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jackyreis

The Role of Green Technology in the Sustainability of Hotels Essay - Free Argumentative... - 2 views

lagas.org/n-the-sustainability-of-hotels

shared by jackyreis on 15 Jun 20 - No Cached
  • Throughout the life of hotels— from building construction, operation, maintenance and evolution—the environmental issue is the wasteful consumption of vast amount of resources such as water and energy and accumulation of air, soil and water pollution in a built environment. The unique service function and operations of hotel result to a stronger ecological impact when compared to other buildings used for commercial purposes. (Bohdanowicz, Simanic & Martinac, 2004)
  • It is imperative for hotels to construct buildings, design their facilities, operate, and refurbish structures in a way that causes the least possible harm to the environment. (Straus & Gale, 2006)
  • Protection of the environment through eco-friendly practices by hotels involves a radical change in operations and a long-term impact, which makes this a sustainability-driven strategy
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  • The growing concern over sustainability in the business sector led to developments in innovative environment friendly processes and tools collectively called green technology
  • Green technology enables the eco-friendly practices of business firms.
  • The concept of sustainability emerged in the field of natural sciences in recognition of the scarcity of natural resources and the need to rationalize usage to secure sufficient resources for future generations (Kirk, 1995).
  • The concern of sustainability is ensuring the continuation of the well-being of people and protection of the environment from wasteful use or destructive activities.
  • The implementation of sustainability plans involves innovative methods and tools accessible to hotels and responsive to the multi-dimensional issues including impact of operations on the environment experienced by hotels. Green technology understood as eco-friendly tools and processes or environment friendly products support the successful implementation of sustainability plans in the hospitality industry.
  • 1.      Minimized pollution and rational energy and water consumption. 2.      Respect for culture and tradition. 3.      Community involvement in the hospitality economy. 4.     Consideration of quality instead of quantity in terms of the visitors to tourist destinations. 5.      Economic benefits redound to the community. (Robertson, 2007)
  • In relation to environmental sustainability, there are also considerations for inclusion into the sustainability plan of hotels to ensure that they meet environmental compliance (Butler, 2008)
  • However, even if sustainability planning is a tedious task, the expected outcomes are long-term and compelling because this determines the continuity or viability of hotels, firms whose future survival depends on sustainability (Butler, 2008).
  • 1.      Scale and distribution of operations in a given area. 2.      Hotel demand and means of alleviating the negative effects. 3.      Protection of key assets historic buildings, townscape or coastline. 4.     Contribution to other related areas such as economic development and cultural preservation. (Sharma, 2004)
  • Since the sustainability of hotels spans multidimensional aspects, the contribution of hotels to other areas such as employment or job creation also supports its sustainability.
  • Green technology received recognition as an aspect of human society and therefore part of sustainability. In a sustainability panel of representatives from the hospitality industry, sustainability as a strategy meant addressing today’s needs without adversely affecting tomorrow’s needs (Knowles, 2008).
  • Examples of product enhancement are energy saving appliances and fixtures such as fluorescent instead of incandescent lights or intelligent air conditioning systems that regulate room temperature depending on the presence of its occupant
  • The extent of reduction of waste varies since this could range from minimal to significant decrease in the volume of waste generated, capacity of landfills, and transportation needs. By benefiting the environment, economic benefits also accrue. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • dopting waste management processes and tools accrues financial, economic, and environmental benefits for hotels.
  • Key to these activities is the ability to harness the full functional value of materials and product components at the least possible additional processing cost for recovery and reuse. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • First is design of recycling or the cost-effective manner of recovering and reusing materials. The design provides support during the disposal stage to ensure low added cost for recovery. Second is design for disassembly encompassing the methods enabling the minimization of cost in segregating reusable materials. This leads to savings that accumulate when design interventions are made during the stages of material selection and assembly that already separates reusable materials
  • Third is toxics management comprised of the activities of controlling and eliminating toxic materials that are innate components of products such as cadmium or lead. Excessive levels of these toxic materials are hazards to health and the environment. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Environmental benefits include reduced accumulation of waste and lesser risk of soil, water and air contamination of toxic production. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Pollution prevention involves the elimination of processes in manufacturing that cause pollution. This requires change by redesigning the production process in a manner that prevents the accumulation of harmful by-products or the redesign of the finished products so there would be no use for processes that result in hazardous by-products. The prevention of pollution in production design exacts capital investments but the cost of redesign is deemed less when compared to the cumulative cost of controlling pollution, which would likely increase with new regulations imposing more active methods of pollution control. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Green technology as a process and a collection of tools addresses four objectives, which are a) waste reduction, b) materials management, c) pollution prevention, and d) product enhancement (Billatos & Basaly, 1997). There are processes and tools specifically targeting any one, some or all of these objectives so that the appropriate choice depends on the priority of hotels.
  • The technological development of product enhancement innovations is escalating and promise greater functions for business establishments. (Billatos & Basaly, 1997)
  • Utilizing product enhancement technologies influence the sustainability of hotels in terms of savings on operating cost, lesser pollution and waste in the built environment, and value creation for environmental conscious customers (Yaw, 2005).
  • Overall, green technology supports the sustainability of hotels by decreasing a wide range of economic and non-economic costs to support the financial viability of hotels in the long-term and conserving the natural environment on which the hospitality industry depends for the continuity of business. By adopting green technology, hotels gain processes and tools it can use to secure its sustainability.
  • A range of energy saving technologies is available to the hotel industry. These technologies could make hotels green buildings by targeting various areas for energy saving.
  • One is electric heating pumps as alternatives to conventional electric boilers or condensing/non-condensing boilers requiring gas to run. The use of this green technology by a hotel in Hong Kong with a rooftop swimming pool showed a reduction in energy consumption by 26.5-32.5 MWh and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 12,000 kg. When computed over a ten-year period, using this technology would save the hotel HK$226,400 in energy cost savings. The hotel can earn back the cost of adopting this technology in two years. (Chan & Lam, 2003)
  • Building designs able to harness alternative sources of energy comprise green technologies that support the sustainability of hotels. Solar panels continue to gain function in energy saving for hotels (“Building in a green edge,” 2008) although the payback period is longer than expected, the energy saving potential extends to the long-term. The use of building designs that harness natural light such as skylight atriums that do not use artificial lighting during the day are also green alternatives for hotels (Kirby, 2009).
  • Another direction of green technology for the kitchen is the reuse of exhaust heat from the kitchen by harnessing the heat from the exhaust or condensing hot air to produce steam for use in cooking. This is a means of recycling energy. However, this involves the integration of the design in the structure of the kitchen or the building itself, which means greater investment. (Higgins, 2008) Nevertheless, further innovations in this technology could enhance practical value for hotels.
  • In other areas of hotels such as rooms and bathrooms, e-sensor systems and LED lights comprise green technology options. E-sensor systems apply to different systems such as lighting and air conditioning. The e-sensors have the capability to change automatically the lighting or air conditioning settings depending on the area of the room where there are people or temperature changes in the room. LED lights offer greater energy savings than fluorescent lights so this represents the third generation in lighting technology. (Kirby, 2008) Systems thinking in energy management comprise a promising green technology in saving on energy costs (Sobieski, 2008).These technologies are widely available and accessible to different hotels. The energy saving is experienced in the short term and the payback period is shorted. The problem with this is hotel guests tampering with the system leading to added cost for repairs. This means that awareness and information dissemination are important for the effectiveness of these technologies.
  • Another green technology for rooms is the biodegradable key cards. These have the same life span as the conventional key cards except that these are biodegradable or recyclable. (Gale, 2009) These require little cost with high environmental impact.
  • This involves the placement of water treatment plants that recycle water used in baths for flushing in toilets. (Edwards, 2004) These comprise viable and accessible water conservation practices that would contribute savings on the cost of water to rationalize the consumption of water as a scarce resource.
  • One is the conscious involvement of hotels in the protection of the environment since the nature of the business of the hospitality industry and the closely connected industries such as tourism heavily rely on the soundness of the natural and socio-cultural environment for business
  • The other is the investment in environment protection in a manner that secures economic and financial as well as a range of non-monetary benefits for hotels in the long-term (Vermillion, 2008).
  • Energy consumption is also a benchmark of the eco-friendliness of hotels
  • The water conserving technologies provide the process and tools for hotels to achieve this benchmark.
  • Waste and pollution management are also benchmarks of the ecological involvement of hotels.
  • Green technology takes the role as an enabling process and tool for hotels to become sustainable.
  • With hotels competing to maintain its customer base and pull customers to shift to the hotel’s services, green technology could become an enabler for hotels to become competitive.
  • Investing in green technology enables hotels to significantly cutback on operating cost. This enables hotels a wider profitability margin and room to offer promotional prices to attract more customers (Jones, 2002).
  • Green technology has taken a central role in the sustainability of hotels. The concept of sustainability of hotels involves the aspects of environmental protection and business viability.
  • The use of green technology also contributes to the viability of business firms in terms of financial standing and non-financial competencies in the long-term. Going green attracts the niche market of environment enthusiasts that contribute to sales. Using the range of green technologies available would also result in savings from operating costs in the long-term, which increases the profit of hotels and gives them flexibility to invest in marketing activities.
  • It is a sound strategy for hotels to consider green technology as a process and a collection of tools in support of sustainability goals.
Gyujin Chae

