AH&LA Green Guidelines Summary

AH&LA Green Guidelines
AH&LA Environmental Guidelines
Table of Contents
Green Task Force ...........................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction and AH&LA Environmental Policy Statement ....................................................................................3
11 Minimum Guidelines for Going Green ..................................................................................................................4
Additional Guidelines .................................................................................................................................................18
AH&LA Green Glossary .............................................................................................................................................21
American Hotel & Lodging Association | www.ahla.com/green.aspx
Green Task Force

Carmen Baker
Vice President, Responsible Business
Carlson Hotels Worldwide
Jeff Slye
CEO, Chief Evolution Officer
Business Evolution Consulting
Christopher Corpuel
Vice President, Global Sustainibility
Hilton Hotels Corporation
Mari Snyder
Vice President, Social Responsibility & Community Engagement
Marriott International, Inc.
Dan Gilligan
Vice President, Energy & Environmental Services
Accor North America
Faith Taylor
Vice President Innovation, Development and Sustainability
Worldwide
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Paul Hildreth
Director of Lodging Engineering
Marriott International, Inc.
Brigitta Witt
Vice President, Environmental Affairs
Global Hyatt Corporation
Dennis McCarty
Vice President, Technical Services
InterContinental Hotels Group
Joe McInerney, CHA

President & CEO
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Gus Newbury
Vice President, Engineering
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Kathryn Potter
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications
American Hotel & Lodging Association
Ron Pohl
Vice President, Brand Management & Member Services
Best Western International
Patrick Maher
Partner
The Maher Group, LLC
Jay Sigona
Senior Director, Brand Programs
Choice Hotels International
David Stipanuk
Associate Professor
Cornell University
Introduction
AH&LAs Green Task Force has developed comprehensive, sustainable greening guidelines designed expressly for the hotel industry. These guidelines provide hotel owners and operators with a variety of options in which to create an environmental-friendly and
sustainable hotel.
The AH&LA Minimum Environmental Guidelines are based on existing certification programs, including Green Seal, Green Globe,
Green Key, LEED, and various state programs. In developing these guidelines, the goal was to identify those that are the most reputable and provide the best pathways for the industry as a whole.
The guidelines define ways to give hotel owners and operators opportunities to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts
through reduced utility consumption, recycling programs, employee training, and supply chain management. Hotels can improve
both their fiscal and environmental performance by adhering to these guidelines, as well as see benefits in corporate environmental
management, housekeeping, food and beverage operations, conference and meeting functions, and engineering.
The 11 AH&LA Minimum Environmental Guidelines were culled from more than 70 overall items that are used by the major private
sector certification or rating systems, plus the criteria used by the state certification programs. The guidelines will be continuously added and built upon with the next set focusing on design and construction, materials and resources, chemicals and cleaning, and indoor
air quality. Each of the minimum guidelines will include case studies, business cases, and resources for properties to implement.
AH&LA Environmental Policy Statement
American Hotel & Lodging Association is the sole national association representing all sectors and stakeholders in the lodging
industry. The association is continuing to take a leadership position in understanding environmental issues, assisting the industry in
evaluating opportunities, and working to assist our members in complying with environmental legal requirements. We will provide
hoteliers with the resources, tools and education to effectively implement sustainable strategies. The association is also playing a major
role with the meeting planning community in crafting guidelines.
We are committed to serve the industry as an advocate. The primary focus is to encourage hotels to measure performance in all areas.
The initial focal point is on reducing and lessening their impact in the areas of energy, water, and waste. The role of AH&LA is to
provide supporting educational resources. Additional areas will include design and construction, suppliers, and improving indoor air
quality.
11 Minimum Guidelines for Going Green

Below is a list of actions properties of any size should take to stake their claim as an eco-friendly establishment. Each step contains
further tactics, including case studies, statistics, and additional resources. AH&LA members who have further questions may get oneon-one advice from our Green Guru.
1. Each hotel should form an Environmental Committee that is responsible for developing an Environmental Green Plan for energy,
water, and solid waste use.
2. Manage your hotels environmental performance by monitoring the electric, gas, water, and waste usage information on a monthly
and annual basis.
3. Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps wherever possible.
4. Install digital thermostats in guestrooms and throughout the hotel.
5. Implement a towel and/or linen reuse program.
6. Install 2.5-gallons per minute showerheads or less in all guestroom baths and any employee shower areas.
7. Install 1.6-gallon toilets in all guestrooms.
8. Implement a recycling programincluding public spacesto the full extent available in your municipality; document your
efforts.
9. Implement a recycling program for hazardous materials found in fluorescent bulbs, batteries, and lighting ballasts through licensed
service providers.
10. Purchase Energy Star labeled appliances and equipment.
11. All office paper products should have 20% or more post consumer recycled content.
Guideline #1
Each hotel should form an Environmental Committee that is responsible for developing an
Environmental Green Plan for energy, water, and solid waste use.
Description
Each hotel should formally establish an Environmental Committee. The committees goals should be to develop an energy savings
program that sets targets for lower gas, electric, and water consumption and solid waste disposal. This will result in a reduction of their
carbon footprint and will also help to promote programs that protect and sustain local, national, and global environments for future
generations.
The committee should be comprised of members from various departments within the hotel. They should elect a chairperson who is
knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and has strong communication skills. They should create and sign a formal energy management policy
statement that assigns and measures accountability within the hotel. Performance goals should be updated annually. They should
develop training and certification programs, and design awareness campaigns that reach out to all hotel employees. These programs
should periodically be updated and enhanced as the market indicates.
The committees goal is to research and implement ways to minimize the hotels energy and water consumption and solid waste
disposal. They should seek out eco-friendly initiatives, be an advocate for energy conservation and an industry leader in environmental
practices.
They should identify ways to communicate their initiatives to all the hotel employees and guests. This can be achieved through meetings, employee bulletin boards, an employee newsletter, or a discussion at the new-employee orientation. Their goal should be to get
employees excited about good green practices. And, this, in turn, will encourage the employees to continue using these energy conservation procedures in their homes and personal activities. They can also communicate their environmental policies to guests through
printed and electronic communications to encourage environmentally responsible behavior.
Implementing an Environmental Committee will bring various results. It will help to reduce property costs by minimizing water and
electricity consumption, create customer loyalty by sharing their values with the customer thus enhancing their public image. It will
help to attract and retain dedicated hotel personnel and staff.
Resources
Refer to the Energy Star site for information on setting up an environmental committee.
The Federal Government operates an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program, where youll find information on this
program, its standards, and products that are purchased.
The success of environmental programs require full associate engagement. The hotels environmentally-conscious purchasing plan
should consider life-cycle costs and testing of environmentally-responsible products and services.
Guideline #2
Manage your hotels environmental performance by monitoring the electric, gas, water, and
waste usage information on a monthly and annual basis.
Description
Monitor your electric, gas, and water usage. Track monthly and year-over-year consumption.
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager (www.epa.gov) to record your energy usage and receive additional information that compares your hotel to hotels of a similar type.
Energy Stars Portfolio Manager helps you track and assess energy and water consumption. This tool helps you benchmark your hotels energy performance, assess energy management goals over time, and identify strategic opportunities for savings and recognition
opportunities.
You can rate your hotels energy performance on a scale of 1100 relative to similar hotels entered into Portfolio Manager to determine your ENERGY STAR rating. A rating of 50 indicates that the building, from an energy consumption standpoint, performs better
than 50% of all similar buildings nationwide, while a rating of 75 indicates that the building performs better than 75% of all similar
buildings nationwide.
If your score in Portfolio Manager is below the average score of 50, it is advisable to have an energy audit performed. You can obtain
information from your state energy office about potential assistance with audit activities and assistance for financing to improve energy
performance.
Energy Star recognizes Advantage IQ as a leader in providing utility and waste cost management services.
Their patented system, Facility IQ, combined with their consulting and management services, provides multi-site companies with
critical, yet easy-to-access information that can result in increased conservation and savings opportunity. Their core services include
processing, paying, auditing, and reporting on facility invoices. Additionally, Advantage IQ is a host of EPAs energy performance
rating system. Advantage IQ has linked the rating system to Facility IQ allowing customers to receive building energy ratings
automatically.
Guideline #3
Replace incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps wherever possible.
Description
Installing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to replace existing incandescent lamps is an excellent way to generate savings and improve guest satisfaction scores. CFLs use 66% less energy than incandescent lamps and they last four times longer. Hotels can achieve
these savings by reducing energy consumption, generating less heat, and reducing labor replacing lamps.
Business Case
A 300-room downtown hotel believes that they have a potential opportunity to reduce energy consumption by installing new CFLs.
However, they want to calculate the return on their investment before taking any action. Each guestroom has five 90w incandescent
lamps that can be replaced with 30w CFLs that will maintain the same lighting levels. This will result in a reduction of 60 watts per
lamp. Occupancy is gathered from the P&L and the hours of operating lamps is a national average. This calculation assumes that
new CFLs are installed, decreasing electricity in kilowatt hours and requiring fifteen minutes labor costs ($4) to install.
Calculations
For the calculation, the cost per kwh is $.12 (obtained from bills). The cost per CFL lamp is $10.25 installed including labor.
Guest
Rooms
Number of
Lamps
Occupancy
300
72%
Reduction in
Wattage
60w
Hours
Used
x
Total
Days
x
365
Total
Kwh
Saved
141,912
Annual Savings
Annual kwh Electric Savings: 141,912 x $.12 = $17,029
Total Annual Savings: $17,029
Investment
Cost per CFL Installed:
Number of CFLs:
Total Investment:
Payback
$10.25
(5x300)1500
$15,375
Investment:
Annual Savings:
Payback:
$15,375
$17,029
.9 years (10 months)
Resources
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to record your energy usage and receive additional information that compares your
hotel to hotels of a similar type.
The Federal Government operates an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program that offers information on this program,
its standards, and products that are purchased.
In many states as well as at the federal level, loan, rebate, and tax incentive programs exist for the purchase of energy-efficient
equipment, as well as the installation of renewable energy equipment. Be aware of these and incorporate them into your purchase
evaluations.
Guideline #4
Install digital thermostats in guestrooms and throughout the hotel.
Description
Installing digital thermostats in guestrooms and throughout the hotel is an excellent way to generate savings. Hotels can achieve these
savings by reducing electrical, natural gas, and fuel oil consumption along with improving customer satisfaction. Digital thermostats
can be programmed with set temperature range limits to avoid wild customer swings in settings. They are also very accurate in
comparison to conventional thermostats for additional efficiencies.
Business Case
A 300-room downtown hotel believes that they may have a potential opportunity to reduce energy consumption by installing new
digital thermostats. However, they want to calculate the return on their investment before taking any action. Occupancy is gathered
from the P&L and the energy (watts) saved is an average from several nationally-recognized business cases. The calculator assumes
that new digital thermostats are installed, decreasing energy used that is calculated in kilowatt-hour and requiring 90 minutes in labor
at a cost of $24 to install.
Calculation
For the calculation, the cost per kwh is $.12 (obtained from bills). The cost per digital thermostat is $93 including labor.
Guest
Rooms
300
Watts
Saved
Occupancy
72%
158
Total
Days
Hours Saved
x
24
365
Kwhr
Multiplier
x
.001
Total
Kwh
Saved
298,961
Annual Savings
Annual Electric and Natural Gas Savings: 298,961 x $.12 = $35,875
Investment
Payback
Cost per Digital Thermostat Installed: $93.00

