Getting mean about going green

Everyone's talking about going green, but are the investors listening?

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.

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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!