Port of Los Angeles plugs in cruise ships to help environment | Gadling.com - 0 views

www.gadling.com/...uise-ships-to-help-environment

Cruiseship shorepower plug-in environment

shared by Gyujin Chae on 11 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Ports and cruise lines are making an ongoing effort to grow the industry in an environmentally responsible matter. The Port of Los Angeles today became the first with the ability to provide shoreside power to three different cruise lines. Using the Alternative Maritime Power system, ships from Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line can now turn off their polluting engines while in port.
  • The ability to adapt this technology to multiple cruise lines eliminates significant ship exhaust when cruise ships are at berth, and the AMP Mobile is another innovation that demonstrates our commitment to developing cutting-edge technology that can benefit port communities everywhere
  • In Los Angeles, the World Cruise Center is the only port where two cruise ships can be connected simultaneously. Cruise ships utilize either 6.6 kilovolts (kV) or 11 kV electrical power distribution systems to plug into shore side power
  • Gyujin Chae on 11 Feb 12
     
    Along with green initiatives in hotels and airlines, cruise lines and ports have been making efforts on "Going green" for years. This article, particularly introduces The Port of Los Angeles that can provide plug-in power system, a.k.a. Alternative Maritime Power system (AMP) to two cruise ships simultaneously. Basically, cruise ships consume the huge amount of fuel just like hundreds of cars do while they are in port. With the AMP that cruise ships gain electrical power from, cruise ships can turn off their engines while being at berth like an electric car. As a result, cruise ships can reduce their fuel cost and eliminate significant ship exhaust. More and more cruise ports have installed the AMP system and cruise ships have tried to be fitted to the power system. Obviously, the AMP is not the ultimate solution to pollution, however this can prevent the environment from being more polluted. The AMP system will advance, and we might see cruise ships sailing with only electrical power or other alternative power sources, such as solar power, power generated by cruise ships in the future.
TIANJIAN ZHANG

'Green Hotels' a Growing Trend in China - 1 views

english.peopledaily.com.cn/...eng20030312_113169.shtml

shared by TIANJIAN ZHANG on 20 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • As "pollution-free" has become an officially important standard to grade a hotel, the Chinese hotel industry has become increasingly aware of environmental protection.
  • they plan to set up 1,000 green hotels this year and will strive to popularize the new standards in the country's hotel sector
    • TIANJIAN ZHANG
      TIANJIAN ZHANG on 20 Sep 12
       
      "Green" is an inevasible trend in hospitality industry. The fact is that many green hotels were established worldwide. China, as a rising hospitality market, needs to match the international developing trend. Therefore, I believe more and more, nut just 1000 green hotels, will be set up. Moreover, as what the president of the China Hotels Association said, popularizing the new standards in the country's hotel sector is also crucial. It is essential for all the hoteliers realize and understand the concept and meaning of "Green".
  • To spread the knowledge of environmental protection to customers, the hotel also declared its green state in its Guide Book to seek cooperation and support from guests.
    • TIANJIAN ZHANG
      TIANJIAN ZHANG on 20 Sep 12
       