Number of Rooms:
300
Investment:
Annual Savings:
Total Investment:
Payback:
$27,900
$12,000
$35,478
Resources
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool (www.energystar.gov) to record your energy usage and receive additional information
that compares your hotel to hotels of a similar type.
Operations utilizing central chilled water systems should have a professional evaluation of efficiency upgrades including (but not
limited to) variable speed drives, digital controls, economizers, and chilled water temperature resets. Building re-commissioning is
also recommended.
When new through-the-wall units are purchased, choose units which are Energy Star Rated (www.energystar.gov). In climates where
cooling and heating are needed, consider the purchase of heat pump units.
Information about the energy efficient operation of buildings can be found by referring to the Building Upgrade Manual
(www.energystar.gov) at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star site.
Guideline #4 continued
Install digital thermostats in guestrooms and throughout the hotel.
The Upgrade Manual has a section specifically devoted to hotels and motels as well as more general information.
The Federal Government operates an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program and their Website offers information on
the program, its standards, and products.
In many states as well as at the federal level, loan, rebate, and tax incentive programs exist for the purchase of energy efficient
equipment as well as the installation of renewable energy equipment. Be aware of these and incorporate them into your purchase
evaluations.
Guideline #5
Implement a towel and/or linen reuse program.
Description
Linen and towel reuse programs typically allow guests to choose whether or not to have their linens and towels laundered everyday.
By asking your guests to choose to use their towels and linens more than once, your property can achieve considerable annual financial
savings with minimal costs. You can expect, approximately, a 17% reduction in laundry loads and related water/sewer, energy, and
labor costs. In addition, your hotels linen and towel lifespan can be expanded, thereby decreasing replacement costs.
Successful hotels have communicated with their guests using inroom materials including environmental table brochures, door hangers or pillow cards and towel program door hangers. It has been proven that once your guests are aware of this program, most of them
will participate in it.
Hotel operators have learned that a commitment to the environment is not only the right thing to do, but its also a good business
practice.
Business Case
On an annual basis, a typical 300-room hotel can reduce its water usage by 51,840 gallons and detergent usage by 346 gallons. There
is also the potential for additional savings with a reduction in housekeeping and laundry labor and linens and towels purchases.
Calculations
For the calculation, guest participation is based on 22% because this program involves only those guests who stay multiple nights. The
energy, labor and water saving costs are calculated from several national surveys at .92 daily per room.
Guest
Rooms
300
Occupancy
x
72%
Guest
Participation
22%
Labor, Energy
Saved
.92
Total Days
x
365
Total Saved
=
15,957
Annual Savings
Annual Energy, Water and Labor Savings: $15,957
Resources
Utilize the free linen reuse hotel cards found on the EPAs Website.
A great resource for hotel linen reuse program is http://www.greenlodgingnews.com/kitchenandlaundry.aspx.
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Guideline #6
Install 2.5-gallons per minute showerheads or less in all guestroom baths and any employee
shower areas.
Description
Installing 2.5 gallons per minute showerheads or less in all guestroom baths and any employee shower area is an excellent way to
generate savings. Hotels can achieve these savings by reducing water consumption, generating less hot water, and reducing the sewage
charge.
Business Case
A 300-room downtown hotel believes that they may have a potential opportunity to reduce energy and water consumption by installing new 2.5 gallons per minute showerheads; however, they want to calculate the return on their investment before taking any action.
Occupancy and Average Occupants per Room are from the P&L, while Shower Minutes per Person is a national average. This
calculation assumes that new showerheads are installed, decreasing gallons per minute from 3.5 to 2.5.
Calculations
For the calculation, the cost per gallon of water and sewage is $.01 (obtained from bills). The cost to heat hot water per gallon with
mixed cold water is $.02 per gallon and the cost per showerhead, including labor to install, is $40.
Guest
Rooms
300
GPMs
Saved
Occupancy
x
72%
1.0
Average
Occupants/
Room
1.5
Shower
Minutes/
Person
10
Total
Days
x
365
Total
Gallons
Saved
1,182,600
Annual Savings
Annual water and sewage savings: 1,182,600 x $.01 = $11,826
Annual energy hot water savings: 1,182,600 x $.02 = $23,652
Total annual savings: $35,478
Investment
Payback
Cost per Showerhead Installed:

