Solar Power and Key Renewable Energy Solutions for SMEs hotel

Solar Power and Key Renewable Energy Solutions for SMEs hotel

Solar Power

The hotel sector is energy-intensive. Using cleaner and cheaper energy sources will help to reduce operational costs and increase competitiveness and sustainability

An option for many businesses is to source their own energy and in most cases solar power is the only realistic alternative

The sun’s rays (solar radiation) offer a huge potential source of energy that can be used to heat, cool and light buildings. It’s been estimated that more energy from the sun falls on our planet in one hour than is used by in the world in one year.

The three main solar technology systems that convert sunlight into energy are:

Solar water-heating
By far the most commonly used, this solar technology produces hot water. Solar panels collect the energy, which directly heats the water system.

Solar photovoltaics
This converts sunlight into electricity via cells. The technology was discovered by scientists in 1954 and it has been transferred to small devices such as solar calculators and watches.

Passive solar design
New buildings can be designed to collect, store, and distribute solar energy. Features could include south-facing windows and building materials (thermal mass) that absorb and slowly release the sun’s heat.

Saving the planet is all well and good but what return can you expect to make on your green investment?

No matter what solar technology you install, you will start saving on your energy bills immediately and, depending on the system and the prices charged by your local energy provider, you can expect to offset the start-up costs within four to 12 years. Most systems have a 25-year manufacturers’ guarantee and a working life of over 40 years.

Start-up costs alone may put many businesses off but most governments offer grants, interest-free loans and tax rebates to cut the cost dramatically. Businesses can often claim up to 80% of the start-up costs depending on the country.
Disruption to hotels when fitting solar systems is normally minimal, as most work is carried out on roof areas far away from guests and staff.

New-build hotels are able to incorporate all three systems—solar water-heating, solar photovoltaics and passive solar design—to become as self-reliant on electricity as possible no matter where in the world they are located.

Existing hotels have the option of installing solar water heating, solar photovoltaics or both. Solar water-heating is by far the most popular and cheaper option and can produce great savings as well as cut CO_²emissions. Hot water is a constant requirement for any hotel and this system can reduce the need for conventional water heating by as much as two-thirds.

Most of these systems have two main components—a solar collector made up of large solar panels, normally on the roof, and a modified water tank. Systems can be either active or passive. The former is most common and uses an electric pump to circulate the hot water while passive systems rely on gravity and natural thermal currents to circulate the water.

In a solar swimming pool heating system, the existing pool filtration mechanism pumps pool water through the solar collector, and the collected heat is transferred directly to the pool.

Solar photovoltaic systems also use solar cells. There is a huge choice available, including those that are just millimetres thick and can double up as rooftop shingles and tiles, building facades or glazing for skylights.

The traditional solar cells are made from silicon, are usually flat-plate, and are very efficient. Second generation cells are called thin-film because they are manufactured from amorphous silicon or non-silicon materials, such as cadmium telluride. Third-generation technology is made from other materials, including solar inks that use conventional printing press technologies, solar dyes and conductive plastics.

Whatever system is employed, the more panels put in, the more energy will be produced, so space and aesthetics have to be taken into account, but these can be a selling point for the hotel. And most rooftop space is vast.

Paradoxically, solar power can also be used very efficiently in hot climates for cooling. With up to 22% of a hotel’s total electrical expenses going on cooling systems, the potential savings are great. In fact, new techniques are being developed using solar power to run air-conditioning, ventilation systems and dehumidifiers that are just as efficient as standard systems.

Solar air-conditioning works like this. Air is passed over solid desiccants like silica gel or zeolite to draw moisture from the air to allow an efficient evaporative cooling cycle. The desiccant is then regenerated using solar thermal heat energy to dry it out in a cost-effective, continuously repeating cycle.

Solar-powered ventilation works both for heating in the winter and cooling in the summer using a low-energy fan and motor system that can be cost-effectively powered by photovoltaics, with enhanced natural convection exhaust up a solar chimney.

Dehumidifiers are created using an attractive recirculating waterfall that dehumidifies a room using solar thermal energy to regenerate the liquid and a photovoltaics-powered low-rate water pump.

And, of course, you can rig up solar photovoltaic systems to power standard electric-run cooling systems too.
Solar technology is constantly evolving as governments and manufacturers invest large sums of money in research and development.

