New Hampshire Sustainable Lodging & Restaurant Program

Caring for our guests ... naturally

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Suggested Initiatives

Select a focus area for a list of suggested initiatives ...

Focus Areas

Install energy efficient florescent lighting in all fixtures which remain on longer than 4 hours a day (hallway lighting, conference rooms, office areas and lobby areas).

 

Install occupancy sensors in guestrooms and/or public restrooms and/or timers in conference rooms.

Control lighting

Control HVAC

 

Install LED (Light Emitting Diode) Exit signs throughout building(s).

 

Replace (or policy to replace as needed) existing appliances (televisions, DVD players, copiers, computers, kitchen appliances, washers/dryers, etc.) with Energy Star models.

 

Install energy efficient lighting in exterior areas and/or install daylight sensors or timers.

 

Keep draperies closed to avoid heat loss during the winter and heat accumulation in the warmer months.

 

Develop/use equipment maintenance plans for rooms, common areas and kitchen/office areas to assure that equipment is operating properly and efficiently.

Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators in guest rooms.

 

Participate in or promote your own towel and linen reuse program for multi-night guests.  Include guestroom material advocating program and benefits.

 

Install low flow toilets or toilet diverter valves in existing toilets.

 

Implement Housekeeping/Facilities procedures to detect and repair leaking toilets, faucets or showerheads.

 

Limit landscape watering to early mornings and only when necessary.

 

Landscape with native plantings to minimize watering needs (native species are better adjusted to average precipitation and temperature ranges and require less watering).

Provide recycling facilities for office staff, facilities/operations and guests.  (Recycling bins may be located in central areas – near vending machines or elevators/stairs, kitchen, office, etc.), with instructions at the bins and in the guestrooms for pick up/proper disposal.  A trash bin should also be located by the recycling bins to reduce contamination. 

 

Use coffee mugs and glasses in guestrooms.

 

If free newspapers are provided to guests, provide a small stack in the lobby or allow the guest to request one be delivered to the room at check-in.

 

Purchase supplies in bulk quantities, refilling reusable containers, eg. Guest bathrooms (soap and shampoo dispensers), dining area serving pieces (creamer, sugar bowls, condiment containers).

 

Provide optional guest accessories, shower caps, shoe/sewing kits upon request only.

 

Provide cloth napkins with all food service.

 

Purchase recycled post consumer content products (office paper, tissues, toilet paper and trash bags).

 

Set default printing and copying to double-sided, use single sided waste paper as office notepads.

 

Refurbish existing furniture or donate it to a charitable organization.  Donate retired, but still usable furnishings, dishware, linens and equipment to charitable organization.

 

Use old or worn towels and linens as cleaning rags; remake into laundry bags.

 

Compost organic waste for use in gardens.

Reduce or eliminate at least one hazardous waste, air emission or wastewater discharge from outside operations on your property (eg. Pool chemical, fertilizer or pesticide).

 

Reduce or eliminate at least one hazardous waste, air emission or wastewater discharge from inside operations on your property (e.g. high VOC paint or carpet glue, chlorine, etc.)

 

Properly dispose of florescent light tubes using designated handler.  (See NH Sustainable Lodging Resource Guide for more information on handlers in your area.)

 

Substitute less toxic cleaning supplies (MSDS Health Hazard Rating ≤ 1) for hazardous cleaning products.  (Sample product lists and suggestions available in the Resource Guide.)

 

Sponsor or participate in a community hazardous waste collection day.

 

Reduce or eliminate chlorine use by switching to non-white towels and linens, or use a non-chlorine bleach.

Educate employees on your property’s environmental programs.  Make sure they have copies of proper operating procedures and have been trained.  (If English is a second language for any employees, provide training materials in their primary language.)

 

Provide mechanism for employees and guests to offer suggestions.  Provide employee incentives for successful environmental suggestions.

 

Encourage ongoing environmental education.  Send Green Team leader or team member to at least one seminar offered by local utility, NHLRA Sustainable Lodging Program or NH Department of Environmental Services annually.  Provide means to share information with other staff.  (Post articles, summaries of seminars, etc.)

 

Communicate environmental initiatives to guests, vendors and the community.

 

Share successes and issues with other lodging facilities through presentations at industry meetings or hosting a Sustainable Lodging event at your facility – together we can make a big difference for New Hampshire!