$40
Total Investment:
$12,000
Investment:
Annual Savings:
Total Investment:
Payback:
$15,375
$12,000
$35,478
Resources
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to record your water usage and receive information that compares your hotel to hotels
of a similar type.
Refer to the Hotel Energy and Water Consumption Benchmarks report and evaluate the water usage of your type of hotel using this
report.
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Guideline #7
Install 1.6-gallon toilets in all guestrooms.
Description
Installing 1.6 gallon toilets in all guestrooms is an excellent way to identify your environmental commitment with your guests and
achieve savings. Hotels can achieve these savings by reducing water consumption and sewage charges. Most states currently offer
some type of water conservation or water efficiency programs, including water audit assistance rebates and free toilets. Most of these
programs are not well publicized, so you should contact your local water utility and your state utility regulatory office for program
offerings.
Business Case
A 300-room downtown hotel believes that they may have a potential opportunity to reduce water consumption and sewage charges by
installing new 1.6 gallon toilets. However, they want to calculate a return on their investment before taking any action. Occupancy
and Average Occupants per Room are from the P&L, while Flushes per Person is a national average. This calculation assumes that
new toilets are installed, decreasing gallons per flush from 3.5 to 1.6 gallons and require 90 minutes in labor at a cost of $24 to install.
Calculations
For the calculation, the cost per gallon of water and sewage is $.01 (obtained from bills). The cost per toilet, including labor to install,
is $169.
Guest
Rooms
300
Occupancy
x
72%
Average
Occupants/
Room
Gallons
Saved
x
1.9
1.5
Daily
Flushes
per
Person
10
Total
Gallons
Saved
Total
Days
x
365
1,348,164
Annual Savings
Annual water and sewage savings: 1,348,164 x $.01 = $13,482
Investment
Cost per Toilet Installed:
Number of rooms:
Total Investment:
Payback
$169
$300
$50,700
Investment:
Annual Savings:
Payback:
$12,000
$13,482
3.8 years
Resources
Refer to the EPAs Rebate Finder page (www.epa.gov/WaterSense/pp/find_rebate.htm) to determine if your state offers any rebate
assistance.
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool (www.energystar.gov) to record your water usage and receive information that compares your hotel to hotels of a similar type.
Refer to the Hotel Energy and Water Consumption Benchmarks report available at the Educational Institute (www.ei-ahla.org) and
evaluate the water usage of your type of hotel using this report.
Utilize the industrial directory (www.thomasnet.com) listing all companies who are manufacturers or distributors of water saving
toilets.
Calculate your water savings using the EPAs water sense page found at www.epa.gov.
Check guestroom toilets for leaking valves. Place a small amount of food coloring in the toilet tank. If it appears in the toilet bowl,
there is a leak. Replace valves when leaks are noted.
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Guideline #8
Implement a recycling program including public spaces to the full extent available in your
municipality; document your efforts.
Description
With an increased focus on waste reduction and awareness throughout the world, more products and programs that promote recycling
are becoming available. Therefore, implementing a recycling program is one of the major conservation initiatives identified by the
Green Task Force.
Procedures
Perform an audit to categorize the content in your existing waste stream.
Utilize the Waste Reduction and Buy Recycling Tracking Sheets found at the EPAs Waste Website (www.epa.gov/epawaste/
partnerships/wastewise/index.htm) to record your hotels solid waste data. Click on Partner Support and then click on Measure Your
Progress. The Waste Reduction and Buy Recycling Tracking Sheets are located on this page.
Once you have collected data on your hotels solid waste generation and costs, review this for savings opportunities. Many haulers
have a pickup fee as well as a fee based on the amount of waste. It may be possible to reduce the frequency of pickup, especially as
solid waste reduction actions are taken.
Contact your trash hauler and local solid waste recycling authorities to determine the regulations and opportunities for solid waste
recycling in your area. If you are in an area with several other hotels, you may wish to investigate shared services involving recycling
to reduce costs and coordinate efforts.
If newspapers are provided for free to guests, make them available at central locations rather than delivering them to each room (where
brand standards allow).
Implement back of house recycling programs. Most operations should be able to implement recycling in a cost effective manner for
the following: cardboard, newspaper, other paper, glass, metals, plastics, printer and toner cartridges.
Periodic audits of the waste stream are recommended to help identify further opportunities and problem areas.
Business Case
A 300-room downtown hotel believes they may have a potential opportunity to reduce weekly hauling costs by implementing a singlesource recycling container. The hotel believes it will be able to reduce waste pick-ups to every two weeks and have the recycling
container picked up weekly or as needed. Pick-up costs for the recycling container should be $0 (no cost) depending on the waste
hauler and municipality. Some locations may receive some income for recycling materials.
Annual Savings
Current Waste Costs: $400 x 52 = $20,800
Proposed Waste Costs: $400 x 26 = $10,400
Resources
Record your hotels solid waste date using the spreadsheet on AH&LAs Website.
A great resource for hotel waste and recycling programs is found through Green Lodging News.
Donate your hotels used furniture to AH&LAs preferred partner, National Furniture Bank Association, a nonprofit organization that
gives all donations to individuals and families in need. NFBA will arrange for your items to be picked up. You will also receive an IRS
(c) (3) sanctioned tax deduction. Contact tpolk@help1up.org.
Another option is to donate items to your local homeless shelters or other charitable organizations.
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Guideline #9
Implement a recycling program for hazardous materials found in fluorescent bulbs, batteries,
and lighting ballasts through licensed-service providers.
Description
Hazardous waste is waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to our health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can be liquids,
solids, or gases. Implementing a recycling program for these hazardous materials is imperative.
Procedures
Assess your hotel and categorize the types of hazardous waste that you may have on site.
Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
In assessing fluorescent bulbs and ballasts, some questions should be answered. How many fluorescent lamps/ballasts do you have
and where are they located? How often do you change your fluorescent lamps/ballasts? How many lamps are you disposing of each
month? How are you handling and storing the used lamps? Do all employees know what to do with a used florescent lamp/
ballast? Become knowledgeable about state and federal requirements for managing fluorescent lamps/ballasts. Select a recycler.
Lamprecycle.org is a resource for any light bulb user seeking details on recycling spent mercury-containing lamps. You can check out
your individual state by clicking on the State Lamp Recycling Regulations & Contacts link found on their home page.
Establish a process for managing used fluorescent lamps and ballasts. Designate an area within your facility to store used lamps and
ballasts. Make sure that employees know whom to call when a lamp or ballast burns out or what to do if a lamp is broken.
Safely handle and store used fluorescent lamps and ballasts. Educate your employees about the dangers of mercury in fluorescent
lamps and PCBs in ballasts. Treat lamps in a way that avoids breakage. Your lamp/ballast recycler may provide you with a container
that makes storage, shipping, or pick-up easier. Create a procedure for managing broken lamps and ballasts. Learn how to clean up
broken lamps/ballasts by visiting the EPAs Mercury Website (www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#flourescent).
The recycler should provide you with documentation that the waste lamps/ballasts have been properly recycled. A Certificate of
Recycling is the recyclers certification of the total weight of material received on a particular date and confirmation that processing is
in accordance with state and federal regulations. You will want to keep this paperwork on file so that you can verify that the disposal of
the waste lamps was in accordance with the Universal Waste Rule.
Include recycling costs in your annual budget. Since recycling costs vary, it is advisable to get at least three estimates for recycling.
You can find additional information by visiting the EPAs Website (www.epa.gov).
Batteries
Over three billion dry cell batteries are sold each year in U.S. hotels. For example, batteries are used in lock systems, smoke detectors,
remote controls, and a variety of other items. Batteries contain heavy metals that can contaminate the environment when not properly
disposed of. Recycling batteries keeps these heavy metals out of landfills and the air and saves resources because recovered plastic and
metals can be used to make new batteries.
Establish a process for managing used batteries. Designate an area within your facility to store used batteries and make sure your employees know what to do with them.
Many states have regulations in place requiring battery recycling. Refer to the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
(www.rbrc.org) to determine your state regulations. Click on the link for businesses to gain information on how to properly dispose of
batteries. Most of the nationwide lamp/ballast disposal companies also include batteries in their programs. Additional information can
be found at www.lamprecycle.org.
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Guideline #10
Purchase Energy Star labeled appliances and equipment.
Energy and water costs for many pieces of equipment used in the hospitality business exceed the initial costs of the equipment many
times over. When purchasing equipment, be sure to buy equipment that is efficient and is correctly sized (bigger is not better when it
comes to energy and water usage). Purchasing of Energy Star labeled equipment is highly recommended.
Provided on the Energy Star Website (www.energystar.gov), hotels and motels will find the following table that offers information on
how they can obtain significant reductions in energy bills by purchasing ENERGY STAR qualified products. This table represents a
typical basket of ENERGY STAR qualified products hot food holding cabinets, fryers, vending machines, exit signs, and compact
fluorescent lamps typically found in hotels and motels. These products can save you over $135,000 in electricity costs (based on an
electricity rate of $0.095/kWh) (1) and prevent 2,200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over their lifetime compared to conventional
products.
Action
Annual Energy &