Solar water heating technology is advancing all the time too. US company Cool Energy is developing a system that produces heat and electricity for the northern hemisphere. It combines a traditional solar water heater with an engine-based generator that operates at 200°C rather than the traditional 500°C.

In cool weather, it provides both hot water and heating while in warmer months, excess heat is used to drive the engine and generate electricity. It can provide 80% of the heating, 100% of the hot water and 60% of a building’s electricity needs.
Solar power has huge potential as a reliable energy source in developing countries, where traditional energy supplies can be unpredictable.

“Key Renewable Energy Solutions for SMEs hotels”, in the Renewable Energy series of the HES project, equipment prices vary between suppliers and between countries, are not always available and need to be updated regularly as they evolve quickly. Installation costs also vary greatly between countries (due, for example, to differences in labour costs). Those costs also depend greatly on whether the installation work entails shutting down the hotel or not.

Generally speaking, other influential factors can be the following:

1.     quality of products and installation;

2.     ease of installation;

3.     geographic and climate conditions (e.g. latitude, number of sunny or windy hours, terrain, hydrological conditions, etc.);

4.     user’s distance from the manufacturer (e.g. in case of purchase of wood pellets or wood chips)

5.     optimal conditions for installations (e.g. good orientation and tilting of collectors in case of solar thermal or photovoltaic panels

One important factor that influences the implementation of renewable technologies in SMEs hotels is the lack of awareness of the prospects these applications offer. Various groups are involved in this process, including:

1. Hoteliers: they certainly play a predominant role in the implementation of RES systems in hotels, particularly in the case of small and medium structures, where the decision-making process is simplified and swifter if compared to larger hotels. Too often, hoteliers do not know which renewable energy technologies are most suitable in their case and what the advantages are after implementation of such systems. Thus, they are unaware that they can save significant amounts of energy – and therefore money –, and do not know they can receive tax incentives from their local, regional or national government – and, again, save money – once the system is implemented and operational.

2. Hotel personnel: once the RES system is in place, many employees in the hotel are not aware of how the system works. A correct “energy behaviour” by employees can definitely contribute to enhancing the hotel’s overall energy performance.

3. Hotel guests: in too many cases, they are not aware of the difference it can make to stay in a hotel equipped with RES technologies, in terms of both energy and CO2 savings (while enjoying the same or even higher level of comfort).

4. Administrators: they are very often not familiar with renewable energy issues; hence they are unable to give the relevant information to the hotelier who would like to apply for the implementation of a RES system

some technical barriers exist which limit RES applications or their optimal performance. Herewith, just a non-exhaustive overview of the most relevant ones per technology:

1.       Biomass (i.e. wood chips and wood pellets): the biomass boiler cannot be connected to a chimney; the hotel building does not have any place to store the wood chips/wood pellets neither in its premises nor in an external storage.

2.       Combined Heat and Power (also known as cogeneration): the hotel building does not have enough space to store a (micro-) cogenerator.

3.       Geothermal energy: the hotel is not well insulated and it cannot dispose of an outside area large enough to locate ground-source heat pumps.

4.       Small-Hydropower: the hotel is not located in the proximity of a river nor the river has a suitable drop in level (i.e. the ‘head’)/flow of water so as to allow hydro turbines to convert water pressure and kinetic energy into mechanical energy, which can be used to drive an electricity generator.

5.       Solar energy (both photovoltaic and solar thermal): some obstacles (such as trees, buildings, or the like) shadow the solar panels; panels face north and are not tilted; the hotel does not have a suitable area where to locate a number of panels necessary to meet the energy hotel needs.

6.     Wind: the hotel is not located in a windy area nor it has a suitable area where to locate the wind turbine.

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING?

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING?

There are many definitions of what a green building is or does. Definitions may range from a building that is “not as bad” as the average building in terms of its impact on the environment or one that is “notably better” than the average building, to one that may even represent a regenerative process where there is actually an improvement and restoration of the site and it’s surrounding environment. The ideal “green” project preserves and restores habitat that is vital for sustaining life and becomes a net producer and exporter of resources, materials, energy and water rather than being a net consumer. A green building is one whose construction and lifetime of operation assure the healthiest possible environment while representing the most efficient and least disruptive use of land, water, energy and resources. The optimum design solution is one that effectively emulates all of the natural systems and conditions of the pre-developed site – after development is complete

WHAT IS A GREEN BUILDING?

