HIGHLAND PARK, ILL.—Steve Tilkin, Principal from T2 Site Amenities, spoke on the sustainability panel at the HI-Connect conference in Nashville last month. Joined by sustainability experts from Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Marriott, it was agreed that sustainability has to be part of the “infrastructure” of any hotel property.
Tilkin noted that offering recycling bins in the public spaces and guestrooms is one of the easiest and most cost effective ways for a hotel to demonstrate its “green credentials.” Moreover, 80 percent of guests participate in some level of sustainable practices when staying at a hotel. Not only do guests expect hotels to engage in green activities, but the hotel employees and investors expect it as well.
Hotels that embrace recycling typically see a significant reduction in their waste hauling costs. Meeting planners typically have a checklist of green requirements (including recycling) as part of their determination on who is awarded the meeting.
According to Tilkin, participation in sustainability is not just something that applies to Millennials, but has interest across most age demographics.
The power of social media should not be underestimated in driving a hotel’s green practices. Guests, especially Millennials, notice when recycling and other green initiatives are not integrated into the hotel’s operations and are more likely to comment on such issues on various social media sites.
Go to T2 Site Amenities, e-mail steve@t2-sa.com, or call (847) 579-9003.