Maintenance
Savings
Annual Savings
CO2 (Tons)
Net Life-Cycle
Savings
Life-Cycle Savings
CO2 (Tons)
Use three ENERGY STAR

qualified hot food
holding cabinets
$3,200
26
$24,800
309
Use three ENERGY STAR

qualified gas fryers
$1,900
95
$6,500
1,140
Replace 15 conventional
vending machines
with ENERGY STAR
qualified versions
$3,200
27
$33,700
360
Replace 150
incandescent exit
signs with the
ENERGY STAR LED type
$7,300
31
$50,700
314
Replace 250
incandescent bulbs
with compact
fluorescent lamps
$6,500
32
$19,600
108
Totals
$22,100
211
$135,300
2,231
(1) Figures obtained from calculators on the Purchasing & Procurement Webpage; savings have been rounded to the nearest hundred for simplicity.
Calculators may be downloaded (right-click) or used from the Web (left-click). Net life-cycle savings include energy and maintenance savings and the
purchase price of ENERGY STAR qualified products and conventional ones.
In many states as well as at the federal level, loan, rebate, and tax incentive programs exist (www.dsireusa.org) for the purchase of
energy-efficient equipment, as well as the installation of renewable energy equipment. Be aware of these and incorporate them into
your purchase evaluations.
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Guideline #11
All office paper products should have 20% or more post consumer recycled content.
Description
In purchasing office paper products, the single most important factor to look for is the post consumer content. Post consumer content
is recycled fiber or material from consumer products. Some examples include old magazines, old telephone directories, residential
mixed-use paper, and any other paper product sent to the landfills. This differs from pre-consumer content or material. Pre-consumer
content is material that has been discarded before it is ready for consumer use (www.conservatree.com).
Buying recycled-content paper has an effect on the environment both upstream (where raw materials are acquired and processed)
and downstream (waste-disposal impacts). Upstream, buying recycled paper reduces the number of trees needed in production and it
reduces energy consumption. Paper made from recycled paper uses 40% less energy to manufacture than producing paper from trees.
Downstream, recycling 1 ton of newspaper eliminates three cubic meters of landfill.
Procedure
Hotels should purchase office paper products with a minimum of 20% post consumer recycled content.
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Additional Guidelines
These guidelines span energy, water, solid waste, and education/resources.
Energy
Each hotel should form an environmental committee that is responsible for developing an Environmental Green Plan around each
pillar. The success of any environmental program also includes associate engagement.
An essential part of managing the hotels environmental performance is having accurate, monthly utility and waste usage
information.
Larger operations should be working with energy/engineering consultants regarding their needs. Higher costs are likely associated
with the types of upgrades needed at larger hotels, as well as more professional expertise in their design and implementation.
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to record your energy usage and receive additional information that compares your
hotel to hotels of a similar type.
If your score in Portfolio Manager is below the average score of 50, it is advisable to have an energy audit performed. Refer to the
Energy Star resources tab of the Green section of the AH&LA Website for information about potential assistance in your state with
audit activities and assistance for financing to improve energy performance.
Lighting
Replace T-12 fluorescent tubes with high performance T-8 lamps and electronic ballasts. Energy savings of approximately 40% is
possible.
Install occupancy sensor controls on lighting systems in meeting rooms and in back of house areas where possible. Occupancy sensor
controls will activate lighting systems when spaces are occupied and will turn off the lights after spaces are vacated.
If occupancy sensor controls are not feasible, due to cost or physical factors such as ability to adequately cover the space, implement
a program to turn off the lights in meeting spaces and back of house areas when spaces are not in use.
If areas of the hotel (such as the lobby and pool areas) benefit from exposure to sunlight, turn off lights in these areas when they
receive adequate lighting from sunlight. It may be possible to install a photocell control in these areas that will do this automatically.
Control exterior lighting in parking areas and around the building via photocells to only provide lighting when needed.
Water Heating
Reduce the delivery temperature of hot water to guestrooms to no more than 120 F. Delivery of hot water to guestrooms above
120 F is not only dangerous, but also can result in substantial energy losses from piping. Use a temperature and pressure compensated mixing valve to control temperatures.
Do not operate water heaters (and associated water storage tanks) at temperatures above 140 F.
Efficient operation of water heaters and boilers is an important element in minimizing energy usage. Contract with a qualified
mechanical contractor for a boiler maintenance inspections and tune-ups to improve performance. If existing equipment operates
inefficiently, consider replacement.
Waste heat recovery from laundry wastewater and dryer air should also be evaluated.
Operations with central chilled water systems should evaluate the potential for heat recovery from these systems for water heating.
Heating, Cooling and Ventilation
All spaces within hotels require conditioned air in order to be comfortable to people or to maintain products (i.e. food) at proper
conditions. However, substantial reductions in energy usage can still be maintained through the proper operation of the systems that
condition these spaces.
Air handling units serving public spaces (and those supplying make up air to guestroom corridors) should be on a regular preventive
maintenance schedule and should have air filters regularly replaced. Filter replacement frequency should be done based on manufacturers recommendations, as well as on the level of buildup on the filter.
17
Energy continued
Heating, Cooling and Ventilation
Meeting spaces do not need to be fully conditioned when they are not in use. Use building control systems and controls in these
(such as thermostats or occupancy sensors) to reduce the space-conditioning energy usage when the spaces are not occupied.
Kitchen areas require the use of ventilation equipment whenever the kitchen equipment is operating. However, when kitchen equipment is not operating, ventilation equipment should be turned off.
Avoid losing hot or cool air by being sure that exterior doors on conditioned spaces are closed and that seals and curtains on doors
are installed and well maintained.
Larger hotels should have HVAC systems and their controls evaluated by outside contractors periodically to ensure proper operation.
Recommissioning activities are strongly recommended.
Space Heating
When finished cleaning rooms, guestroom thermostats should be set from 66 to 68 F (during the heating season) by the housekeeping staff and fan settings should be placed on low.
When leaving the guestroom during the heating season, housekeeping staff should close all drapes. Particularly sunny climates with
cold conditions may choose to leaves drapes open on south or west facing windows to benefit from solar heat gain.
Operations utilizing through-the-wall units for guestroom heating should be sure to clean or replace filters on these units monthly, as
well as performing annual cleaning.
Operations utilizing central boiler systems with fan coils should have a professional evaluation of efficiency upgrades including (but
not limited to) variable speed drives, digital control, boiler efficiency upgrades, and hot water temperature resets. Building re-commissioning is also recommended.
Other Energy
Laundry operations can use a substantial amount of energy to operate dryers. Installation of washing machines that provide a greater
reduction in the moisture retention in linens and dryers that have higher efficiency should be considered.
Pool heating can also use large amounts of energy. Outdoor pools should be covered to reduce not only heat loss, but also water
evaporation. Indoor pools should consider the use of heat pump units that dehumidify the indoor environment and provide pool heating. In colder climates, heat recovery from pool ventilation air should also be evaluated.
In general, when replacing energy-using equipment you should evaluate the needed size (capacity) of the equipment in light of
current needs. As properties implement energy reductions the needed equipment capacity can often be reduced. Installation of
properly-sized equipment saves money in the initial cost and money and energy in its operation. Installation of over sized equipment
wastes money in initial cost and in operations, as well as consuming more energy than is needed.
Water
Utilize the Energy Star Portfolio Manager tool to record your water usage and receive information that compares your hotel to hotels
of a similar type.
Check guestroom toilets for leaking valves by placing a small amount of food coloring in the toilet tank and seeing if it appears in the
toilet bowl. Replace valves when leaks are noted.
Laundry water usage can be reduced by the use of more water-efficient laundry equipment. If considering replacement of equipment,
the installation of washing equipment with microprocessor controls can reduce water usage.
Consider the installation of an ozone system in the laundry. Ozone laundry systems have been shown to reduce the need for water
and chemicals in laundry operations while providing high levels of cleaning and reduced laundry cycle times.
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Water continued
Foodservice operations can use substantial amounts of water. Do not thaw foods by running water over them.
In kitchen prep sinks, use spray-nozzles that automatically close to rinse dishes.
When purchasing new dishwashers, purchase Energy Star labeled products.
Water usage for irrigation should be monitored and minimized. Do not water roads and parking lots. Control irrigation via a rain
gauge or soil moisture sensor.
Install sub-meters on water lines serving cooling towers, swimming pools, and irrigation systems. Record the usage of water in these
areas. If this represents a substantial portion of your total water usage, investigate savings opportunities in these areas. You should be
able to get a sewer credit for cooling tower and irrigation usage.
Be sure water-cooled icemakers do not utilize potable water for cooling via a once through system. Replace once through icemakers with air-cooled icemakers or connect the icemakers to the chilled water system if one exists.
Solid Waste
The priority in solid waste management is Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. A good starting point for solid waste management is to perform a waste audit to categorize the content in the existing waste stream. And, after the actions below are initiated, periodic audits of
the waste stream are also recommended to identify further opportunities and problem areas.
Use the spreadsheet found on the AH&LA Website to record your hotels solid waste data.
Once you have collected data on your hotels solid waste generation and costs, review this for savings opportunities. Many haulers
have a pickup fee and a fee based on the amount of waste. It may be possible to reduce the frequency of pickup, especially if or as
solid waste reduction actions are taken.
Hotels may find additional information on the EPAs Waste Wise site useful.
Contact your trash hauler and local solid waste recycling authorities to determine the regulations and opportunities for solid waste
recycling in your area. If you are in an area with several other hotels, you may wish to investigate shared services involving recycling
to reduce costs and coordinate efforts.
Eliminate or substantially reduce the use of individual bottles of water for meetings and breakout service. Replace individual bottles
with either larger refillable bottled water dispensers or with tap or filtered water table top dispensers similar to those used to dispense
other cold beverages such as lemonade or iced tea.
Eliminate or substantially reduce the use of disposable cups and dishes for meetings and breakout areas wherever feasible.
If you provide free newspapers to guests, make these available at central locations rather than delivery to each room (where brand
standards allow).
Implement back-of-house recycling programs. Most operations should be able to implement recycling in a cost-effective manner for
the following:

