energy sources in the U.S.
According to the SUN DAY Campaign, U.S. utility-scale solar’s share of total installed capacity of 11.34 percent is now almost equal to that of wind 11.83 percent. Taken together, they constitute nearly one-fourth (23.17 percent) of the U.S.’s total available installed utility-scale generating capacity. That number does not count the smaller-scale investments in solar in the lodging industry, in other businesses and homes, etc.
From Vietnam to Dominican Republic to D.C.
Many hotel, resort and inn owners have embraced solar power in recent years. This last week I heard from Alma Resort Cam Ranh in Vietnam and Dominican Republic’s Cayo Levantado Resort about their solar investments. The Fairmont Washington, D.C. recently installed solar panels. The Green Lodging News list of lodging establishments with solar is a long one with major brands and independents well represented.
Many hotel owners invest indirectly in solar—offsite solar. Two years ago, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced a renewable energy offering for IHG hotels in select markets across the U.S. in collaboration with Ampion, a leading provider of community solar solutions. The program provides hotels with a community solar offering that includes Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), helping hotels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accessing renewable energy through solar panel projects built near a hotel’s community.
Another example of an investment in community solar was Sandals Resorts International last year. It announced a new, year-long campaign titled “Empower 15”. As part of this initiative, The Power of 15 project will harness the strength of the Caribbean sun to bring sustainable solar energy to Caribbean schools, ensuring a much-needed power supply that allows learning in the critical digital space to continue uninterrupted.
Shows Environmental Leadership
Adopting and supporting solar energy not only demonstrates environmental leadership but also provides significant financial and reputational benefits that appeal to meeting and event planners. Millions of individual travelers and businesses are seeking out like-minded people who have invested in renewable energy technology.
As part of your sustainability story, solar can go a long way in generating positive publicity and putting heads in beds—for years to come. When the economy tightens, any competitive advantage is a plus.
Partner with booking websites that highlight investment in sustainability initiatives. For example, more than 18,000 accommodations now have their third-party sustainability certification information displayed at booking.com. On its website, does your own brand do anything to highlight your investments in sustainability? Why not include a sun icon, with explanation, if you have invested in solar?
Your thoughts? I would love to learn about your experience with solar. I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Green Lodging News Adds Dove to Product & Service Directory
Green Lodging News has added Dove to the Amenities/Dispensers/Toiletries section of its Green Product & Service Directory. From Unilever Partnerships, Dove, the leading bath and shower brand, now offers an eco-friendly amenity program designed specifically for hotels. The refillable dispenser system uses up to 60 percent less plastic than traditional mini bottles and comes in a recyclable bottle, helping hotels reduce waste and meet sustainability goals without sacrificing guest experience. Guests enjoy the gentle, hydrating care they know and trust, while hoteliers benefit from streamlined operations and reduced costs. Backed by decades of consumer confidence, Dove Hotel Amenities deliver a premium, sustainable solution for properties committed to both performance and the planet. Request free Dove samples by clicking here.
Looking for Guest Columnists
Every two weeks Green Lodging News posts a new guest column on its website. (Click here for examples.) The guest column also appears in the weekly e-newsletter. Green Lodging News is currently in need of industry experts to contribute occasional guest columns. Experts may include consultants, architects, designers, suppliers, and those who own or operate green lodging establishments. Columns may be articles that take a stance on a particular subject or be strictly educational in nature. Columnists benefit by having their photo included along with a one paragraph description of their company. Interested in writing a column? Contact Glenn Hasek, publisher and editor, at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
Get in our Green Supplier Spotlights!
Green Lodging News, lodging’s leading environmental news source, publishes the Wednesday Green Supplier Spotlight and Thursday Green Suppliers Spotlight. Green Supplier Spotlight features just one vendor and Green Suppliers Spotlight features multiple vendors. Click here for a Green Supplier Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Click here for a Green Suppliers Spotlight sample and rate sheet. Both e-blasts that reach 19,450 subscribers have been built to generate quick leads. A report is sent a week after each e-blast that includes the number of e-mails sent, number of opens, and number of click-throughs. Contact Glenn Hasek at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com for more information.
Planning Advertising for 2025?
In addition to the Spotlight ads described above, Green Lodging News is accepting reservations for other advertising spots for the remainder of 2025. Many excellent spots are available on our website and in the weekly e-mail newsletter. The Green Lodging News website last month welcomed 55,000 different visitors and experienced 321,000 page views. Interested in receiving a 2025 media kit? Be sure to contact me as soon as possible at (813) 510-3868, or by e-mail at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com. Thank you to all those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Newsletter & Green Supplier Spotlight Circulation
The circulation of our weekly e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlights currently stands at 19,450. Thank you to our new subscribers for signing up. Be sure to encourage your colleagues to do the same. There are “subscribe” links on the Green Lodging News home page. You may also e-mail greenlodgingnews@gmail.com to be added to our list.
Green Lodging News & Social Media
Green Lodging News now has 1,634 Twitter followers. Thank you to all of those who follow our tweets. In addition to following us on Twitter, be sure to bookmark the Green Lodging News Blog in your browser. More importantly, participate with your comments. Green Lodging News is also on Facebook. Be sure to “Like” us there. Green Lodging News now has more than 1,200 Facebook followers.
As always, I can be reached at greenlodgingnews@gmail.com.