      With no doubt, "Green" is an inevasible trend in hospitality industry today. However, not only the hoteliers but also the guests need to be involved into developing "Green" concept. Initially, guests need to realize and understand the concept and meaning of "Green". Then, guests are supposed to cooperate and support the hotels.
  • Qike Chu on 20 Sep 12
     
    The director of the Trade Service Division of China's Ministry of Commerce, named Di Jiankai, stated by media of China that nation is going to create 10,000 green hotels by the year of 2012. When I was working on my ecological part of remote environment analysis for another courses, I realized that "Go green" is so much important today even every nations are thinking about it, not only China. As we all know, pollution has been becoming one of the most significant issues in the world, such as CO2 emission, overuse of water, energy using by fuel fossil and so on. By different kinds of pollutions, hospitality industry, especially hotels, have to take more into consideration about the pollution trends and have to think more about the impacts from those pollutions. In my opinion, hotels have to pay more for new eco-technology. However, since "go green" will attract more guests, which means lots consumers come to the hotel just because its "eco-label" or "eco-brand". In this article, Gong Ping also said that not only decorations outside, even the materials using inside should change to be green. For instance, the bath tubs, which is more popular if it is organic.
snesbeth

Technological Advancement and the Effect on the Ecosystem - 0 views

sciencing.com/nt-effect-ecosystem-23107.html

technology pollution farming China

shared by snesbeth on 24 Sep 19 - No Cached
  • New technological goods are often burdensome to the environment.
  • consist of environmentally harmful waste produced by the technology itself, or the castoff remains of obsolete technology.
  • require resources that are difficult to acquire without harming the environment
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  • advanced batteries in hybrid cars are composed of nickel and rare-earth metals.
  • Mining these materials is a significant source of harmful emissions, including solvent vapors, sulfuric acid and coal dust.
  • Acid-laden water discharges kill all plant
  • animal life around nearby waterways
  • sickened and killed nearby rural residents.
  • rare-earths cheaply because it sacrifices environmental safety standards in the mining process.
  • improve production, such as pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers, can also harm the environment.
  • damaging soil and groundwater and creating dead zones in lakes and oceans.
  • greenhouse gases and other toxic emissions from transportation technology.
  • clothes washer create microplastic-laden wastewater that winds up in the ocean,
  • compact fluorescent light bulbs contain mercury,
  • Discarded vehicles left in place for long periods eventually leak toxic fluids into the ground, where they kill plants, animals and soil microbes.
  • snesbeth on 24 Sep 19
     
    The article expands on the topic from this week because it discusses how there are other technology throughout the world that adds to the pollution on the planet. For example, cars contribute to the poison getting leaked into the atmosphere because when they are discarded and not used they tend to melt from the sun and then rain water washes it into the ocean and lakes where it gets consumed by animals. Also adding technology to farming has made life useful but also added to the pollution on the planet because of the toxic chemicals being used to repel insects from the plants and China has deliberately decided to ignore health standards just to mine and sell rare-earths cheaply.
brianamfernandez10

Cutting Through Environmental Issues: Technology as a double-edged sword - 0 views

www.brookings.edu/...nology-as-a-double-edged-sword

environmental technology issues

shared by brianamfernandez10 on 20 Jan 20 - No Cached
  • Between 1870 and 1910, per capita income in the United States rose almost 40 percent, and the value of manufacturing output increased sevenfold.
  • It took nearly three generations before the first concerted efforts were made to bring pollution under control, but once begun, progress has been real. The air quality index for the United States now shows a 42 percent improvement since 1980.
  • Technology, in other words, is a double-edged sword-one capable both of doing and undoing damage to environmental quality.
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  • All the world’s economies continue to face big challenges in using energy-the lifeblood of the industrial age-while maintaining environmental quality.
  • Reductions in both by 70-80 percent since 1977 would not have been possible without substantial innovations in, most notably, electronics.
  • In the United States, the energy sector accounts for more than 85 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, with energy-related carbon dioxide alone responsible for about 80 percent.
  • Local generation by smaller plants can not only reduce transmission losses, but also improve air quality since they can be fueled by hydrogen and natural gas-much cleaner than coal on a per kilowatt hour basis
  • Industrial and vehicular emissions, particularly of nitrogen oxides, are also detrimental to water quality.
  • Technology and policy are now beginning to address runoff pollution, but it is hard to measure, much less control, because it stems from widely scattered, “nonpoint” sources.
  • the tools of geographic information systems (GIS) using remotely sensed data have offered new ways to identify and observe these sources
  • The technologies raise some privacy concerns, for instance, that could lead polluters to cloak or hide their polluting activities, further inhibiting pollution monitoring and cleanup
  • Bioremediation treats about 5-10 percent of all toxic chemicals and other hazardous waste; has successfully treated oil, gasoline, toluene, naphthalene, pentachlorophenol (a fungicide and wood preservative), and agricultural waste; and is being used at more than 30 munitions test areas across the United States.
  • These benefits must be balanced against what some critics view as potentially large drawbacks. One concern is that bioremediation may largely immobilize rather than fully remediate contamination. Another is that instead of reverting to its original state, the site will be transformed in some unexpected way. A third concern is that the potential risks of adding genetically altered organisms to the environment, or even redistributing naturally occurring ones, may not be fully understood. The Information Revolution
  • The Information Revolution
  • brianamfernandez10 on 20 Jan 20
     
    This article goes into depth explaining how technology affects the world that surrounds us. Although technology brings so many good things to our lives, and allows the world to constantly evolve, there are of course harmful things that come along with it. It can affect air quality, the quality of water, land, etc. Over all affecting the quality of life for those affected by this issue. As we evolve with technology, it becomes more of a issue to maintain and to properly dispose of systems no longer being used. This article describes different advancements that are being made in to help resolve this issue.
smend120