Cardboard

Newspaper

Other Paper

Glass

Metals

Plastic

Printer and Toner Cartridges
Implement a guestroom recycling program. Some operations find it easier to separate recyclables at the room level (via separate
waste receptacles for these) while others prefer to collect all waste and separate out the recyclables in a back-of-house area.
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Solid Waste continued
If foodservice operations exist at the property, investigate the opportunities for the following food waste composting and donation of
unused food to local food banks.
All renovation plans should include methods to employ to reuse/recycle materials removed during construction.
Education/Resources
The hotels environmentally-conscious purchasing plan should consider life-cycle costs and testing of environmentally-responsible
products and services.
Information about the energy-efficient operation of buildings can be found by referring to the Building Upgrade Manual at the United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Energy Star site. The Upgrade Manual has a section specifically devoted to hotels
and motels as well as more general information.
There are additional resources on a range of environmental topics available from AH&LA and the Educational Institute.
The U.S. Green Buildings Council has established the Leadership in Environment and Energy Design (LEED) program to encourage
the development and operation of green buildings. LEED has a number of rating programs and standards that can assist properties in
identifying opportunities for environmental improvement and for achieving recognition for their efforts.
The U.S. EPA operates the Water Sense program whose goal is to reduce the usage of water in homes and businesses.
The U.S. EPA operates the Waste Wise program, which serves to assist businesses in reducing their solid waste production and in
purchasing of recycled products.
One important element of an environmental program involves the quality of the indoor air environment. A source for information on
this topic is Building Air Quality: A Guide for Building Owners and Managers.
A particular indoor air quality problem in hotels over the years has been mold and mildew. An excellent source on dealing with the
mold and mildew problem is Commissioning Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates by Odom and DuBose. Copies of this book are
available through a number of online book distributors.
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has a number of standards and publications dealing with indoor air quality. Their publication Indoor Air Quality Guide: Best Practices for Design, Construction, and
Commissioning, as well as a number of other materials is available via their Website.
The Federal Government operates an Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) program, which offers information on the program, its standards, and products.
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AH&LA Green Glossary

