As a reporter, I get a lot of news releases in my inbox every day.
As you can imagine, there are some we follow up on, some we forward to a colleague. Some we make note of for a story down the line. Others, we know we're not going to pursue.
Plenty of them have nothing to do with hotel news, and we just ended up on some public relations person's email list. I think I even once received a news release from a casket maker.
Anyway, every now and then I get an email about some kind of new sustainability feature at a hotel, both new build or as part of a renovation. Most recently I received one about an island resort that will be able to rely entirely on solar power during daylight hours.
Over the years, countless hotel owners have invested in different sustainability measures to improve energy consumption and reduce energy waste. That has ranged from switching to LED bulbs to installing rooftop solar panels or even full solar panel arrays.
The saying is every little bit helps. While true, more in this case is usually better.
I have no idea what's in store for the future of sustainability efforts and any support they may receive from government policy in the U.S. I am heartened, though, to know that there are companies still interested in it even if it's purely for financial reasons.
Whatever your motivation to choose these energy-saving options, putting these measures in place is what's important. If what you're concerned about is reducing energy costs over time? That's great, go for it. If you want to do your part to generate and use cleaner energy while benefitting from lower energy costs, then feel good that you're getting a twofer.
I hope hotel owners continue to invest in clean energy solutions as they build and renovate their properties. It's crucial to trying to improve the environment, helps ease some of the burden on our current electrical infrastructure and lowers overall energy costs.
You can reach me at bwroten@hotelnewsnow.com as well as on LinkedIn.
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