Tips for Green Hotels

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[edit] Guest room tips

Start a linen (both towels and sheets) reuse program in all guest rooms.
Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators.
Switch to low-flow toilets or install toilet-tank fill diverters.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs in guestrooms, lobbies, and hallways. Use sensors and/or timers for areas that are infrequently used.
Provide guestroom recycler baskets for newspaper, white paper, glass, aluminum, cardboard, and plastic.
Educate your staff to turn off lights and turn down heating/air conditioning when rooms are unoccupied. Also, during summer months, to close the drapes.
Install window film to lower heating and cooling loads and reduce glare in guestrooms.

Whenever possible, buy food and guest amenities in bulk (i.e., use refillable hair and skin care dispensers).
Provide glass cups and ceramic mugs (instead of plastic) for in-room beverages. Place cups and mugs upside down on paper doilies (instead of covering opening with a plastic wrapping).
Provide reusable items such as cloth napkins, glass cups, ceramic dishes, etc. with all food and beverage services.
Donate leftover food to a local nonprofit organization and/or use a compost bin.
Buy organic, locally-grown food for your kitchen whenever possible.
Plant an organic garden to provide fresh produce for your guests.

Purchase "energy star" appliances wherever possible (see Energy Star for Hospitality for detailed information about energy saving appliances and monitoring systems).
Use least toxic cleaners, sanitizers, paints, pesticides, etc. throughout the hotel. Make sure all chemicals are stored safely in a well-ventilated area.
Replace old washing machines with both water and energy conserving models.
Replace exit signs with Light Emitting Diode (LED) exit signs.
Include filter changes, coil cleaning, thermostat calibration, and damper adjustments in your ongoing maintenance plan.
Monitor, record and post rates of energy and water use. Make repairs or replace equipment when rate changes indicate problems.
Use an energy management system (EMS) to tie in air handling units, HVAC, and lighting to prevent conditioning space when it is not necessary.
Consult outside sources to evaluate the total system when replacing major mechanical equipment (such as chiller, water tower, etc). Often, this can lead to downsizing and other opportunities to reduce both the initial investment and operating costs.
If the hotel has a pool and/or hot tub, install a solar water heating system and use pool and hot tub covers when the pool area is closed. Replace electric package terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units with more efficient heat pumps or other geothermal technologies.

Provide recycling bins both in public areas (i.e., poolside), in the kitchen, and in the back office (including one at each desk) to make recycling as easy as possible.
Buy office and guest amenity products that contain recycled material. For company listings, access the Recycled-Content Product Directory or the Recycled Plastics Product Directory.
Use recycled paper products (with high post-consumer recycled content) that are either unbleached or bleached using a chlorine-free process.
Provide your guests with bicycles, walking maps, and information on public transportation.
Use daylight exclusively in your lobby, bar, and restaurant for as much of the day as possible. Consider installing skylights if needed.
Switch to drought resistant native plants in garden areas. Replace mowed landscaping with native ground cover.
Minimize the amount of paper used for each guest (i.e., reduce paper size of invoices, etc.).
Create an incentive program to encourage your staff to participate in and improve upon environmentally-friendly practices.
Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings.
Donate leftover guest amenities, old furniture and appliances to charities.
If available, schedule an energy audit through your local energy provider.
If your hotel has a gift shop, consider purchasing fair trade products from a list of wholesalers

Green Traveller is Richard Hammond's (green travel writer) website featuring green places to stay and tips on eco-friendly holidays.