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The California Hotel & Lodging Association (CH&LA) stands behind energy efficiency as a vital business strategy for the lodging industry. In the last five years, CH&LA has secured over $6.4 million in grants and funds for the lodging industry for utilization in energy efficiency & conservation efforts. These efforts have earned CH&LA Flex Your Power awards in 2002 and 2003 for its efforts to promote energy efficiency and educate association members about the benefits and savings associated with energy efficiency.

Did you know?

• The hospitality industry spends $3.7 billion a year on energy.
• