Water Conservation in the Hospitality Industry
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that hospitality facilities, including hotels and lodgings, use about 15 percent of water designated for commercial usage in the United States. Conserving energy is a main concern for facility managers and now the focus has turned to water management.
According to the EPA, restrooms acｃount for the biggest use of water, acｃounting for about 30 percent of hotel water use. This is followed by laundry operations and landscaping.
Industry giant, Caesars, has dominated in the energy saving arena. Overall, the company has reduced its water use by seven percent per square foot of indoor space from 2008 to 2012 with plans to continue cutting back. These accomplishments are due to the installation of 10,700 low-flow shower heads that produce 1.8 gallons per minute compared to the average 2.5 gallons per minute. They have also installed low-flow sink aerators, which save an estimated 50.5 million gallons per year.
Caesars also sets an example for energy saving in the laundry room. By installing tunnel washers, the company was able to reduce water consumption in laundry facilities by 30 million gallons per year, predicting annual savings of $135,000 to $218,000.
To cut back on landscaping water usage, Caesars reduced the amount of water on its golf courses, using desert vegetation in some areas opposed to grass. While water is a big problem in Las Vegas, ｅxecutives at Caesars are turning to new and innovative solutions to reduce energy costs including reusing rain water and extracting water from food waste etc.
As the hotel industry becomes more aware of energy costs, so are guests. By asking guests to opt out of daily linen and towel washing, the American Hotel and Lodging Association estimates a reduction of washing loads by 17 percent! This not only saves water, but also extends the life of linens and towels, reducing replacement costs.
The EPA recognizes the importance of conservation. In 2006 they initiated the WaterSense H2Otel Challenge. The program is designed to encourage hotels to use best management practices that will save water and money, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
The program states that by simply replacing water using fixtures with WaterSense labeled models, the average urban hotel with approximately 150 guest rooms would save nearly 760,000 gallons of water and more than $7,000 in water costs each year. Participating hotels include Courtyard Hotels, Residence Inn, The Ritz-Carlton, Wyndham and Marriotts.
Source: http://www.forumevents.com/press-releases/265/Water-Conservation-in-the-Hospitality-Industry
Vocabulary Words:
1. Designated - (verb) o say officially that somebody/something has a particular character or name to describe somebody/something in a particular way
2. Reduce - (verb) to make something less or smaller in size, quantity, price, etc.
3. Consumption - (noun) the act of using energy, food or materials the amount used
4. Cut back on - (phrasal verb) to reduce something
5. Innovative - (adj.) introducing or using new ideas, ways of doing something, etc.
Discussion Questions:
1. At the Kangwon Land, the largest water usage is seen where? (Hotel rooms, laundry operations, landscaping, etc.)
2. In what ways does the resort conserve water?
3. Are there any cases where in guests complain about water? Tell me about it.
4. How is water supplied at the resort?
5. Do you think safe, clean running water is essential in hotels? Why do you think so?