Setting Green Goals and Objectives…

Once the decision to build green has been made, one of the first steps in the green design process is to establish firm environmental goals for the project. This is often done during what is called a goal setting or targeting session. During this session, it is important to set specific measurable goals for things like energy efficiency, water conservation, on-site treatment of rain water and storm water, material and resource management, construction waste management, and to assign responsibility for meeting these goals to specific members of the design team. Each goal needs a champion who will see that objective through to the end. If the building is to be built in accordance with the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system, it will be helpful to review the requirements of LEED as part of the green project goal setting session, begin targeting which elements of LEED are going to be pursued, and establish firm criteria for meeting those goals.

Building a Green Team…

Hiring a design team with prior green design experience is highly desirable, but not essential provided that the design team is augmented with architects or engineering consultants who do have experience in green building and site design principles and technologies. The collective knowledge, experience, and dedication of the design team will determine the overall success of the green project. All members of the green team should participate in the project goal setting session. Once the goal setting process has been completed it may become obvious that meeting certain goals may require expertise that lies outside the current design team. Specialized consultants may need to be engaged for specific elements of the design and construction process or to oversee all elements of the green design program. These specialists will be able to bring new ideas and solutions to the table for consideration and should be included in the project as early as possible.

Integrated Design Process…

Building a green building is not just a matter of assembling a collection of the latest green technologies ormaterials. Rather, it is a process in which every element of the design is first optimized and then the impact and interrelationship of various different elements and systems within the building and site are re-evaluated, integrated, and optimized as part of a whole building solution. For example, interrelationships between the building site, site features, the path of the sun, and the location and orientation of the building and elements such as windows and external shading devices have a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of natural daylighting. These elements also affect direct solar loads and overall energy performance for the life of the building. Without considering these issues early in the design process, the design is not fully optimized and the result is likely to be a very inefficient building. This same emphasis on integrated and optimized design is inherent in nearly every aspect of the building from site planning and use of on-site storm water management strategies to envelope design and detailing and provisions for natural ventilation of the building. This integrated design process mandates that all of the design professionals work cooperatively towards common goals from day one.

Overview of the Five Elements of a Green Building Project…

The following pages summarize key principles, strategies and technologies which are associated with the five major elements of green building design which are: Sustainable Site Design; Water Conservation and Quality;Energy and Environment; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Conservation of Materials and Resources. Thisinformation supports of the use of the USGBC LEED Green Building Rating System, but focuses on principlesand strategies rather than specific solutions or technologies, which are often site specific and will vary fromproject to project.

Fundamental Principles of Green Building and Sustainable Site Design

Sustainable Site Design

Key Principles:

Minimize urban sprawl and needless destruction of valuable land, habitat and green space, which results from inefficient low-density development. Encourage higher density urban development, urban re-development and urban renewal, and brownfield development as a means to preserve valuable green space. Preserve key environmental assets through careful examination of each site. Engage in a design and construction process that minimizes site disturbance and which values, preserves and actually restores or regenerates valuable habitat, green space and associated eco-systems that are vital to sustaining life.

Key Strategies and Technologies:

1.     Make more efficient use of space in existing occupied buildings, renovate and re-use existing vacant buildings, sites, and associated infrastructure and consider re-development of brownfield sites. Design buildings and renovations to maximize future flexibility and reuse thereby expanding useful life.

2.     When new development is unavoidable, steer clear of sites that play a key role in the local or regional ecosystem. Identify and protect valuable greenfield and wetland sites from development.

3.     Recognize that allowing higher density development in urban areas helps to preserve green space and reduce urban sprawl. Invest time and energy in seeking variances and regulatory reform where needed.

4.     Evaluate each site in terms of the location and orientation of buildings and improvements in order to optimize the use of passive solar energy, natural daylighting, and natural breezes and ventilation.

5.     Make best use of existing mass transit systems and make buildings and sites pedestrian and bike friendly, including provisions for safe storage of bicycles. Develop programs and incentives that promote car-pooling including preferred parking for commuters who carpool. Consider making provisions for re-fueling or recharging alternative fuel vehicles.