The following Green Glossary of Terms is offered to define and introduce special environmental and sustainability terms. It has been
developed to help you understand the AH&LA environmental guidelines along with its related business cases and best practices.
A
AAA Diamond The American Automobile Association hotel rating program that rates hotels form one to five diamonds.
Acoustical Ceiling Tile Ceiling tile designed to improve sound quality and block noise transmission.
Active Solar Heating Collection units absorb heat from the sun and transfer it through pumps or fans to a shortage unit for later use,
or directly to the building interior. The system requires controls to regulate its operation.
Active Solar Water Heater Collection units absorb heat from the sun and transfer it through pumps to a storage unit. The fluid
in the storage unit conveys its heat to the domestic hot water of the building through a heat hanger. The system requires controls to
regulate its operation.
Aerator A device most installed on faucets to increase spray velocity, reduce splash, and save both water and energy.
Air Handling Unit A heating and/or cooling distribution mechanism that channels warm or cool air to different parts of a building.
The equipment includes a blower or fan, heating and/or cooling coils, as well as related controls, condensate drain pans, and air filters.
The unit does not include ductwork, registers, grilles, boilers, or chillers.
Albedo Also know as solar reflectance, this is the ratio of reflected solar energy to incoming solar energy over wavelengths of
approximately 0.3 to 2.5 micrometers.
Alternative Use License (AUL) In Brownfield redevelopment, AUL refers to a districts capacity to be rezoned to an alternative
acceptable use, taking into account the known contaminants of the site.
Ambient Air Open air, surrounding air, or outside air.
ASHRAE American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning.
ASHRAE 55-1992 ASHRAE standard: Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy.
ASHRAE 62-1999 ASHRAE standard: Indoor Air Quality.
B
Bamboo flooring Bamboo is a grass (not a wood) that annually produces new shoots. Individual stems are harvested from
controlled forests every three to five years.
Benchmarking The process to measure the performance of energy, water and recycling for comparison with similar hotels. The
result is often a business case for making environmental improvements.
Biodegradable Capable of decomposing naturally within a relatively short period of time.
Broadloom Originally denoted carpet produced in widths wider than six feet. Today, carpet comes in 6-foot, 12-foot, and 15-foot
widths.
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B
Brownfields Abandoned, idled, or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated
by real or perceived environmental contamination.
Building Automation System (BAS) A system that optimized the start up and performance of HVAC equipment and alarm systems.
A BAS system increases the interaction among the mechanical subsystems of a building, improves occupant comfort, lowers energy
use, and allows off-site building control.
Building Related Illness (BRI) BRI refers to a diagnosed illness of which the symptoms of are identified and can be attributed
directly to airborne building contaminants.
Built Environment Buildings and infrastructure constructed by human beings.
C
Carbon An abundant chemical element on Earth. As the basis for all living things, carbon is present in particular abundance in a
solid and a liquid form in trees, other plants, and soils, and in various forms in all fossil fuels, including coal (solid), petroleum
(liquid), and methane (gas). Carbon bonds with oxygen in the atmosphere to form carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) A colorless, odorless, non-poisonous gas that exists in trace quantities (less than 400 parts per million) in
ambient air. Carbon dioxide is a product of fossil fuel combustion. Although carbon dioxide does not directly impair human health, it
is a greenhouse gas that traps terrestrial (I.e., infrared) radiation and contributes to the potential for global warming.
Carbon Footprint A cumulative measure of the impact a product, service, activity, company, individual or other entity has on the
environment, in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, and measured in units of carbon dioxide. These impacts usually
result from energy consumption, pollution, and other sources.
Carbon Neutral A combination of efficiency improvements (resulting in reduced carbon dioxide emissions), and purchases of
carbon offsets that balance 100% of a carbon footprint.
Carbon Offset A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by a project (such as rainforest preservation) that is sold to a purchaser to
balance the purchasers own emissions. The funds generated by the sale of offsets support the development of additional reductions.
CERES A coalition of investors and environmentalists formerly know as the Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies.
Certified or Certification A process by which an independent agent verifies that the claims made by a product, service, etc. are
valid. Many certification programs exist through which products meeting independent standards may use a label or logo to indicate
their claims have been verified.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) A family of inert, nontoxic, and easily liquefied chemicals used in refrigeration, air conditioning,
packaging, and insulation, or as solvents and aerosol propellants. Because CFCs are not destroyed in the lower atmosphere, they drift
into the upper atmosphere, where their chlorine components destroy ozone.
CO2 Sensor A sensor for the measurement of gaseous carbon dioxide. Used in combination with energy recovery units or demand
controlled ventilation to promote energy efficiency. Used to maintain appropriate indoor carbon dioxide levels.
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C
Cogeneration The generation of electricity and the capture and use of otherwise wasted heat energy byproducts. Also referred to as
a combined heat and power (CHP) system.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) The generation of electricity and the capture and use of otherwise wasted heat energy byproducts. Also referred to as cogeneration.
Commissioning The process of ensuring that a buildings complex array of systems is designed, installed, and tested to perform
according to the design intent and the owners operational needs. The commissioning of new buildings is most effective when considered throughout the planning stages, and as early as the schematic design phase.
Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) or Lighting A type of fluorescent lamp. Compared to incandescent lamps of the same luminous
flux, CFLs use less energy and have a longer life.
Composite Material Complex material made up of two or more complementary substances. Composite materials can be difficult
to recycle (e.g. plastic laminates). They are best applied in situations where they can be removed for a reuse that does not require
remanufacture.
Composting A process whereby organic wastes, including food, paper, and yard wastes, decompose naturally and produce a material
rich in minerals and ideal for gardening and farming as a soil conditioner or mulch, and for resurfacing or covering a landfill.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) A substitute for gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuels. CNG is considered to be an environmentally
clean alternative. It is made by compressing natural gas (which is composed mainly of methane [CH4]) in a percentage range of
70% to 98%.
Conventional Indicates the usual method of production. Used in contrast to green or environmentally-friendly production methods.
D
Data-Tracking The process of gathering energy, water and waste data for hotels to track there performance over periods of time.
Daylighting A method of illuminating building interiors with natural light and minimizing the use of artificial lighting. Common
daylighting strategies include the proper orientation and placement of windows, the use of light wells, or light shafts.
Demand Control Ventilation (DCV) Ventilation provided in response to the actual number of occupants and to occupant activity.
Demand Control Ventilation Using Carbon Dioxide Sensors A combination of two technologies: CO2 levels in the air inside a
building, and an air-handling system that uses data from the sensors to regulate the amount of air admitted.
Density Bonus A credit that allows developers to build more units than would normally be allowed in a certain zoning district by
exchanging the excess units for other community benefits, such as affordable housing, historic preservation, and green building.
DEQ Department of Environmental Quality (usually at the state level).
Digital Thermostat Energy saving devices that are manually programmed to allow users to control temperature settings. Digital
thermostats are more accurate than conventional thermostats and can be programmed with high and low set points. They can be used
with most heating and cooling devices.
23

D
Down-Cycling The recycling of one material into another material of lesser quality. One example is the recycling of high-grade
plastics into lower grade plastics.
Dual Flush Toilet A toilet that has two buttons to allow appropriate water usage, typically ranging from one to two gallons.
E
EA Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED rating system.
Eco-Friendly, Environmentally- Friendly a loose term often used in marketing to inform consumers about an attribute of a product
or service that has an environmental benefit. This term does not necessarily indicate all attributes of a product or service is environmentally benign.
Energy-Efficient producing a high level of output or performance relative to the amount of energy consumed.
Emission The release of any gas, particle, or vapor into the environment from a commercial, industrial, or residential source,
including smokestacks, chimneys, and motor vehicles.
Emissivity The ratio of energy radiated by a specific material to the energy related by a black body at the same temperature. This is
a measure of a materials ability to absorb and radiate energy.
Energy Modeling A computer model that analyzes a buildings energy related features in order to project the energy consumption of
a given design.
Energy Recovery Units Mechanisms that extract energy from the indoor air (warm air in winter, cool air in summer) and transfer it
to the fresh incoming air.
Energy Star A United States government program that promotes energy efficient consumer products, programs and buildings.
Environmental Coordinator An associate who leads the hotels environmental committee and is responsible for developing an
environmental green plan for energy, water, and solid waste use.
Environmental Impact Any change to the environment, good or bad, that wholly or partially results from industrial manufacturing
activities, products or services.
EPA The United States Environmental Protection Agency, charged with setting and enforcing environmental regulations nationwide.
EPP Environmentally preferred product.
Exposed Aggregate The component pieces of a composite material used to resist compressive stress and visible in the end product.
24

