Impacts and mitigation measures at the operational stage

It is well known that growing pressure is currently being exerted on every industry for operating in an environmentally sound manner. Hotel facilities are no different. 

According to Paulina Bohdanowicz increasingly strict legal regulations and standards are taking place. Also,  environmental reporting is in growing demand by the hotel business. All of these strongly shape a new way of operating hotel establishments. 

Excessive energy, water and material consumption are the actions that can cause more impact to the natural environment. However, small mitigation strategies can significantly reduce their impact as well as associated costs.


ENERGY USE

Impact

• Depletion of resources.
• Emissions of pollutants that lead to acid rains, global warming, ozone layer depletion and a wide range of secondary effects. Such polltants include carbon dioxide, sulphur and nitrogen oxides, particulates, volatile organic compounds, and hydrocarbons.

Mitigation

• Energy conservation.
• Increasing energy efficiency.
• Incorporation of passive heating and cooling, as well as natural day-lighting.
• Switching to more environmentally friendly and efficient fuels.
• Utilisation of renewable energy sources.

WATER USE

Impact

• Pressure on water resources, water shortages.
• Wastewater generation.
• Pollution of surface and groundwater reservoirs.
• Contamination of aquatic life.
• Possible destruction of ecosystems.
• Secondary effects and hazards to human health.

Mitigation

• Water conservation, reuse and treatment.
• Increasing the efficiency of water use.
• Use of environmentally friendly, biodegradable chemicals.

MATERIAL CONSUMPTION

Impact

• Excessive use of resources and associated emissions during the manufacture, transport and utilisation of various products.
• Waste generation.
• Contamination of soils and water reservoirs.
• Contamination of biological life and destruction of ecosystems.
• Emission of various air pollutants (volatile organic compounds, polychlorinated bi-phenyls, ozone depleting substances, hydrocarbons, etc.).

Mitigation

• Avoid buying unecessary products.
• Apply the 3Rs for the concumption of products and materials: Reduce, reuse and recycle!
• Switching to more environmentally friendly products.