Greening Lobbies and Public Areas
- Install energy-efficient light bulbs in hallway, lobby and bathroom lighting fixtures.
- Reduce or eliminate the number or wattage of bulbs and lamps in vending machines and lighted signs.
Replace all exit signs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) exit signs. High-efficiency exit signs can save
$15-$20 in electricity costs when compared with the typical, incandescent signs.
- Monitor the performance of all heating and cooling systems
and perform maintenance as needed. Install
high-efficiency heating
and cooling equipment.
- Use water-efficient devices like low-flow toilets and faucet
aerators in public bathrooms. Install cloth roll towels
or hand dryers.
Greening Dining & Laundry Areas
- Set the temperature for your hot water at the lowest practical setting for dish and clothes washing. Only operate
these appliances with full loads. Buy your food and cleaning
supplies in bulk and eliminate as much packaging
from these purchases as possible.
- Reduce dining room waste by eliminating the source. For example, serve cream from a pitcher, sugar from a
sugar holder and condiments from reusable containers. Serve soft drinks from a dispenser rather than
individual cans. Use cloth napkins and reusable flatware.
- Mulch your food scraps and donate the mulch to local farmers
or garden clubs.
- Serve meals on one large plate rather than using several
smaller ones. Donate retired dishware, utensils and
glasses to charities.
- Substitute biodegradable and less toxic cleaning products for hazardous cleaning chemicals. Minimize the
use of bleaches, chemical pesticides and other detergents and chemicals. Train your staff in the proper storage,
use and safe disposal of these hazardous substances to avoid risks to both staff and the environment.
Greening Your Hotel Operations
- Use glazing on windows throughout the hotel to prevent heat from building up, while still allowing light through. Consider purchasing energy-efficient windows if you need to upgrade.
- Use plants that require little water or maintenance when landscaping your property.
- Donate used furniture, linens and equipment to local nonprofit or charitable organizations. Use old towels and linens as rags for cleaning.