Green Computing, a contribution to save the environment | Lancaster University - 1 views

www.lancaster.ac.uk/...bution-to-save-the-environment

green-computing environmental-data-science sustainability technology

shared by smend120 on 30 Sep 21 - No Cached
  • Going Green" is a rising trend establishing itself as the preferred way of doing things while saving the environment.
  • Green computing is the environmentally responsible and eco-friendly use of computers and their resources. In broader terms, it is also defined as the study of designing, engineering, manufacturing, using and disposing of computing devices in a way that reduces their environmental impact.
  • Green Computing involves reducing the environmental impact of technology. That means using less energy, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Green computing aims to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the Information Technology and Systems business and related industries
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  • Energy-efficiency and e-waste are two major techniques involved in green computing. Energy efficiency involves implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption. And e-waste is the proper disposal of electronic waste.
  • It is estimated that out of $250 billion per year spent on powering computers worldwide only about 15% of that power is spent computing, the rest is wasted idling (i.e. consumed by computers which are not in use but still turned ON).
  • A recent example is seen in Intel's 2030 strategy. Intel has been committed to continued progress on achieving net positive water use, 100% green power and zero waste to landfills across Intel's global manufacturing operations.
  • Because "one company can't solve climate change" according to Intel CEO Bob Swan, Intel is marking a new era of shared corporate responsibility and collaboration.
  • Green design: Designing energy-efficient computers, servers, printers, projectors and other digital devices.
  •  Green manufacturing: Minimising waste during the manufacturing of computers and other subsystems to reduce the environmental impact of these activities.
  •  Green use: Minimising the electricity consumption of computers and their peripheral devices and using them in an eco-friendly manner.
  • Green disposal: Repurposing existing equipment or appropriately disposing of, or recycling, unwanted electronic equipment.
  • Going Green" is a rising trend establishing itself as the preferred way of doing things while saving the environment
  • Green Computing, a contribution to save the environment
  • hat means
  • The world is facing challenges that we understand better each day as we collect and analyse more data, but they go unchecked without a collective response - from climate change to deep digital divides around the world to the current pandemic that has fundamentally changed all our lives. We can solve them, but only by working together.
  • G
  • T
  • using less energy, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Green computing aims to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the Information Technology and Systems business and related industries. Energy-efficiency and e-waste are two major techniques involved in green computing. Energy efficiency involves implementation of energy-efficient central processing units (CPUs), servers and peripherals as well as reduced resource consumption. And e-waste is the proper disposal of electronic waste.
  • If we think computers are non-polluting and consume very little energy, in fact the use of computer plays a big role in environment pollution. It is estimated that out of $250 billion per year spent on powering computers worldwide only about 15% of that power is spent computing, the rest is wasted idling
  • the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Energy Star program, a controlled labelling program to promote and recognise energy-efficiency. The Energy Star label has now certified more than 75 different product categories, homes, commercial buildings and industrial plants. The program has also resulted in the widespread adoption of sleep mode among electronics' consumers.
  • in 1992,
  • The IT industry is putting efforts in all its sectors to achieve Green Computing.
  • Equipment recycling, reduction of paper usage, virtualisation, cloud computing, power management, green manufacturing are the key initiatives towards Green Computing
  • one company can't solve climate change
  • reen Computing involves reducing the environmental impact of technology.
  • Designing energy-efficient computers, servers, printers, projectors and other digital devices.
  • Minimising waste during the manufacturing of computers and other subsystems to reduce the environmental impact of these activities.
  • Green Computing has an optimistic future for saving the environment with ample avenues for making it possible. Hope we move forward with the goal of efficient computing while making the earth greener.
  • smend120 on 30 Sep 22
     
    Green computing, commonly referred to as "green technology," is the study of creating, utilizing, and disposing of computing systems in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. The ecologically friendly and ethical use of computers and their resources is known as "green computing." A growing trend that has established itself as the preferred method of doing things while preserving the environment is "Going Green." Green computing aims to lessen technology's negative effects on the environment. This entails conserving energy, cutting waste, and fostering sustainability. The goal of "green computing" is to lessen the carbon footprint left by the information technology and systems sector and allied businesses. Green computing mainly uses two methods: e-waste and energy efficiency. Reduced resource use as well as the use of energy-efficient servers, peripherals, and CPUs are all part of energy efficiency. And e-waste is how electronic garbage should be disposed of properly. Even while we may believe that computers are non-polluting and require relatively little energy, their use really contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Only 15% of the estimated $250 billion annually spent on powering computers globally is thought to be used for computation; the remaining energy is lost idling on inactive machines. Since energy consumption is the primary cause of CO2 emissions, any energy saved on computer hardware and computing will result in tons of CO2 emissions being avoided every year. The Energy Star program was established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1992 as a controlled labeling initiative to promote and reward energy efficiency. More than 75 different product categories, as well as residences, office buildings, and industrial facilities, have already received the Energy Star badge. Consumers of devices have widely embraced sleep mode because of the campaign. The IT industry is working to implement Green Computing across a
Claire Conway

Hotel Tech Goes Green - 0 views

www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx

shared by Claire Conway on 10 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Going green is going Hi Tech. As hoteliers continue to embrace the necessary tools to be good environmental stewards, and of course reduce operating costs, leading hoteliers are forging new ground in how to utilize technology to significantly reduce energy consumption while also weaning themselves off fossil fuels. It’s a one-two punch that is just starting to catch on. And though these pioneers have some major challenges they’re forging the way for industry wide success.
  • “It is a tremendous opportunity not only because of where customers want us to be, but because there will be a cost now or later. We need to think about borrowing from the future,” said Daniel Connolly, an associate professor at the University of Denver, who noted that he expects energy costs to continue to rise so it’s best to invent in energy saving technologies presently.
  • At Hotel 1000 they went for a lighter shade of green approach by cutting energy costs by tying the energy management system through the PMS. That way, when a guest checks in a signal is sent to the room to start cooling or warming the guest room. However, they still have to preset the room by leaving lights and the television on (at least its Energy Star compliant, Incao said) to create the appropriate guest arrival experience. When the guest leaves sensors alert the system to allow the energy to go off to a predetermined set back level.
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  • Bardessono has a darker green approach to sustainability. Guestrooms here have auto controls triggered when a guest enters the room. Lights come on, sunshades rise, the television turns on to a welcome screen, and depending on the time of year the fireplace will light up.
  • “When you walk in room you can see it happen. It’s a cool experience. And the system will remember how lights are set and if the fireplace is on and will shut down 20 minutes after the guest leaves and come back to the same setting when guest returns.
  • Solar shades keep the room warm in winter and cool in summer. Incao said these measures and others such as 940 photovoltaic panels on the roof and geothermal heating and cooling were all implemented with the goal of reducing external demand of energy supply to at least half typical use.
  • When all said and done it’ll take five years or less payback to the property. Over the expected 25 year life of project we will offset emissions of more than 24,000 tons of dangerous pollutants by producing our own power. Great things are possible when you put your mind to it. Ask what the government can do and most definitely what power companies can do. Without their assistance these projects wouldn’t be possible or have the payback they have
  • Yi Sun on 10 Feb 12
     
