Green Hotels
Hotels are finding innovative ways they can save energy and money while keeping guests comfortable and happy.
Green Hotels Association in Houston encourages its membership to consider the health of the planet and their guests in all aspects of the hospitality business.
Charter member, Habitat Suites in Austin, is an environmental award-winning hotel, that is earth-friendly in everything from the solar panels atop its roof to the native plants used in landscaping. Window tinting, radiant barriers, programmable thermostats, superior insulation and highly efficient air-conditioning keep rooms comfortable with minimal energy use. America's Best Value Inn Hotel and Suites in Houston is another example of a hotel that cares about the health of the planet and its guests. The management has implemented a hotel-wide recycling program for paper, glass, metal containers, and plastic. It has installed energy-efficient windows and solar screens to reduce heat gain. Compact fluorescent lights are used to light the interior, and outside solar-powered lighting illuminates the entrance to the hotel.
Hotel managers are finding that being green saves money and helps hotel guests and staff become more aware of what they can do to make a difference.