Getting mean about going green

Are we paying only lip service to environmental sustainability, or are we just passing the buck totally, asks City Seasons Group of Hotels new group general manager Thomas Tapken

How many hotels, management companies and owners are really committed to supporting environmentally friendly hotels? And where does the responsibility lie? Is it with the general manager, who is probably only ‘on property’ for two or three years and responsible for the revenue? Or should the management company, committed to the bottom line rather than long-term sustainability, or the hotel owner, be driving the issue?

Management companies have the knowledge, as they must implement certain standards in Europe and more are seeking LEED certification from the US Green Building Council. Yet even in the US, according to a recent report in USA Today, “Starwood says four of its hotels are LEED certified and 64 others pursuing it. Marriott has two with 50 in the pipeline”. Hardly an earth-shattering success!

In a perfect world, all parties would work together towards a common goal, but in reality, all parties are watching their daily bottom line, rather than thinking years ahead. It costs more to ‘go green’ in the short-term, which is where it often matters most. The long-term savings are, however, proven — this is what should matter to management companies and owners, who should then be driving the general manager to make changes.

Time for change

Exactly what changes should we be making? It comes down to saving water, saving energy and reducing solid waste. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? So where exactly is the problem with implementation?

We all threw our hands up in horror when the UAE’s carbon footprint was announced as the largest in the world by the Earth Council — but what have each of us done to reduce it? Yes, there are more recycling bins around residential communities, but are we doing as much as we could in the hotels?
What about reduction of water consumption? Has anyone actually attempted to install low-flow shower heads or only serve water on request in restaurants? What about low-flow toilets?

And what about employee housing? Has anyone installed any water consumption-reducing device or energy-saving light bulb there? A hotel with nearly 2000 employees has to have a minimum of 1200 rooms with each floor having a maximum of 50 rooms. This translates to 24 floors, each floor with a minimum of 25 light bulbs — on 24/7! Motion sensors here would require a higher initial investment, but would have significant future cost savings.

In the hotel, have you installed motion sensors for public rest rooms, meeting rooms, exercise rooms and corridors? Or do you use energy-saving bulbs? The argument that they are not ‘aesthetic’ no longer applies as many variations are available.

New opportunity?

Many new hotels are under construction in the GCC, but are any actually being built ‘green’? The answer is probably not — it costs too much. But, wouldn’t solar power make sense here in the desert? It costs more at the beginning, but think of those reduced bills.

How about taking another look at employee housing here? Monthly bills are huge — investment now will result in huge savings in years to come — but who is going to make that decision? Is it really likely to be the general manager who is watching his expenses rocket and occupancy / rates fall right now?

To begin with, the reduction of energy and water consumption should need no major investment except in education, training and strong implementation of guidelines by individual companies.

Encouragement and motivation of the individual employee will easily save up to 30% in energy costs. The major issue is the ongoing sustainability of energy saving.

Government guidance

Unfortunately, it will take government regulation to ensure that we all follow the necessary steps for a greener future — because few of us willingly choose to spend additional funds without immediate results.

The UAE government is implementing ‘green’ building codes with clear regulations to enforce energy-saving in the construction of the buildings, but often the worst offenders are older existing buildings — and it is these which need to be modified.

Common goal

In conclusion, when it comes to “going green”, everybody talks about it, everybody wants it, everybody believes in it — but nobody knows who should invest in it!

A common goal between owners, hotel management companies and hotels would hopefully bring about the desired results.

With the World Green Tourism Congress taking place in Abu Dhabi from December 6—8, 2010, I believe that time has run out for those on the fence and firm decisions must be taken very soon!