    Green technology will bring benefits to the hospitality industry. It will become a future trend for the hotels to go green. From my point of view, going green is another saving cost and long-term benefits. We can reduce the the harm for what we produce and keep the guest's travel experience more green. Also hospitality plays an important role in telling others about the green concept. People will remember more when they are in realx.
  • Claire Conway on 16 Jun 13
     
    This article discusses the different approaches hotels are using to make their hotels green. They are trying to use technology to reduce energy consumption which will help reduce fossil fuels. At Hotel 1000 in Seattle when a guest checks in the computer system sends a signal to the room to turn on the air conditioner. This system helped the hotel save approximately 40% on their energy. The Bardessono in Napa Valley has auto controls, so when the guest enters a room the sunshades rise, lights, television, and fireplace turn on. They will also turn off when the guest leaves the room. Xanterra in Death Valley has a total of 5,040 solar panels and uses wind power. By doing this they will offset emissions of 24,000 tons of dangerous pollutants over the next 25 years.
anonymous

Eco-Travel Might Be Cool With Floating Resort | Gadling.com - 0 views

www.gadling.com/...t-be-cool-with-floating-resort

eco-travel solar travel

shared by anonymous on 09 Jun 12 - No Cached
  • In the future, eco-travelers may have a green cruise option in the Solar Floating Resort (SFR) concept. Powered entirely by solar photovoltaic panels that cover it like a skin, this sleek boat/resort/luxury submarine is just the sort of place Italian industrial designer Michele Puzzolante imagines. "Solar energy technologies such as photovoltaic panels could provide a third of the world's energy by 2060 if politicians commit to limiting global warming," says Puzzolante on her Solar Floating Resort website. Puzzolante's SFR relies entirely on non-polluting solar power and uses modular manufacturing techniques currently being used in the naval and automobile industries, kind of like LEGO pieces.
  • anonymous on 09 Jun 12
     
    Designed by Michele Puzzolante, the floating resort touts to be eco-friendly, self-sustaining and non-polluting. It will harness solar energy for power and use modular manufacturing methods as a way of building the resort more efficiently. I whole-heartedly agree with the theory of the floating resort as an alternative to the travel carbon footprint, but do not believe this particular model is going to make a huge difference. It is targeted toward the luxury market, only holds 6 people in the resort, and does not explain the full effects its presence will have on the ocean.
Shiyuan Peng

Starbucks To Recycle Coffee Grounds Into Bio-Plastics - 1 views

www.environmentalleader.com/...ffee-grounds-into-bio-plastics

Technology starbucks environmental green

shared by Shiyuan Peng on 18 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Starbucks is working with biorefinery scientists to turn its used coffee grounds and bakery food waste into bioplastics, laundry detergents and other everyday products.
  • The technology has other environmental benefits, Lin said. Fewer pollutants enter the atmosphere, because the waste isn’t incinerated, and the CO2 produced is reused during the biorefining process.
  • The coffee chain, which has a goal of offering front-of-store recycling in all of its company-owned coffee shops by 2015
  • Shiyuan Peng on 18 Sep 12
     
    According to this article, Starbucks is working with biorefinery scientists to turn its used coffee grounds and bakery food waste into bioplastics, laundry detergents and other everyday products. The food biorefinery process works by blending the baked goods with a mixture of fungi. Then bacteria convert the sugars into succinic acid which is a key material used to make products to bioplastics. Another environmental benefits of this technology is that fewer pollutants will enter the atmosphere because the waste isn't incinerated. Finally, Starbucks has a goal of offering front-of-store recycling in all of its company-owned coffee shops by 2015. And it says it's looking into turning used cups into serving trays.
ashleyb102

