Tools and Resources for Hotels

On this page, please find information specific for hotels that can aid in improving an organization's CSR policy and procedures.

Tools and Resources for ACTE Members

  • The Climate Trust offers ACTE members a 10 percent discount for climate change consulting services.
  • The CarbonNeutral Company is provides ACTE members with a complimentary CO2 Calculator.

Not an ACTE member? Join today and receive these opportunities, along with all the benefits provided by ACTE membership.

Additional Tools and Resources

Hotel Sustainability Checklist

Below, please find a checklist that highlights opportunities for demonstrating sustainability within the hotel sector. The list is not meant to be exhaustive. Rather, it should be used as a launching point to help you develop your own criteria that support your organization's CSR goals.

ACTE wishes to acknowledge the efforts of Michael Hall, Global Travel Manager at Johnson Controls for compiling the list and the contributions of ACCOR, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG and Nikko for providing input on their CSR initiatives from which this list was developed.

Energy

  • Reduction targets set and monitored
  • Buy some renewable energy
  • Low energy lighting for public areas
  • Low energy lights in bedrooms
  • Low energy lighting for external hotel signs
  • Energy efficient A/C
  • Energy efficient furnaces
  • Solar panels for swimming pools
  • Solar panels for hot water
  • Insulated pipes for hot/chilled liquids
  • Frequent maintenance of HVAC
  • Power shut-offs controlled by cardkeys
  • Measures energy use by available room
  • Incorporate architectural features that reduce energy needs
  • Appliances sourced for their energy efficiency

Water

  • Reduction targets set and monitored
  • Water flow regulators on faucets/instant shut-offs
  • Low flow shower heads
  • Water-efficient toilets
  • Aerated shower heads
  • Low water use laundry equipment
  • Rainwater Recovery
  • Towel reuse program
  • Sheet reuse program
  • “Greywater” treatment
  • Architectural features designed to reduce water run-off

Recycle/Reduce

  • Cooking oil recycling
  • Paper cardboard recycling
  • Newspapers/magazine/paper recycling
  • Glass recycling
  • Plastic recycling
  • Metal can recycling
  • Reusable containers for amenities
  • Compost organic kitchen waste
  • Compost external landscaping waste
  • Proper handling (recycling were feasible) of batteries
  • Proper handling of ink cartridges
  • Safe disposal of fluorescent light bulbs disposal
  • Safe handling of electrical/electronic equipment
  • China instead of disposable plates at meetings
  • Recycling bins in guest rooms
  • Donates unused food to food pantries/soup kitchens

Toxins/Other Pollutants

  • Program to reduce appliances containing CFCs
  • Program to reduce use of toxic insecticides
  • Program to reduce use of toxic weed killers
  • Program to reduce use of toxic fungicides
  • Environmentally safe chemicals used in cleaning
  • Organic fertilizers used/Programs exist to reduce non-organic
  • Participate in local environmental programs
  • Indigenous landscaping (e.g. xeriscaping in desert areas)
  • Irrigation methods designed to reduce water use
  • Use recycled paper for promotional materials
  • Use soy-based inks for promotional materials
  • Favor organic products in cooking
  • Favor sustainably harvested food in cooking
  • Use furniture made from sustainable resources
  • Participate in program such as Green Leaf, LEED, etc.
  • Whiteboards instead of paper at meetings
  • Guest speakers that are eco-sensitive
  • Program to reduce use of chemicals in pools/spas
  • Community involvement in environmental initiatives

Questions To Ask

  • What is your environmental policy?
  • What kind of environmental training is provided to staff?
  • What environmental education is provided to guests?
  • Do you promote public transportation
  • Do you have environmental teams?
  • Do you have cultural awareness programs?