F
Fair Trade A certification scheme that evaluates the economic, social and environmental impacts of the production and trade of
agricultural products, in particular: coffee, sugar, tea, chocolate, and others. Fair Trade principles include: fair prices, fair labor
conditions, direct trade, democratic and transparent organizations, community development and environmental sustainability.
Fan Coil Unit (FCU) A small terminal HVAC unit often composed only of a blower and a heating and/or cooling coil (heat
exchanger) and frequently used in hotels, condominiums, and apartments.
Flashing A type of weatherproofing.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) The ratio of the total floor area of a building to the size of the land of its location, or the limit imposed on
such a ratio.
Fly Ash The ash residue from high temperature combustion processes. Electric generating plants using western coal produce a
non-toxic fly ash that, because of its very high calcium content, can be a substitute for Portland cement (the common bonding material
in concrete).
Formaldehyde A colorless, pungent smelling, toxic material used as a component for the glues of many wood products. It can cause
respiratory problems, cancer, and chemical sensitivity.
Fossil Fuels Fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, produced by the decomposition of ancient (fossilized) plants and animals.
Foundation Mat Slab Builders use mat-slab foundations to distribute heavy column and wall loads across an entire building area,
and to lower the contact pressure as compared to conventional spread footing. Mat-slab foundations can be constructed near the
ground surface, or at the bottom of basements. In high-rise buildings, mat-slab foundations can be several meters thick, with extensive
reinforcement to ensure relatively uniform load transfer.
FSC Products Forest Steward Council wood bearing the FSC logo guarantees that it was sustainably harvested from a certified, well
managed forest.
G
Going Green The Prince of Wales Foundation International Tourism Partnership (ITP) program is a primer and an excellent starter
program to develop energy, water, and waste conservation programs.
Green Making decisions based on an environmentally-friendly philosophy and conservation of natural resources
Green Field A piece of undeveloped land.
Green Globe Specific to hospitality, this international benchmarking and certification program is based on the Agenda 21
principles of Sustainable Development, providing a framework for managing sustainability programs and monitoring performance
and improvement.
Green Globes The green Building Initiatives green management program includes an assessment protocol, rating system and guide
for integrating environmentally-friendly design into commercial buildings.
25

G
Greenhouse Gases Atmospheric gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect and sustain life on earth. Increasing concentrations
of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are altering the habitat humans evolved to thrive in; this is a process called global warming or
climate change. Greenhouse gases include: carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, ozone, methane, and CFCs.
Green Key The Canadian Hotel Association Eco-Rating Program is a graduated rating system designed to recognize hotels, motels,
and resorts that are committed to improving their fiscal and environmental performance.
Green Power This is a term used to describe sources of energy that are considered to be environmentally friendly and non-polluting,
such as geothermal, wind and solar power.
Green Seal An environmental standard for the hotel industry that focuses exclusively on developing environmental standards, and
certifying products, practices, and operations.
Green team Interdisciplinary team comprised of representatives from various operating departments that is committed to improving
the environmental sustainability of the property.
Greywater Wastewater that does not contain sewage or fecal contamination and can be reused for irrigation after simple filtration.
Gross Square Feet (GSF) The total area occupied by a building when measured from exterior to exterior. This area included all
mechanical areas.
H
Halons Man-made substances (also known as bromofluorocarbons) that are chlorofluorocarbons containing bromine.
Hardscape Paved areas such as streets and sidewalks, large business complexes and housing developments, and other industrial
areas where the upper soil profile is no longer exposed to the actual surface of the Earth.
HarvestedRainwater Rain that falls on a roof and is channeled by gutters to a storage tank or cistern. The uses of this water depend
on the existence and nature of pollutants that may have been picked up from the roofs surface.
Heat Island Effect Heat island refers to urban air and surface temperatures that are higher than those of nearby rural areas. Many
American cities and suburbs have air temperatures up to 10 F (5.6 C) warmer than their surrounding natural land cover.
Heat Recovery Systems Building mechanical systems that capture waste heat from another system and use it to replace heat that
would otherwise come from a primary energy source.
HVAC Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment that controls the ambient environment (temperature, humidity, air flow,
and air filtering) of a building. HVAC systems must be planned for and operated along with other data center components such as
computing hardware, cabling, data storage, fire protection, physical security systems, and power.
HVAC&R Heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) Compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. HCFCs originally were
intended as replacements for CFCs, but they are only a temporary solution because they still contain chlorine and have the potential to
destroy stratospheric ozone.
26

Hyrdonic HVAC Water based HVAC.
I
IACC International Association of Conference Centers.
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality section of the LEED rating system.
In Situ Remediation The clean up or remediation of a polluted site performed by using and simulating the natural processes in the
soil, in contrast to ex situ where contaminated soil is excavated and cleaned elsewhere off site.
Incandescent Light An electric lamp in which a filament is heated to produce artificial light. Incandescent lighting consumes more
energy and is less efficient than CFLs or LEDs.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Pollution from gases or particles released into the air is the primary cause of indoor air quality problems.
Inadequate ventilation can increase indoor pollutant levels by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions.
Infill Development Real estate development that occurs in a previously built area.
Integrated Design Multi-disciplinary teams of building professional work together from the pre-design phase through postoccupancy to optimize a buildings environmental sustainability, performance, and cost savings.
Irrigation Supplying water to grass, trees, and other plants.
ISO The International Standards Organization provides an internationally accepted specification for an Environmental
Management System (EMS). The ISO specifies requirements for establishing an environmental police, determining environmental
aspects and impacts of products/activities/services, planning environmental objectives and measurable targets, the implementation and
operation of programs to meet objectives and targets, checking and corrective action, and management review.
K
Key Card Energy System An occupancy sensor system that used an inserted computerized card to activate or deactivate equipment
(e.g. heating, cooling, lighting).
Kilowatt Hour (kWh) A unit of energy measured at 1,000 watt hours.
Kilowatt Peak (kWp) A measure of peak kilowatt output (e.g. of a photovoltaic system).
L
LCD Liquid crystal display.
LED Light emitting diode.
27