Environmentally-friendly practices in hotels - 1 views

www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php

green sustainability hospitality hotel solution travel

shared by ashleyb102 on 17 Jan 18 - No Cached
  • As an important component of the accommodation sector, hotel operations are characterised by a massive number of activities that collectively exert a significant impact on global resources (Kirk 1995:3)
  • he considerable environmental effects of hotels contribute to problems, many of which are international in scope, with the major one being climate change
  • According to estimations, an average hotel releases between 160 kg and 200 kg of CO2 per square metre of room floor area per year and the water consumption per guest per night is between 170 and 440 litres in the average five-star hotel. On average, hotels produce 1 kg of waste per guest per night
  • ...12 more annotations...
  • With the negative impacts that hotels exert on the environment, greater pressure is placed on governments and role players in tourism to reinforce eco-friendlier enterprises and green consumption in hotels (Moreo 2008:1). This compels hotels to demonstrate responsible behaviour to become 'eco-friendly hotels' or 'green hotels', which refers to accommodation establishments that have made a commitment to implementing or following various ecologically-sound practices, such as saving water and energy as well as reducing solid waste
  • Because hotels exert a negative environmental impact, it is imperative that the management of hotels take action to mitigate their impact on the environment
  • Within the hotel sector, the areas of concern for the environment include pollution through solid and liquid waste, high energy consumption and the increasing release of greenhouse gases that cause changes in the atmosphere.
  • Consequently, practices such as recycling of waste, waste management, supplying clean air, energy and water conservation, environmental health, adopting a purchasing policy and environmental education are being considered in various hotels in mitigation of the negative impacts on the environment
  • Demands from governments or regulators require hotels to implement green practices (Kim & Choi 2013:159). Green practices are ways to use products and methods that would not negatively impact on the environment through pollution or by the depletion of natural resources (Smith & Perks 2010:3). These green practices include sustainable management of water, energy conservation, solid waste management, ensuring air quality, environmental purchasing, community awareness and maintenance of permits (see Table 1).
  • It is recommended that hotels implement and monitor the progress of the green initiatives in their establishments. The initiatives to be implemented may include any or some of the following:
  • • Water - Water may be saved by flushing toilets using a flushing system fed from rainwater harvesting. In addition, hotels can use low-flow shower heads and taps to reduce waste.
  • Energy - Occupancy sensors can be used in hotels so as to use energy in occupied rooms only. Also, hotels can use renewable energies such as solar power and wind energy.
  • Reuse of linen - Reuse of linens and towels save water, detergent and energy which reduces the release of greenhouse gases. Water saving information cards should be placed in rooms for guests to read.
  • Solid waste - Recycling is one way by which hotels can begin to participate in waste management. Composting at the establishment is also encouraged. • Air quality - Air filtration can be installed in hotels. In addition, the creation of smoking sections for guests to avoid involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke can also be helpful. • Installation of green roofs improves air quality, which includes the use of recycled material in the growing medium. • Environmental purchasing - Hotels should avoid procuring plastic-based packaging, which contributes to high levels of pollution and should rather use paper bags made from recycled products.
  • This research study determined the environmentally friendly practices adopted in 3- to 5-star-graded hotels in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
  • Against this background, this study was conducted to examine issues relating to environmentally-friendly practices of hotels in these two developing countries
  • ashleyb102 on 17 Jan 18
     
    This article takes a look at 3 to 5 star hotels in Zimbabwe and South Africa and their environmentally friendly practices. Research shows that the hotel industry has a huge impact on the environment and the use of natural resources. The hotel industry has been negatively impacting the environment by consuming large amount of energy and water, and by producing large amounts of waste. The government has been demanding that hotels implement green practices, these are methods and products that do not negatively impact the environment. The results from the data collected from these two countries showed that none of the hotels had a written green management policy. Even though some of the hotels insisted that there is a green management policy in effect, it was not written down. It is important for policies like this to be written so there is a clear understanding of what is expected.
  • jmelilli on 18 Jan 18
     
    It seems the main motivation to implement more eco-friendly practices would be legislation/regulation but I wonder how that would be received? Outside the hotel industry,. I wonder how much focus is generally given to environmental concerns? Interesting research.
laurenperdomo

E-waste: The Gobal Cost of Discarded Electronics - The Atlantic - 2 views

www.theatlantic.com/...502019

shared by laurenperdomo on 12 Jun 20 - No Cached
  • One possible alternative is to require producers of electronics to offer buy-back or return systems for old equipment.
  • Another option is recommitting to repairing smartphones and computers.
  • Consumers certainly have a role to play in the increase of e-waste—they’re buying the goods, after all. But manufacturers have given people fewer and fewer viable ways to keep older electronics functioning effectively. In the process, profits from device sales are way up, along with the satisfaction of these companies’ shareholders.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • Resale is another option.
  • Manufacturers have a role to play here, too: for example, by assisting in the creation of e-waste recycling centers in developing countries rather than using them as dumping sites.
  • laurenperdomo on 12 Jun 20
     
    Electronic waste is a global ecological issue. It raises concern about air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, information security, and even human exploitation. This article talks about electronics being made to be thrown away. This affects consumers and the environment in a negative way. The shortened lifespans of electronic devices, encouraged or designed by manufacturers, have pushed consumers to interpret working electronics as insufficient or unusable.
mmoutsatsos

The Rich World's Electronic Waste, Dumped in Ghana - Bloomberg - 0 views

www.bloomberg.com/...ectronic-waste-dumped-in-ghana

shared by mmoutsatsos on 14 Feb 22 - No Cached
  • the Agbogbloshie dump, a wasteland dotted with burning mounds of trash in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
  • Up to 10,000 workers wade through tons of discarded goods as part of an enormous, informal recycling process, in what has become one of the world’s largest destinations for used electronic goods.#lazy-img-360452765:before{padding-top:66.70212765957447%;}
  • Burns, back problems, and infected wounds
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  • respiratory problems, chronic nausea, and debilitating headaches
  • —brought on by the hazardous working environment and toxic air pollution.
  • smashing up old computers and televisions in search of valuable parts and burning insulated cables to recover copper.
  • The Agbogbloshie dump is a result of the world’s increasing demand for electronic equipment as consumers continually upgrade their devices and throw out the older ones.
  • The e-waste problem could expand into a global health crisis,
  • significant proportion of this electronic waste is sent, often illegally, from the West to developing countries across Africa and Asia.
  • Around 50 million tons of electronic waste, or e-waste, is being thrown away each year, according to a report published this year by the United Nations.
  • figure is projected to double by 2050.
  • only 20 percent of e-waste is thought to be recycled appropriately.
  • The rest “ends up in landfill, or is disposed of by informal workers in poor conditions,” the UN found.
  • A
  • “E-waste is a growing global challenge that poses a serious threat to the environment and human health worldwide,”
  • In Ghana, the waste arrives via the Port of Tema, 20 miles to the east of the Agbogbloshie dump.
  • They are often labeled as secondhand consumer products, health experts said, so they are not strictly considered waste.
  • “There are skin diseases and ailments [at Agbogbloshie], but the worst problem here is respiratory illnesses, because the amount of pollution here is so high,”
  • the quality of air is terrible
  • “The workers can’t do anything about it because they have to earn a living, so it’s a trade-off. They earn money but their health suffers.”
  • These health risks are entering the food chain. The Agbogbloshie area is home to one of the largest food markets in Accra, and haggard livestock roam freely and graze on the dumpsite.
  • Agbogbloshie contained some of the most hazardous chemicals on earth.
  • One egg hatched by a free-range chicken in Agbogbloshie exceeded European Food Safety Authority limits on chlorinated dioxins, which can cause cancer and damage the immune system, 220 times over.
  • about 80,000 men, women, and children subsist from the Agbogbloshie dump, living either on-site or in the adjacent slum.
  • Ghana imports about 150,000 tons of secondhand electronics a year,
  • an international treaty that since 1989 has forbidden developed nations from carrying out unauthorized dumping of e-waste in less developed countries.
  • It is very important the issue of waste export to developing countries such as Africa and other countries in transition should be looked at critically.”
  • The German development agency GIZ is in the midst of delivering a €5 million ($5.5 million) project to build a sustainable, efficient recycling system at Agbogbloshie, as well as a health clinic and football pitch for workers.
  • But as the world’s appetite for electronics keeps growing, preventing the illegal dumping of electronic waste and the devastating impact it has on places like Agbogbloshie will prove an even greater challenge.
  • mmoutsatsos on 14 Feb 22
     
