Green Planning: Accommodations

Some Considerations

Assist hotels with resources to help them setup extensive recycling/waste prevention programs as well as reducing the need.

• Initial Understanding. Ask hotels if they:
• provide low-flow faucets, toilets and showerheads
• provide air dryers in bathrooms (instead of paper towels)
• provide Energy-Star appliances (mini-fridge, TV)
• provide recycle bins in rooms and for meetings
• occupancy sensors in high-use areas
• have programmable thermostats
• have air filtration is available in rooms
• they minimize the use of toxic cleaning products with green-friendly products
• use local, sustainable companies for pest control, energy, etc
• display green policies/amenities on place cards in guest rooms
• offer customers the option of refusing a daily linen change
• provide soap/shampoo dispensers in bathrooms
• provide recycled and bleach-free paper products


• Linen/Towel Program.
• For hotels that don’t already change towels and bed linens as requested, have them commit to doing this for event attendees. Hotel will provide cards that guests can use during their stay to let housekeeping know whether they want their towels and bed linens changed
• Give these cards to the hotel for them to give to guests during check-in.
• Let attendees know in advance to expect these cards at check-in. Give out cards at event registration desk for individuals who do not receive them at hotel check-in. Attendees will be instructed to call housekeeping at the hotel if the hotel is not following the instructions


• Hotel Soap/Toiletries
• Ask the hotel(s) if they supply shampoo or soap dispensers or if they would be willing. If they do not, offer to supply the dispensers with the logo of your event, avoiding dates so they may be reused
• For hotels that don’t have dispensers in the bathrooms for shampoo, soap, etc., or don’t have a program already in place to donate these used containers. Collect and donate opened hotel toiletries and soap. Work with local supporters to find organizations who can use opened hotel toiletries and soap. Have a collection box set up at the convention center on the last day and ask to set up collection boxes at the hotel front desk
• Ask hotel to provide cards that individuals can leave in the bathroom stating that they don’t want to have their toiletries replaced. These cards will be distributed to guests at hotel check-in
• Attendees should be encouraged to bring their own toiletries and soap (and not use the hotel’s) but the collection system is set up for those who do use these items


• Recycling. Check to see if the hotel has in-room recycling containers or is able to collect recycling items from the trash. If not, instruct attendees to bring any recyclables from their hotel room to the collection stations in the meeting areas of the hotel.


• Checking out electronically. Inquire the paperless options when arranging participants check-out


• Evaluation Process/Contract
• In RFP ask hotel(s) about recycling/waste prevention methods in sleeping rooms. This will be used in the evaluation to choose future locations
• Contract should state that any current recycling program that is in place at time of signing of the contract will be in place during the event and that the facility is willing to cooperate on enhancing any recycling programs

Check out our planning resources page for Green hotel resources.

References:

• "The National Recycling Coalitions Green Meetings Policy"
• "Making your Conference Sustainable & Climate Neutral"
  by Marie-Claire Munnelly, 2007
• "EECOM Green Conference Guidelines"
• Convention Industry Council's Green Meetings Report

Contact Information

If you have general questions or comments, contact:
Shalini Suryanarayana (shalini@mtu.edu) and please put
"ESC Question/Comment" in the subject line.

Electronic mail

If you have any questions on the recycling program at Michigan Tech: recyclinginfo-l@mtu.edu

General Information: shalini@mtu.edu