By Dale J. Venturini
President & CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
Green is no longer just a color; it’s a way of life for many Americans and American business owners. Simply put, the environment can no longer support the population’s growing energy consumption. And, while resources are being funneled to find the newest and most environmentally friendly fuels, we all need to band together to help diminish our environmental footprint. It’s not only the right thing to do; it’s the most cost effective thing to do.
In this economy, we are all focused on our core business and trying to cleverly and inexpensively market ourselves to consumers to try and get our numbers back up to more normal times, so adding the task of becoming green can seem a little overwhelming.
The hospitality industry consumes vast amounts of resources; according to industry experts, a typical hotel purchases more energy in just one week than 100 families do in an entire year. And, if each hotel actively engaged in just one or two environmentally sound policies, from using non-hazardous and biodegradable cleaning products to using hybrid vehicles, the impact would be even greater.
For many years, the balance between the green line and the bottom line just didn’t match up. But balance is possible, thanks to evolving technology and economic considerations. For many companies, environmentally conscious actions need no longer be contrary to financial considerations with compact fluorescent light bulbs, low flow bathroom fixtures including toilets and showers, hybrid electric vehicles and more efficient refrigeration.
However, saving money on energy is equally as important as taking steps to limit consumption and usage. Remember the saying, there is power in numbers? We are all tightening the belt and pinching every penny right now. Here in Rhode Island, RIHA has an electric and natural gas buying program. While we’d like to think we’re on the cutting edge in the hospitality industry, there are many other states that also offer similar programs. A common trend, however, is that while many businesses have begun green practices, all too few members are signing up to reap the economic benefits of purchasing fixed price energy. By buying energy in a group directly from the supplier, your business can save thousands of dollars each year, freeing up funds that could be put towards the implementation of additional green initiatives, thus saving even more money and reducing the carbon footprint of your business.
So why the resistance? Well, there is some paperwork to read, understand and sign. And with so many of us solely focused on customer dollars, this can seem like a daunting task. Let me assure you, the first time you get an invoice that shows a drastic reduction in your energy bill, you will celebrate the few minutes that it took you to go through the paperwork.
Energy buying programs are most effective when a large number of members are involved. Simply put, the more people who come to the table, the better the rate. Through programs like these, we are able to negotiate rates that are far below the rates that ‘normal consumers’ receive through their local gas and electric company.
In fact, we have members that are saving up to 15% off their previous natural gas bills based on their usage. For some hospitality businesses, this represents a huge amount of money.
As these dog days of August begin and electricity bills start to skyrocket due to increased air conditioning and refrigeration costs, don’t let your business be one of those who suffer staggering energy bills each month. Join your local hospitality energy buying program and you won’t be sweating when your bill arrives.
President & CEO, Rhode Island Hospitality Association
Green is no longer just a color; it’s a way of life for many Americans and American business owners. Simply put, the environment can no longer support the population’s growing energy consumption. And, while resources are being funneled to find the newest and most environmentally friendly fuels, we all need to band together to help diminish our environmental footprint. It’s not only the right thing to do; it’s the most cost effective thing to do.
In this economy, we are all focused on our core business and trying to cleverly and inexpensively market ourselves to consumers to try and get our numbers back up to more normal times, so adding the task of becoming green can seem a little overwhelming.
The hospitality industry consumes vast amounts of resources; according to industry experts, a typical hotel purchases more energy in just one week than 100 families do in an entire year. And, if each hotel actively engaged in just one or two environmentally sound policies, from using non-hazardous and biodegradable cleaning products to using hybrid vehicles, the impact would be even greater.
For many years, the balance between the green line and the bottom line just didn’t match up. But balance is possible, thanks to evolving technology and economic considerations. For many companies, environmentally conscious actions need no longer be contrary to financial considerations with compact fluorescent light bulbs, low flow bathroom fixtures including toilets and showers, hybrid electric vehicles and more efficient refrigeration.
However, saving money on energy is equally as important as taking steps to limit consumption and usage. Remember the saying, there is power in numbers? We are all tightening the belt and pinching every penny right now. Here in Rhode Island, RIHA has an electric and natural gas buying program. While we’d like to think we’re on the cutting edge in the hospitality industry, there are many other states that also offer similar programs. A common trend, however, is that while many businesses have begun green practices, all too few members are signing up to reap the economic benefits of purchasing fixed price energy. By buying energy in a group directly from the supplier, your business can save thousands of dollars each year, freeing up funds that could be put towards the implementation of additional green initiatives, thus saving even more money and reducing the carbon footprint of your business.
So why the resistance? Well, there is some paperwork to read, understand and sign. And with so many of us solely focused on customer dollars, this can seem like a daunting task. Let me assure you, the first time you get an invoice that shows a drastic reduction in your energy bill, you will celebrate the few minutes that it took you to go through the paperwork.
Energy buying programs are most effective when a large number of members are involved. Simply put, the more people who come to the table, the better the rate. Through programs like these, we are able to negotiate rates that are far below the rates that ‘normal consumers’ receive through their local gas and electric company.
In fact, we have members that are saving up to 15% off their previous natural gas bills based on their usage. For some hospitality businesses, this represents a huge amount of money.
As these dog days of August begin and electricity bills start to skyrocket due to increased air conditioning and refrigeration costs, don’t let your business be one of those who suffer staggering energy bills each month. Join your local hospitality energy buying program and you won’t be sweating when your bill arrives.
