We hear this a lot: “Going green is too costly”. It’s a damaging misconception – damaging to the environment, and damaging to bottom lines. Because the truth is, sustainable practices, products and initiatives more often than not can reduce budgets.
Last month, the Los Angeles Times’ Hugo Martin, delved into how hoteliers can save some green by going green, citing three studies done by Cornell University professors. While the majority of guests may not spend more money to stay at an environmentally-responsible hotel, establishments with impressive LEED ratings are less expensive to operate, thus generating higher profits.
Sustainable initiatives can stretch to all aspects of hotel operations and maintenance. Energy efficiency cuts costs dramatically, while guest-focused programs such as linen reuse encourage loyalty. It’s also important for hoteliers to remain eco-conscious on big decisions.
As brands evaluate new PIPs and move towards renovation, alternatives to buying new should be considered. By instead choosing furniture asset management – the refinishing, reupholstery or remanufacturing of existing pieces – carbon emissions are dramatically reduced, harmful landfill waste is eradicated and costs are cut.
Take the Doubletree Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina for example. For its specific project scope, new furniture would have cost $403,599.18. Instead, it chose refinishing. Its total cost ended up being only $55,359.00. That’s a 71% cost saving the location was able to reallocate to other needs. And through the use of low-VOC lacquers and on-site work, the project protected the environment.
To learn more about the Cornell studies, please click here. Get in touch with us on Twitter at @RefinishTouch.
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