L
LEED The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building rating system. LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based,
national standard based on a four level certification program that encompasses design techniques for the building envelope and
throughout the interior for new construction and renovations, as well as their operational program for existing properties.
LEED AP LEED accredited professional.
Life Cycle Cost The amortized annual cost of a product, including capital costs and installation, operating, maintenance, and
disposal costs discounted over the lifetime of the product.
Low E-Windows Low emissivity windows reflect heat, not light, keeping spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
M
MERV The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value for air filtration.
MR Materials and Resources section of the LEED rating system.
N
Natural ventilation The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space by natural means. There are two types of
natural ventilation for buildings: wind driven ventilation and stack ventilation.
Net metering A method of crediting customers for electricity that they generate on site in excess of their purchased electricity
consumption. Customers with their own generation offset the electricity they would have purchased from their utility. If such
customers generate more than they use in a billing period, their electric meter turns backwards to indicate their net excess generation.
Depending on individual state or utility rules, the net excess generation may be credited to the customers account (in many cases at
the retail price), carried over to a future billing period, or ignored.
NIMBY Not in my back yard.
NGO Non-governmental organization.
Non-profit A corporation that is organized for scientific, educational or charitable purposes in which there are no individual
stockholders and no part of the corporations income is distributed to its members.
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L
LEED The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building rating system. LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based,
national standard based on a four level certification program that encompasses design techniques for the building envelope and
throughout the interior for new construction and renovations, as well as their operational program for existing properties.
LEED AP LEED accredited professional.
Life Cycle Cost The amortized annual cost of a product, including capital costs and installation, operating, maintenance, and
disposal costs discounted over the lifetime of the product.
Low E-Windows Low emissivity windows reflect heat, not light, keeping spaces warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
M
MERV The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value for air filtration.
MR Materials and Resources section of the LEED rating system.
N
Natural ventilation The process of supplying and removing air through an indoor space by natural means. There are two types of
natural ventilation for buildings: wind driven ventilation and stack ventilation.
Net metering A method of crediting customers for electricity that they generate on site in excess of their purchased electricity
consumption. Customers with their own generation offset the electricity they would have purchased from their utility. If such
customers generate more than they use in a billing period, their electric meter turns backwards to indicate their net excess generation.
Depending on individual state or utility rules, the net excess generation may be credited to the customers account (in many cases at
the retail price), carried over to a future billing period, or ignored.
NIMBY Not in my back yard.
NGO Non-governmental organization.
Non-profit A corporation that is organized for scientific, educational or charitable purposes in which there are no individual
stockholders and no part of the corporations income is distributed to its members.
O
Occupancy Sensors Mechanisms that automatically turn off lighting, HVAC, and/or electricity once a room is vacant.
On-site Renewable Energy Generation Electricity generated by renewable resources using a system or device located at the site
where the poser is used. On-site generation is a from of distributed energy generation.
On-site Sewage Treatment Treating waste water where it is produced for reuse by technologies that require non-potable water at
the same location.
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O
Organic Relating to products (foods, textiles, etc.) grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or hormones. It also
often means that products are not genetically modified. Use of the term is regulated by the USDA, but it is still generally used to
describe a production philosophy. Many organic growers believe the USDA Organic certification standard to be weak.
Ozone An unstable poisonous allotrope of oxygen (03) occurring in two forms. (1) Stratospheric ozone: In the stratosphere (the
atmosphere layer beginning seven to ten miles above the earth), ozone is found naturally and provides a protective layer shielding the
earth from ultraviolet radiations harmful effects on humans and the environment. (2) Ground level ozone: Ozone produced near the
earths surface through complex chemical reactions of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and sunlight. Ground level ozone
is the primary component of smog and is harmful to humans and the environment.
P
PPM Parts per million.
Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) Equipment combining an air conditioner and a heater into a single, electricallypowered unit typically installed through a wall and often found in hotels.
Paspalum Tall American perennial grasses commonly known as paspalums, Bahiagrasses, or Dallis grasses. They are most diverse
in subtropical and tropical regions.
Passive Cooling A buildings structure (or an element of it) is designed to permit increased ventilation and retention of coolness with
the intention of minimizing or eliminating the need for mechanical means of cooling.
Passive Design As applied to home construction, building design and placement permits the use of natural processes such as
radiation, convection, absorption, and conduction to support comfort levels.
Passive Heating A buildings structure (or an element of it) is designed to allow natural thermal energy flow, such as radiation,
conduction, and convection generated by the sun, to provide heat.
Passive Solar Water Heater A water heating system that does not require mechanical pumps or controls to create hot water for
domestic use.
Passive Ventilation The introduction and/or removal of air that used both convective air flows resulting form the tendency of warm
air to rise and cool air to sink, and takes advantage of prevailing winds. Many passive ventilation systems rely on building users to
control their operation.
PERC The Property and Environment Research Center.
Photo Plastic Laminate (P-Lam) A laminate is a material constructed by uniting (or bonding) two or more layers of material.
Examples of laminate materials include Formica and plywood. Formica and similar plastic laminates (such as Pionite, Wilsonart or
Centurply Mica) often are referred to as High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPDL) because they are created with heat and pressure
that amounts to more than 5 lbf/in(34kPa).
Photovoltaic (PV) A system that converts sunlight directly into electricity using cells made of silicon or other conductive material.
When sunlight strikes the cells, a chemical reaction occurs, and this results in the release of electricity.
30

P
Photovoltaic Panels Devices using semiconductor material to directly convert sunlight into electricity. Power is produced when
sunlight strikes the semiconductor material and crates an electrical current.
Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content Material that has been recovered after its use as a consumer product. Examples include
fleece clothing made from pop bottles and reclaimed carpet tiles used for new tile backing.
Pre-consumer Recycled Content Material that is diverted from the waste stream following an industrial process. This excludes
reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap capable of being reclaimed within the same process.
R
Recirculated Water Rinse water that is reused before it is discarded, or water continually moving through a system, as in a fountain.
Reclaimed Water Wastewater (sewage) that has been treated and purified for reuse, rather than discharged into another body of
water (e.g. a river).
Recyclable Content Materials that can be recovered or diverted from the waste stream for recycling and reuse.
Recycled Content The percentage of recycled materials in a product, generally determined by weight.
Recycling The series of activities, including collection, separation and processing, by which products or other materials are
recovered from the solid waste stream for use in the form of raw materials for the manufacture of new products (other than fuel).
Regulation A federal agency imposes a regulation; Congress enacts a law.
Renewable Energy Energy resources such as wind or solar power that produce indefinitely without being depleted.
Renewable Resources Resources that are created or produced at least as fast as they are consumed.
RFP Request for proposal.
R-Value A measure of the thermal resistance of material, especially insulation.
S
SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, as defined by the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.
SF Square feet.
Sick Building Syndrome A situation in which a buildings occupants experience acute health conditions and/or levels of discomfort
that appear to be linked to time spent in the building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. Complaints may be localized to
a particular room or zone.
SMACNA Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association.
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S
Smart Growth A range of development and conservation strategies that help to protect our natural environment and make are
communities more attractive, economically stronger, and more socially diverse.
Sound Attenuation A reduction in the intensity or pressure level of sound that is transmitted from one point to another.
SS Sustainable Sites section of the LEED rating system.
Sustainability Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
T
Toxic The attribute of any material or waste product that can produce injury and /or loss of life when inhaled, swallowed, or
absorbed through the skin.
U
United States Green Building Council (USGBC) A national organization, founded in 1993, whose mission is to accelerate the
adoption of green building practices, technologies, policies, and standards. USGBC established the LEED certification guidelines.
Urban Sprawl The unplanned, uncontrolled spreading of urban development into areas adjoining a city.
V
Variable Air Volume (VAV) An HVAC system strategy through which the volume of air delivered to conditioned spaces is varied as
a function of ventilating needs, energy needs, or both.
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) A specific type of adjustable speed drive that controls the rotational speed of an alternating,
current (AC) electric motor by controlling the frequency of the electric power supplied to the motor. VFDs also are known as
adjustable frequency drives (AFD) variable speed drives (VSD), AC drives, or inverter drives.
Vegetative Roof/Green Roof A building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or is a growing medium,
and planted over a waterproofing membrane.
Veneers Thin slices of wood, usually thinner than 3.0 mm (1/8 inch), that are glued and pressed onto core panels (typically wood,
particle board, or medium density fiberboard) to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and side panels for cabinets, parquet floors,
and furniture elements.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Chemicals that contain carbon molecules and are volatile enough to evaporate from material
surfaces into indoor air at normal room temperatures (referred to as off-gassing).
32

W
Waterless Urinals Units that resemble conventional wall fixtures. The waterless units connect to the regular waste lines, but eliminate
the flush water supply lines. This eliminates the flush valves, and there are no handles to touch, no sensors, and no moving parts.
WE Water Efficiency section of the LEED rating system.
Whole Systems Thinking A process through which the interconnections of systems are actively considered, and solutions are
sought that address multiple problems at the same time.
Z
Zoning Legislative regulations by which a municipal government seeks to control the use of buildings and land within the
municipality.
501c3 Internal Revenue Service non-profit tax status designation.
33

AH&LA Green Guidelines Summary

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AH&LA Green Guidelines

AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

Green Task Force

Joe McInerney, CHA

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

11 Minimum Guidelines for Going Green

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

Cost per Digital Thermostat Installed: $93.00

American Hotel & Lodging Association | www.ahla.com/green.aspx

AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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American Hotel & Lodging Association | www.ahla.com/green.aspx

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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Use three ENERGY STAR

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American Hotel & Lodging Association | www.ahla.com/green.aspx

AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

AH&LA Green Glossary

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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AH&LA Environmental Guidelines

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