Managing water and energy use:

After reviewing your annual budget, you will probably find that your business has a high running cost due to excessive use of energy and water for your daily operations and recreational activities. In most cases, the energy demand is due to the use of energy intensive technology to provide modern comforts and convenience, such as air-conditioning. As for water, in addition to the water required for each hotel room and general hotel management areas such as kitchens and laundry rooms, features such as swimming pools, lawns and golf courses mean a huge increase in your daily water needs.

Why should you care?

• It makes financial sense to reducing operation costs. More efficient energy use and better housekeeping practices can lead to significant reductions in operating costs and utility (energy and water) bills. “Green” practices will also enhance your reputation among guests and others who are concerned about reducing global energy consumption and the effects of climate change.
• Enhanced community relations. Reducing water use can conserve and protect local water resources on which your hotel and the community depend to ensure that neither run out of water in the long run, or during periods of severe drought.

What can you do?

• Assess and monitor energy consumption either daily or weekly. This will allow you to identify abnormal consumption and to quantify energy savings when modern, efficient equipment is installed or a good practice implemented.

Make a habit of simple energy-saving practices. Encourage guests and employees to follow energy-saving practices, such as switching off lights and air-conditioning, closing window shades before leaving their rooms, and using towels or linens for more than one day. Use products that require less energy to maintain, such as colored sheets and towels or eco-labeled cotton products.

• Promote water-saving practices. Identify the main areas of water consumption in your hotel where significant water savings can be achieved. Work with employees to identify water-saving practices, such as not leaving water running, or properly using toilets, faucets and showerheads. Install water saving devices, such as low-flush toilets and low-flow shower heads and faucets. The latter of which can reduce the flow of water by 50% without being uncomfortable for the user.

Banyan Tree Resort, Seychelles, have the capacity to collect rainwater, thus reducing their reliance on treated water from the Public Utilities Company (PUC).

On Bird Island, the hotel managers encourage guests to make the most of natural ventilation (PHOTO Elke Talma)