Measuring the hotel property's current consumption of energy, water and production of waste (also commonly known as "benchmarking") is essential to the start of any sustainability plan.Once the baseline has been established, owners and management companies should work with their investors to identify strategic sustainable goals and objectives. It's essential to outline specific quantified projects and resources necessary to implement those projects. Keep in mind there are many rebates, incentives and funding opportunities available through federal, state and local government energy programs as well as utility companies. From my experience, it is very common for operators to overlook these rebates and incentives when implementing changes as part of normal renovations or capital improvements - there by leaving money on the table! Also, when hoteliers think of sustainability projects they often think of renewable energy, energy management systems, and lighting - but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Don't forget to explore other hotel incentive programs for various other sustainable initiatives. Take for instance, the backup generation or demand shedding programs, which typically have no participation costs and you can earn energy credits every month while helping to ensure reliable power for the community.
Many hotels and restaurant have embraced the green movement, but many are still trying to sort it all out. Too often being good steward of the environment is perceived as a bleeding heart issue and the cost conflicts with the financial goals of the hotel property owner and operators. As author mentions that, he was former hotel operator over 14 years ago, he was looking for opportunities to increase GOP and cash flow. It only made sense to sort through innovative energy solution and operational changes to find the right solution that improved profitability as well as protect the environment. He came to the conclusion very early on the owner and operators could indeed build a viable business case for integrating sustainability into the operation of individual hotels. However, with countless options from energy management technology to green hotel certification, the process has become confusing more than ever.