    The effects of electronic waste dumping in the Agbogbloshie dump in Accra, the capital of Ghana. It also talks about the health issues workers suffer from working there, and the problem is predicted to get much worse than it already is.
CHARLENE ESCOE BARNETT

THE MATERIALS ECONOMY(A LINEAR SYSTEM) - 0 views

technologystudent.com/...matecon1.html

shared by CHARLENE ESCOE BARNETT on 16 Jun 22 - No Cached
  • The Materials Economy is a production system that dominates our manufacturing world. It is a system that starts with the extraction of raw materials from the ground and their processing into usable materials. This is followed by the refined materials being used to manufacture products in factories (called production)
  • The environment is damaged by the Materials Economy. The extraction of raw materials from the ground, damages the environment and causes pollution and physical scars on our planted. The manufacturing processes create further environmental damage, in the form of atmospheric pollution. The dumping of waste materials and the use of energy produced by fossil fuels, also contribute to environmental damage. The distribution of products, releases CO2 gases into the atmosphere, as lorries, ships and planes burn the fossil fuels, required to transport the products, from the factory to the retailer and then to
  • ed on renewable fuels, such as hydrogen or electricity (produced by wind, sea, solar and biomass). Local manufacturing rather than remote manufacture, dramatically reducing our carbon footprint / pollution. A system totally focussed on the long ter
  • CHARLENE ESCOE BARNETT on 16 Jun 22
     
    This article outlines the linear cycle of the Materials of Economy, explaining each step and bringing to a close the number one issues, the damage to he planet and ultimately the people.
mabbate

Green computing: what it is, why we need it and how to implement it - 1 views

www.babyloncloud.com/...green-computing

green computing

shared by mabbate on 19 Feb 23 - No Cached
  • n fact, the Internet risks becoming one of the most polluting sectors, but it is above all the production of electronic devices that aggravates the climate and ecological crisis, because of the toxic raw materials and the complex processes, requiring a lot of energy and a lot of water.
  • in the first three months of 2021 the Intel plant in Ocotillo had already produced 15 thousand tons of waste, of which 60% dangerous. and consumed more than 4 million liters of water and 561 thousand kilowatt-hours of electricity.
  • Algorithms that manage the switching on and off of servers according to the workload, making sure that few of them work at their maximum capacity while all the others stay off.
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  • Purchasing quality devices, that last longer.
  • mabbate on 19 Feb 23
     
    This article describes the effects of technology on our environment. Everything from production to dumping the product can cause long term pollution issues if we are not careful. This article gives tips to combat this issue.
Chi Zhang

How can hotels go green? | MNN - Mother Nature Network - 0 views

www.mnn.com/...how-can-hotels-go-green

shared by Chi Zhang on 08 Feb 13 - No Cached
  • Eco-friendly hotels are putting recycling bins under the desk and water filters in the bathroom. The days of tiny shampoo bottles are numbered.
  • It’s no secret that hotels can be bastions of wastefulness, with the average hotel guest trashing about two pounds of paper, plastic, cardboard and cans each day.
  • Indeed, hoteliers are finding a double incentive in pleasing eco-conscious guests while at the same time saving a few bucks through sustainable practices.
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  • Doing in-room recycling is important because the guest sees that,”
  • This spring, Marriott International said it would stop delivering newspapers to guests’ rooms, cutting back on 18 million papers annually. Starwood has eliminated tiny shampoo bottles, instead installing dispensers in showers at its Element and Aloft hotels.
  • So far, hotel operators aren’t seeing major savings associated with going green. And they have had some resistance from guests.
  • Fairmont Hotel and Resorts reports that their customers still want the plastic bottles.
  • Chi Zhang on 08 Feb 13
     
    With the ecological environment changes, the general trend of hotel is going to green, which included hotel sewage treatment, boiler dust emission, waste heat emission, the kitchen for the discharge of atmospheric pollutants. Not only the hoteliers require themselves pursuing green but also hope their guests could see that. Most of hotels have already taken action. Such as, Marriott International stop delivering newspapers to guests' rooms, Starwood has eliminated thin shampoo bottles, instead installing dispensers in showers at its Element and Aloft hotels. We are glad to see the hoteliers dedicated to protecting the natural environment.
Ashley Heath

Going Green: A December 2012 Wrap-Up on Eco-Friendly Tech - 0 views

This article discusses new eco friendly technological advances made in 2012. Here are a few examples: Scientists at USC have developed an air pollution reader called CitiSense. This portable devi...

http:__www.business2community.com_sustainability_going-green-a-december-2012-wrap-up-on-eco-friendly-tech-0373341

started by Ashley Heath on 07 Feb 13 no follow-up yet
chunxia gao

40 ways to a greener hotel | Hotel Management Asia - 2 views

hma.hotelworldasia.com/...40-ways-greener-hotel

green initiatives environmental energy sustainability

shared by chunxia gao on 20 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • . Ozone laundry systems reduce the Water, Energy and Chemicals used by the wash.
  • 12. "Green roofs" create energy savings by acting as super insulators, keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also serve as a storm water management systems, catching pollutants as they drain off the roofs. 
  • 32. Use electric buffet warmers rather than canned fuels.
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • 35. Offer guests bicycles for short trips instead of driving.
  • 40. Plant a garden and harvest organically-grown vegetables for your restaurant.
  • chunxia gao on 20 Jan 12
     