6.     Help reduce the urban heat island effect by reducing the building and site development footprint, maximizing the use of pervious surfaces, and using light colored roofs, paving, and walkways. Provide natural shading of buildings and paved areas with trees and other landscape features.

7.     Reduce impervious areas by carefully evaluating parking and roadway design. Pursue variances or waivers where local ordinances may unintentionally result in the over-design of roadways or parking.

8.     Optimize the use of on-site storm water treatment and ground water recharge. Minimize the boundaries of the construction area, avoid needless compaction of existing topsoil, and provide effective sedimentation and silt control during all phases of site development and construction.

9.     Use landscape design to preserve and restore the region’s natural habitat and heritage while emphasizing  the use of indigenous, hardy, drought resistant trees, shrubs, plants and turf.

10.  Help reduce night-time light pollution by avoiding over-illumination of the site and use low cut-off exterior lighting fixtures which direct light downward, not upward and outward.

Water Quality and Conservation

Key Principles:

Preserve the existing natural water cycle and design site and building improvements such that they closely emulate the site’s natural “pre-development” hydrological systems. Emphasis should be placed on retention of storm water and on-site infiltration and ground water recharge using methods that closely emulate natural systems. Minimize the unnecessary and inefficient use of potable water on the site while maximizing the recycling and reuse of water, including harvested rainwater, storm water, and gray water.

Key Strategies and Technologies:

1.     Recognize that the least costly, least time consuming and most environmentally preferable design for site and storm water management is often the one in which the design of buildings and site improvements respect the existing natural flows and features of the land, instead of designing the building and site improvements with total disregard for the site, which results in needless, extensive, disruptive, costly and time consuming excavation and earthmoving.

2.     Conduct a thorough site assessment and strategically locate buildings and site improvements so as to preserve key natural hydrological features. Special effort should be made to preserve areas of the site that serve as natural storm water retention and ground water infiltration and recharge systems. Preserve existing forest and mature vegetation that play a vital role in the natural water cycle by absorbing and disbursing up to 30% of a site’s rainwater through evapo-transpiration.

3.     Minimize the building’s footprint, site improvements and construction area, and minimize excavation, soil disturbance and compaction of existing topsoil as this soil in its natural uncompacted state serves a vital role in absorbing and storing up to 80% of natural rainfall until it can be absorbed by vegetation or enter the site’s natural sub-surface ground water system.

4.     Design and locate buildings and site improvements to optimize use of low-impact storm water technologies such as bio-retention, rain gardens, open grassy swales, pervious bituminous paving, pervious concrete paving and walkways, constructed wetlands, living/vegetated roofs, and other technologies that support on-site retention and ground water recharge or evapo-transpiration. Storm water that leaves the site should be filtered and processed naturally or mechanically to remove trash and debris, oil, grit and suspended solids. Use “hold and release” technologies such as dry retention ponds only as a last resort as these technologies do not preserve the natural water cycle, have little or no benefit in terms of ground water recharge and result in needless additional site disturbance.

5.     Establish a water budget for the building and implement a design that minimizes the use of potable water by using low-flow plumbing fixtures and toilets and waterless urinals. Harvest, process and recycle rainwater, site storm water, and building gray water and identify appropriate uses within the building and site. Use on-site treatment systems that enable use of rain water for hand washing, graywater for toilet flushing, rain and storm water for site irrigation, cooling tower make-up and other uses.

6.     Conserve water and preserve site and ground water quality by using only indigenous, drought resistant and hardy trees, shrubs, plants and turf that require no irrigation, fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

Energy and Environment

Key Principles:

Minimize adverse impacts on the environment (air, water, land, natural resources) through optimized building siting, optimized building design, material selection, and aggressive use of energy conservation measures. Resulting building performance should exceed minimum International Energy Code (IEC) compliance level by 30 to 40% or more. Maximize the use of renewable energy and other low impact energy sources.

Key Strategies and Technologies:

1.     Optimize passive solar orientation, building massing and use of external shading devices such that the design of the building minimizes undesirable solar gains during the summer months while maximizing desirable solar gains during winter months.

2.     Optimize building orientation, massing, shape, design, and interior colors and finishes in order to maximize the use of controlled natural day lighting which significantly reduces artificial lighting energy use thereby reducing the buildings internal cooling load and energy use. Consider the use of light shelf technology.

