A number of years ago, what was then Hotel & Motel Management magazine dropped “Motel” from its name and became “Hotel Management.” I am not sure of the motivations for the change. It certainly was one more stake in the heart of the “motor hotel” word that has certainly seen its better days. That said, there are many thriving motels in the world today and of course Motel 6 is the most prominent motel brand in the United States.
Add the number of motels together—Motel 6 alone has more than 1,100 locations—and you have got quite an environmental impact. Sadly, according to the 2014 Lodging Survey, properties falling into the Economy category tend to participate less in green initiatives. Recycling is probably the most dramatic example—just 31 percent of Economy level properties participating when compared to 90 percent at the Luxury and Upper Upscale levels. Economy property owners tend to invest less in energy management, water conservation, care little about green certification, and offer fewer 100 nonsmoking properties.
Of course there are exceptions to what is typical in motel land and I try to shine a spotlight on those property owners when I can. Kevin Johnson is one such person. He owns and operates the Gale River Motel in Franconia, N.H. The motel has 10 guestrooms and two guest cottages. Small, yes, but Kevin is doing just about everything possible to reduce his property’s impact.
A Net-Zero Electricity User
A week before Christmas, a 52-panel, 13.8 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) system was turned on and is already producing more power than the motel currently needs. Over a year’s time the amount of electricity produced is expected to equal the amount of electricity used. The system, costing approximately $40,000, was financed in part through Federal Tax Credits and a New Hampshire C & I rebate funded through the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Sustainable Energy Division. Kevin told me after incentives and depreciation the system will cost him $8,000. He expects an ROI of about three to four years. “For a property our size it is a substantial investment,” Kevin says.
The solar panels sit on the motel structure, Kevin’s residence and some storage facilities. Having a lot of roof space facing south made the PV investment an easier one. The PV system joins a three-panel solar hot water heating system that on sunny days can handle the motel’s hot water requirements. Two tanks in the basement of the motel store that heated water.
The solar systems are just two examples of the many investments Kevin has made to save energy, water and reduce waste. The Gale River Motel is currently transitioning to LEDs from CFLs. Water-saving fixtures are standard. Soap dispensers in showers and guestrooms reduce amenity bottle waste. Washable, not disposable items are used at breakfast. Biologically safe cleaning products are used and almost all guests participate in the towel/linen reuse program. Recyclables are separated from trash, rainwater is collected for watering during the summer months, a composting tumbler takes care of food scraps and other items and baby spider plants are given to children as gifts. “The kids love it,” Kevin says.
Kevin says he nipped the “low-hanging fruit” early on and has since tackled just about every project he can to reduce the motel’s impact. “It is my commitment to be as green as I can,” he says. “It is the culmination of years of efforts that have paid off.”
The Gale River Motel joins the many other properties listed in the Renewable Energy All Stars section of Green Lodging News. Kudos to Kevin and his family for being environmental champions in New Hampshire.
Who is Your Sustainability Champion?
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