    This article includes standards and suggestions to operate green hotels. The 40 ways include electricity saving, water saving, recycling systems and other environmental friendly usage method. For example, it mentioned to use digital control to HVAC systems, key card to control lights in guest rooms, using CFL bulbs to save electricity. It mentioned as possible as you can to paperless or recycle paper. Use ozone laundry system to reduce cost, water energy and chemicals use. Give leftover food and amenities to charities. An interesting thing, it also mentioned plant a garden and harvest organically-grown vegetables for your restaurant, a best way to save cost and treat food debris. The highlight ways are what interesting in my mind.
  • ...3 more comments...
  • Diane Cacho on 21 Jan 12
     
    I really like this concept, it's an excellent idea to help save energy and better the environment in the Hotel Industry. Such as in room recycling, laundry systems that help out the ozone layer by reducing the water, energy and chemicals used in the wash. I would never think of biodegradable 100% recycled room keys, great idea considering people throw them away carelessly and loose them often. In the Hospitality Industry I understand that first-rate service is a must but little things such as not asking for a new bath towel every hotel night can save a lot electricity and water. The fact that they are considering a linen and towel reuse program I am sure this would be very beneficial and will help lower energy costs.
  • YONGHE FAN on 21 Jan 12
     
    This article provides numerous detailed ways of helping hotels get greener and some of them are really make sense. For example, the No.12 about the green roofs that keep building warm in the winter and cool in the summer by acting as super insulators. That is perfect that it help to reduce the use of air-conditioning which would pollute our air and weather. As for the last one about the idea of planting a garden, I have to admit that that is a creative idea but hard to implement. If a hotel wants to plan a vegetables garden that big enough for hotel consumption, the cost would be a problem against the hotel's profits.
  • Bing Liu on 21 Jan 12
     
    This is a very useful and practical article about how hospitality facilities can go green. Going Green should not be just a slogan that hotels post on their walls. It requires people's attention and it needs to be implemented in the right way. Programs like towels reuse program and paper recycle programs are being implemented in most of the hotels. However, there are still hotels that have no sense of sustainable development. Management is important in implementing these actions and they could be good examples for their teams in energy-saving activities.
  • Jingyi Wen on 22 Jan 12
     
    This article provides clarified information about what the hotel should do to be green. This is a valuable guideline for hotel to be a greener hotel. Nowadays more and more hotels bring in new technology to save energy, I know this action can bring many benefits to hotel, but some not mature technology may bring trouble for hotel. I read a story talk about the solar powered energy management system. With this system's control the air conditioner will turn down automatically when there is no person in the room. But sometimes it can turn down the air conditioner when the guests fall asleep. How to deal with this kind of problem is also a big challenge for hospitality industry.
  • angelamenoher on 31 Jan 12
     
    If your hotel is interested in being certified for Florida Green Lodging or just want tips visit http://diigo.com/0mwfk
ning sun

Marriott accelerates green hotel development - 1 views

www.hotelnewsnow.com/...erates-green-hotel-development

shared by ning sun on 06 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • ning sun on 06 Feb 12
     
    Because increasing concern about environment and polluted water and air resources, hotel in green is an emerging issues. It is benefit for both hotel operators and consumers. Reducing fuel and water consumption, creating green construction standards for hotel developers, educating and inspiring employees and guests to support the environment, these are all strategies that will be used in developing a green hotel. Developing a green hotel is a cost saving method as well. Hotel can build a environment-friendly image among consumers and also for its sustainable development.
Yaping Li

Green Business Initiative - Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland - 0 views

www.epa.ie/...gbi

shared by Yaping Li on 22 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • The Green Business Initiative is an inter-linked suite of projects, specifically aimed at helping enterprises save money and help to reduce their environmental impacts.
  • The projects aim to actively help enterprises to become more “resource efficient”. This means that they will use less energy, less water and less raw materials, in turn producing less waste and costing the business less money. It’s a great example of the Green Economy in action and a real win-win situation. 
  • The Green Hospitality Programme (GHP) is a range of projects specifically aimed at the tourism and hospitality industry. 
  • ...1 more annotation...
  • Utilising the capacity and techniques perfected in the Green Hospitality Award and greenbusiness.ie project, the National Waste Prevention Programme is working with healthcare providers to look at water and energy use and waste production, with a special emphasis on food waste. By investigating areas where efficiencies can be made, often through simple "no" and low cost procedures, real savings can be generated for hospitals.
  • Yaping Li on 22 Sep 12
     
    This article introduces some green business initiative that is the projects to help enterprises use less resource to make money. With the development of the society, it is more important for us to protect the environment. The green business initiative is a good example to protect the environment. The article shows the greenbusiness.ie project offer an effective tool to help the company not only reduce the cost but also reduce the pollution. It also introduce the project that aimed to help hospitality industry solve the save resource problem. It list some projects like Green Festivals, Less Food Waste, More Profit to prove these program already save more money and resource. The Green Healthcare and SMILE (Saving Money through Industrial Linkage and Exchanges) are the other two examples of green business initiative.
Linfan Cai

Green Lodging News | Short description of the blog - 0 views

www.greenlodgingnews.com/Blog

Hotel Marriott Green LEED

shared by Linfan Cai on 21 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Linfan Cai on 21 Sep 12
     
    This article is written by a publisher and editor. It is based on what he saw and heard. The main contents are around the LEED Volume Program. The leadership in energy and environmental design consists of a suite of rating systems for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings, homes and neighborhoods. Marriott group opened their first hotel as part of Marriott's LEED Volume Program. The senior design manager indicates the program saves owners about $100,000 in upfront costs and six months of construction time. And it provides a competitive advantage for Marriott. Depending on his article, it is easy to know what is unique about the hotel from a green design and operations perspective. For example, the pool uses salt water to reduce the need for chlorine. Or the windows are high performance and reflect heat. Especially, the shower facility is for employees who ride their bicycles to work. Hoteliers pay much attention to the green development will help them to reduce the cost and pollution. Moreover, the staff prefer working in a green hotel because it helps motivate them daily. The following link is about the detailed of Marriott's LEED Volume Program. http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=8146
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