3.     Use high performance low-e glazing, which can result in significant year round energy savings. Consider insulated double glazing, triple glazing or double pane glazing with a suspended low-e film. Selective coatings offer optimal light transmittance while providing minimal solar gain and minimal heat transmission. Window frames, sashes and curtain wall systems should also be designed for optimum energy performance including the use of multiple thermal breaks to help reduce energy use.

4.     Optimize the value of exterior insulation and the overall thermal performance of the exterior envelope assembly. Consider advanced/high performance envelope building systems such as structural insulated panel systems (SIPS) and insulated concrete form systems (ICF’s) that can be applied to light commercial and institutional buildings. SIPS and ICF’s and other thermally “decoupled” envelope systems will offer the highest energy performance.

5.     Use energy efficient T-8 and T-5 bulbs, high efficiency electronic ballasts, and lighting controls. Consider using indirect ambient lighting with workstation based direct task lighting to improve light quality, reduce glare and improve overall energy performance in general office areas. Incorporate sensors and controls and design circuits so that lighting along perimeter zones and offices can be switched off independently from other interior lights when daylighting is sufficient in perimeter areas.

6.     Use state-of-the art, high efficiency, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing equipment, chillers, boilers, and water heaters, etc. Use variable speed drives on fan and pump motors. Use heat recovery ventilators and geothermal heat pump technology for up to 40% energy savings.

7.     Avoid the use of HCFC and Halon based refrigeration, cooling and fire suppression systems. Optimize the use of natural ventilation and where practical use evaporative cooling, waste heat and/or solar regenerated desiccant dehumidification or absorption cooling. Identify and use sources of waste energy.

8.     Use Energy Star certified energy efficient appliances, office equipment, lighting and HVAC systems.

9.     Consider on-site small-scale wind, solar, and/or fuel cell based energy generation and co-generation. Purchase environmentally preferable “green” power from certified renewable and sustainable sources.

Indoor Environmental Quality

Key Principles:

Provide a healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environment for building occupants and visitors. Provide a building design, which affords the best possible conditions in terms of indoor air quality, ventilation, thermal comfort, access to natural ventilation and daylighting, and effective control of the acoustical environment.

Key Strategies and Technologies:

1.     Use building materials, adhesives, sealants, finishes and furnishings which do not contain, harbor, generate or release any particulate or gaseous contaminants including volatile organic compounds.

2.     Maximize the use of natural daylighting. Optimize solar orientation and design the building to maximize penetration of natural daylight into interior spaces. Provide shades or daylight controls where needed.

3.     Maximize the use of operable windows and natural ventilation. Provide dedicated engineered ventilation systems that operate independently of the buildings heating and cooling system. Ventilation systems should be capable of effectively removing or treating indoor contaminants while providing adequate amounts of fresh clean make-up air to all occupants and all regions of the building. Monitor indoor air conditions including temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels, so that building ventilation systems can respond when space conditions fall outside the optimum range.

4.     Provide a smoke free building. When smoking must be accommodated, provide completely dedicated smoking areas are physically isolated, have dedicated HVAC systems, and remain under negative pressure with respect to all adjoining spaces. Assure that air from smoking areas does not get distributed to other areas of the building does not re-enter the building through doors or vestibules, operable windows, or building fresh air intakes.. Locate outdoor smoking areas so that non-smokers do not have to pass through these areas when using primary building entrances or exits.

5.     Design building envelope and environmental systems that not only treat air temperature and provide adequate ventilation, but which respect all of the environmental conditions which affect human thermal comfort and health, including the mean radiant temperature of interior surfaces, indoor air humidity, indoor air velocity, and indoor air temperature. Following these principles and providing a building that is also responsive to seasonal variations in desirable indoor humidity levels, air velocity, and mean radiant temperatures can also result in significant energy savings as improved occupant comfort results in less energy intensive operation of the buildings air-side heating and cooling system.

6.     Maximize occupant health, comfort and performance by providing occupants with individual space/zone control of heat, ventilation, cooling, day-lighting and artificial lighting whenever possible.

7.     Prevent contamination of the building during construction. Take steps to minimize the creation and spreading of construction dust and dirt. Prevent contamination of the building and the buildings heating, cooling and ventilation systems during the construction process. Protect construction materials from the elements so that they do not become damp, moldy or mildewed.

