{"id":17956,"date":"2017-04-11T18:49:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-11T17:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travindy.com\/?p=17956"},"modified":"2017-11-27T17:52:01","modified_gmt":"2017-11-27T16:52:01","slug":"hotel-sustainability-initiatives-communication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travindy.com\/news\/2017\/04\/hotel-sustainability-initiatives-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"How to engage your guests in your hotel sustainability initiatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HowA<\/span>n article this month in USA Today claimed that “Hotel thermostats a hot topic for guests<\/a>“. Meanwhile, a recent\u00a0study shows guests have negative perceptions of three green hotel initiatives<\/a>: \u00a0low water pressure, temperature control, and green products. The authors analyzed comments on the top 10 GreenLeader hotels in the US, as of 2014. Interestingly, they found that an average of 10% of guest comments were related to green efforts, ranging from 4% to 48.7%. In the reviews analyzed, guests made comments to the effect of \u201cI\u2019m all for saving the environmental, but\u2026\u201d It\u2019s a shame that \u201cgreen\u201d takes the blame, when it needn\u2019t. Let\u2019s consider each.<\/p>\n

Low Water Pressure<\/h2>\n

In my own informal TripAdvisor research, I found those with water-saving fixtures have mixed reviews on water pressure. Some had mainly negative, while some had mainly positive. \u00a0Most had a fairly equal mix of both.<\/p>\n

What does this tell us? Something facilities managers already know: water pressure is not just a function of a green fixture. It is dependent on municipal infrastructure; the building\u2019s bones, systems, and age; the floor you\u2019re on; leaks, maintenance, and upkeep; time of day; and personal preference. A hotel has no control over some of those, but whether you have water efficient faucets or not, be sure to manage the others on the list.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let \u201cgreen\u201d take the fall for low water pressure when it could be other issues. Consider these tips:<\/p>\n

Ask green product vendors to send free samples and test them out for yourself in different rooms \/ floors of the building.<\/p>\n

Be sure the installation and maintenance crews follow manufacturer specifications.<\/p>\n

Share water-saving statistics with guests so they can associate with a larger social movement. Upon checkout (before the guest is likely to post a review) include a notice like, \u201cDuring your stay, you saved 80 gallons of water! Thank you for participating in our efforts to conserve.\u201d<\/p>\n

Temperature Control<\/h2>\n

One reviewer on a TripAdvisor GreenLeader hotel mentioned having maintenance come up in the night to adjust the temperature and show her the thermostat \u201ceco button\u201d. There are videos online telling travelers how to \u201chack\u201d thermostats to override set points.<\/p>\n

As much as we want guests to participate in energy-saving programs, they aren\u2019t ready to compromise on comfort. There are ways to communicate temperature options, while promoting eco-friendly behavior.<\/p>\n

Put a small sign near the thermostat. The use of simple language and icons can convey the concern for both the environment and guest well-being.
\nTechnology makes it possible to gather data on consumer behavior and preferences, especially frequent travelers and loyalty program members. Use this to target information on your green initiatives and a thermostat \u201chow-to\u201d through emails and app notifications.<\/p>\n

Train staff to strike the right balance between caring for the environment and catering to guests\u2019 needs. \u00a0We don\u2019t want to encourage (environmentally) bad behavior, but we do want to encourage repeat visits and positive reviews.<\/p>\n

Green Products<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One TripAdvisor reviewer was disappointed to receive his $30 breakfast in a paper bag and paper containers. Other comments echoed this connection of poor quality with eco-products, specifically citing plates and cutlery. The challenge in this category is that, up until recently, higher quality eco-packaging was more expensive and eroded the business case for sustainability.<\/p>\n

As demand increases and technology and materials improve, food service outlets don\u2019t have to settle for products that damage brand or customer experience. The global sustainable packaging market is predicted to grow at 7.7% CAGR by 2025<\/a>. With such increases come more competition and innovation which bring prices down and quality up. \u00a0In the meantime,<\/p>\n

Check that your green purchasing policy reflects the service level and brand standards guests expect. Higher level properties should be stocked with bamboo and stronger fiber containers, while a mid-range hotel can get away with paper cartons.<\/p>\n

Whenever possible, offer reusable utensils. Just keep in mind the trade-off in water consumption for the dishwasher.<\/p>\n

Find a great\u00a0story to tell guests. For example, \u201cDid you know bamboo is a grass and some species grow up to 3 feet per day? Enjoy your meal with these sturdy, biodegradable utensils.\u201d<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t let sustainability be an excuse; make thoughtful decisions about your product and service so that both the customer and the environment win. Remember that guest communication is a simple and powerful way to shift perceptions of green initiatives.<\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aurora Dawn Reinke is a sustainability consultant and speaker. Aurora\u2019s firm,\u00a0Astrapto LLC<\/a>, guides owners and management teams through change by establishing a vision and strategy for sustainability; demonstrating the business case; engaging, empowering, and equipping stakeholders to achieve the vision; and formalizing and codifying sustainable processes. Aurora has a Doctorate in Business Administration in Social Impact Management. She is a Certified Sustainability Associate from the International Society of Sustainability Professionals and a LEED Green Associate.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If your hotel is investing in low water pressure systems, temperature control devices or green products in order to be more sustainable, don’t forget to communicate the benefits to your guests to make sure they understand why and support your efforts<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":250,"featured_media":17957,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,266,535,2211],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\nHow to engage your guests in your hotel sustainability initatives<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If your hotel is investing in sustainable products and solutions, don't forget to communicate the benefits to your guests so they support your efforts\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/travindy.com\/news\/2017\/04\/hotel-sustainability-initiatives-communication\/\" 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