The magazine Hospitality Technology’s article “'Going Green' Still a Top Issue for Hotels & Guests, But Not Without Challenges” discusses the advantages and disadvantages of integrating environmental friendliness throughout hotels. Although the initial cost to shift a hotel from wasteful to green may be unappealing many hotels have taken this route. The end essentially justifies the means in this particular case. The hotels are being more cost efficient and resource conscious and the guests support the move to protect the environment. Not only have the rooms been modified, some hotels are constructing green buildings by referring to the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) regulations in order to be as green as possible. However, some critics claim that following LEED prevents hotels from being as hospitable as necessary. Another option for green hotels is to use the IHG software program that calculates a hotel’s energy usage and then develops a better, more efficient approach.
I support the choice of many hotels to try to become more environmentally friendly. I like that hotels are going beyond the standard, green options like doing less laundry. I like that companies are developing more green technology. The different technology such as the water saving bathroom fixtures and energy management systems installed in hotel rooms help save the hotel money and help the environment as well. The fact that most guests are willing to be more green at the hotels they stay at shows that there is no reason for hotels to delay their transition to environmental friendliness. The initial cost of the devices will eventually be recovered and even more money will be saved from their efficiency. Personally, hotels becoming more environmentally friendly benefit not only the hotels but the people who stay in them.
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I really enjoyed reading your article summary and response and learning that more hotels are taking the initiative to become "green." However, in the competitive market, have you ever wondered if the reason more hotels are "going green" is because they want to increase their sales? Is the choice made because they really want to become "green" or is it no more than a marketing strategy? I think it is a little bit of both. I agree with you when you say that you like the idea that more hotels are doing this. I also think it is a great idea because it saves a lot of money for the hotels. However, I think the most beneficial part to the hotel is that they are attracting more customers. In the end though, no matter what the reason may be, I think it is important that not only hotels "go green" but other businesses and homes too.
ReplyDeleteYou had a great summary and very strong feelings about going green. Great job!
-Taryn LoProto