8.     Provide a clean and healthy building. Use biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning agents that do not release VOCs or other harmful agents and residue. Prior to occupancy install new air filters and clean any contaminated ductwork and ventilation equipment. Use fresh outdoor air to naturally or mechanically purge the building of any remaining airborne gaseous or particulate contaminants.

Materials and Resources

Key Principles:

Minimize the use of non-renewable construction materials and other resources such as energy and water through efficient engineering, design, planning and construction and effective recycling of construction debris. Maximize the use of recycled content materials, modern resource efficient engineered materials, and resource efficient composite type structural systems wherever possible. Maximize the use of re-usable, renewable, sustainably managed, bio-based materials. Remember that human creativity and our abundant labor force is perhaps our most valuable renewable resource. The best solution is not necessarily the one that requires the least amount of physical work.

Key Strategies and Technologies:

1.     Optimize the use of engineered materials which make use of proven engineering principles such asengineered trusses, composite materials and structural systems (concrete/steel, other…), structura linsulated panels (stress skin panels), insulated concrete forms, and frost protected shallow foundations which have been proven to provide high strength and durability with the least amount of material.

2.     Identify ways to reduce the amount of materials used and reduce the amount of waste generated through the implementation of a construction waste reduction plan. Adopt a policy of “waste equals food” whereby 75% or more of all construction waste is separated for recycling and used as feedstock for some future product rather than being landfilled. Implement an aggressive construction waste recycling program And provide separate, clearly labeled dumpsters for each recycled material. Train all crews and subcontractors on the policy and enforce compliance.

3.     Identify ways to use high-recycled content materials in the building structure and finishes. Consider everything from blended concrete using fly ash, slag, recycled concrete aggregate, or other admixturesto recycled content materials such as structural steel, ceiling and floor tiles, carpeting, carpet padding, sheathing, and gypsum wallboard. Consider remanufactured office furniture and office partition systems, chairs and furniture with recycled content or parts.

4.     Explore the use of bio-based materials and finishes such as various types of agriboard (sheathing and or insulation board made from agricultural waste and byproducts, including straw, wheat, barley, soy, sunflower shells, peanut shells, and other materials). Some structural insulated panels are now made from bio-based materials. Use lumber and wood products from certified forests where the forest is  anaged and lumber is harvested using sustainable practices. Use resource efficient engineered wood products in lieu of full dimension lumber which comes from older growth forests.

5.     Evaluate all products and systems used for their ability to be recycled when they reach the end of their useful life. Preference should be given to products and systems that facilitate easy, non-energy intensive separation and recycling with minimal contamination by foreign debris.

6.     Recognize that transportation becomes part of a product or building materials embodied energy. Where practical, specify and use locally harvested, mined and manufactured materials and products to support the regional economy and to reduce transportation, energy use and emissions

Water Equity in Tourism

Water Equity in Tourism

Water Equity in Tourism

Governments

1. The right to water and sanitation should not be compromised by tourism

Governments should uphold their international legal obligations to fulfil and protect the right to water and sanitation of citizens as a priority. Governments should issue guidelines to tourism businesses operating locally and overseas on their business responsibility to respect human rights.

2. Governments should implement clear regulations for sustainable and equitable water and tourism management

Destination governments should implement clear regulatory and institutional frameworks for sustainable, equitable, integrated water and tourism planning and management. Transgressors should be penalised; good practicies should be championed.

3. Land use and tourism planning should be based on assessments of water resources

Land use planning should be based on assessments of water resources and infrastructure, and tourism carrying capacities established. These should take into account livelihood needs, food security, population growth, climate change, and wider watershed degradation.

Industry

1. Tourism businesses should implement their business responsibility to respect the right to water

Tourism businesses should move beyond technical approaches and implement their business responsibility to respect the right to water and sanitation in their activities and supply chains

2. Tourism businesses should abide by the law

Tourism businesses should adhere to national regulations governing water use and waste management, even where these are poorly enforced. This includes paying for what they consume.

3. Tourism businesses should reduce their water consumption

Tourism businesses should work towards reducing their water consumption and contributing to water conservation by making use of existing industry guidelines.

