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Going green means big money potential for the hotel business

By Scott Parisi

July 7th, 2009

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Scott Parisi of EcoGreenHotel explains how free environmental audits can uncover major funding opportunities for U.S. hotels to go green.

After decades working in the hospitality industry, I’ve seen many trends come and go. But a few years ago when climate change really started to come into focus and people began talking about ways to create a sustainable hospitality industry, I knew that eco-hospitality was not going to be just another passing fad. It was here to stay, and rightfully so.

And these days, with all the attention being paid to the environmental and economic benefits of cutting energy consumption, it’s a rare hotelier who has not at least considered implementing a sustainability initiative at his or her property. But many never get beyond the wishful thinking stage, because the process can seem so daunting – and expensive.

That’s why I started my company, EcoGreenHotel. We help lodging facilities address sustainability issues and implement environmentally sound initiatives. EcoGreenHotel recently partnered with the great folks at Atlantic Energy Solutions Inc. – a leader in assessing the energy demands and usages of municipal, corporate and industrial complexes – to take the concept a step further.

Together we created an innovative new Environmental Support Program that helps hoteliers design, fund and successfully launch their green initiatives. As part of that program, since May we’ve been offering free on-site environmental audits to all U.S. hotels! So far, over 30 properties from across the country have taken advantage of the offer, and the results have been amazing.

I would like to cite the example of one New York City hotel that is affiliated with a major franchise brand, because it really demonstrates what an in-depth environmental audit can reveal.

This particular hotel had already made progress in its sustainability plan, but like most, it still had room for improvement. Atlantic Energy Solutions’ engineers conducted an in-depth analysis of the property and identified several ways to increase its energy efficiency. The engineers recommended a variety of upgrades, including lighting, in-room thermostats, third-party energy procurement, participation in a demand response program, and energy monitoring software.

And the best news? Our team identified rebates, tax breaks, incentives and savings that will not only pay for those upgrades, but will also produce a positive cash flow for the property from Day One!

The amount of rebates and incentives available to that project was incredible gaining a six figure year one positive cash flow effect. We’ve identified ways to give that hotel an exceptionally rapid return on investment and ongoing energy savings of over $44,000 annually. And as we conduct these audits across the country, we’re uncovering tremendous opportunities for properties of all sizes because we’ve got staff totally dedicated to finding rebates and incentives.

I want to reiterate that the no-obligation assessment is totally free of charge. Atlantic Energy Solutions covers the cost of travel and other expenses for its environmental professionals to conduct the on-site audits, which consist of a thorough evaluation of each property’s electric, gas and water consumption.

Then, based upon the engineer’s findings, the team prepares and submits a free, no-obligation report and proposal to each hotel. The comprehensive report and proposal includes concrete steps the hotel can take to increase its energy efficiency, and includes a cost/benefit breakdown and a list of funding streams for which the property might qualify.

Not only are energy efficiency projects like these great for the environment and a hotel’s bottom line, they also form the basis for an entirely new marketing focus. Sustainable travel is a growing segment that the savvy hotelier would be wise to tap into. Our unique program makes it easier than ever for lodging facilities to quickly and cost-effectively go green.

Environmental audits will only be available free for a limited time. I invite property owners and managers to call me personally at (888)229-0213 Ext.801 or email me at sparisi@EcoGreenHotel.com to schedule their hotel’s free on-site audit.

Tagged as:

climate change, EcoGreenHotel, energy, funding, Hotels, incentives, marketing, trends

About the Author

Scott is the founder of EcoGreenHotel, a firm that performs green audits of hotel buildings and operations and creates custom plans for properties to develop and implement environmental management systems. Additionally, EcoGreenHotel hosts on-site workshops and staff training, and guides facilities through the LEED certification process. EcoGreenHotel.com is dedicated to helping hotels address environmental issues and implement environmentally friendly initiatives. It is a marketplace with plentiful amounts of information ranging from green products and services, industry "green" news, basic environmental overview to other tools like checklists, green project ideas, book lists, and resourceful links for a more sustainable hotel.

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You can also connect with other eco-minded travelers, businesses and events by joining the Responsible Travel LinkedIn and Facebook groups.

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Adam@All Travel Sites

The travel industry is really in need of environmental services like these. I listed both this site and EcoGreenHotel on my travel directory in the Green Travel category.

Green Accommodations

It's really great to see more and more people in all areas of concern focused on going "Green" and, of course, we should be particular to patronize "Green" accommodations whether traveling for business or holiday. Until a preponderance of facilities have been either constructed or converted, however, ascertaining which truly are "Green" - or just "greenwashed" - can be problematic!

A dedicated "Green" web site, iStayGreen.org, is helping to make environmentally friendly lodging easy to find and book.

iStayGreen.org is currently the most frequented online booking site for "Green" lodging (http://www.istaygreen.org). Over 3,500 of the properties listed are environmentally friendly and have been awarded the Green Eco-Leaf Rating.

The eco initiatives of the property are clearly listed. Users are encouraged to contribute "Green" Reviews and environmentally rate the hotels they visit.

It's like Tripadvisor - Facebook - Travelocity all together in one site for the environmentally conscious traveler.