Hotels expand green efforts
Marriott International is expanding its environmental efforts by adopting an energy-saving program at 264 of its hotels nationwide. Proposed changes include less air-conditioning in hallways, dim lighting in common areas and rearranged cooling cycles. Constellation Energy is behind the program and will cover half of the cost of installing the automated technology, with the hotels expected to break even on the investment within two years. Marriott’s goal, set in 2007, is to decrease energy use at its hotels by 25 percent by 2017. “Already, it has been trimmed by 20 percent,” said Douglas Rath, energy director for Marriott International in the Americas.
Hyatt Key West Resort and Spa recently began using all-green chemicals to clean its 118 luxury guest rooms. The hotel also plans to participate in the Global Soap Project, a donation program for recovering discarded toiletries, early next year. The property has maintained its green reputation after receiving the One Palm Award from the Florida Green Lodging Program in 2008, making the resort the first green certified resort on the island. Environmentally conscious planners can utilize the three meeting rooms at the hotel, including the 448-sq.-ft. Harbor Boardroom, which opens onto a gulfside balcony.