All

1. Land use, tourism and water planning should be undertaken participatively

Land use, tourism and water planning should be undertaken transparently and participatively, with adequate community representation, particularly of women.

2. Governments and tourism businesses should be accountable to local communities

This includes providing access to redress where water rights have been adversely impacted.

3. Cooperation to further water equity should be pursued by all stakeholders

Cooperation and collaboration should be pursued by government, international donors, tourism and civil society stakeholders in resourcing and undertaking data collection, improvements to community water access, advocacy, capacity-building, technology transfer, and tourist sensitisation.

Ecotel

Ecotel

Ecotel

Ecotel is a certification system promoted by Hospitality Valuation Services (HVS) International. The system is based on five main globes-

1.     Environmental Commitment

2.     Water Conservation & Preservation

3.     Energy Efficiency

4.     Solid Waste Management and

5.     Employee Environmental Education & Community Involvement

Managed by HVS Eco Services, Ecotel was developed in 1994. Since then, it has evolved in keeping with advances in global warming, resource conservation, pollution prevention, building standards and social responsibility. Today, its criteria are commensurate with those internationally recognized for sustainability. This programme has a broader focus that includes numerous environmental building designs and operational features.

The Ecotel Collection is an exclusive group of international Inns, hotels, and resorts that define the concept of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry. All certified hotels must pass through a detailed inspection and satisfy stringent criteria designed by environmental experts of the Rocky Mountain Institute in Aspen, Colorado.

The Ecotel inspection is based on five separate inspection areas each with a three-tiered Numerical Scoring System. The five inspection areas correspond with the five globes. There are three levels of criteria and scoring- Primary, Secondary and Tertiary. All hotels applying for certification must satisfy all the primary criteria of the globes before an inspection is scheduled. The hotel must prepare an application including descriptions of how the green initiatives are adopted under the globes and include descriptions of environmental efforts and programmes that are at the hotel (primary criteria).

Once it is evident that the primary criteria have been accomplished, inspections are scheduled to ascertain the score of the lodging facility (secondary criteria). Inspections, both guided by hotel staff and not guided by any, are completed throughout the lodging facility to determine if the environmental programmes that the hotel reports are actually part of the day-to-day operations. Each facility and functional area of the hotel (i.e., facade, construction, furnishing, electricity-water supplies, main restaurant kitchen, 90 banquet kitchen, room service kitchen, front desk, guest rooms, reception area, office area, executive area, management, services etc.) is inspected and scored individually. A percentage score is calculated for each department/globe of inspection and each department/globe must score above a set level to be awarded the certification. If any department/globe scores below that level, but above a minimum threshold, the tertiary criteria could boost the score of that department/globe in order that the hotel might achieve the award.

The tertiary criteria are most easily described as a bonus system. The hotel receives bonus points for environmental programmes revealed in hotel operation that are above ordinary levels of environmental responsibility. An example of a programme that would earn tertiary points in the solid waste management category comes from a hotel in Latin America that collects cigarette butts and soaks them in solution to draw out chemicals before the butts are disposed off. The chemicals are then used as pest-repellent for the fruits and vegetables grown on-site.

Based on the score of the hotel in each category, the lodging facility receives rating, corresponding to each of the five cornerstones. Hotels that achieve the globes qualify as Ecotel certified hotels for a period of two years, but must agree to re-inspections (scheduled or unscheduled) at any time during that period. If the hotel falls short of achieving certified status, the HVS International inspection team would prepare an action plan to help management make the changes necessary and prepare for re-inspection.

Members of the Ecotel Collection realize a number of benefits. Primarily the value of the business would improve due to increased exposure in the marketplace, higher staff morale, and better control of operating expenses. Ecotel Collection of hotels cater to a variety of groups, including traditional ecotourists, discerning business travelers with interest in the environment, corporate meeting planners, travel agents, eco-friendly vacationers, and business-travel-environmental media. Due to the integrity of the Ecotel certification and inspection system, travelers and the media rely on this endorsement of hotel’s Environmental performance. When presented properly, the certification could be a powerful marketing advantage and motivator of environmental commitment.

The benefits of participation in the Ecotel program, although, both numerous and diverse for different hotels, could be classified in three categorie

1.     enhancing the marketability of the hotel

2.     strengthening the operation of the hotel

3.     creating values to protect environment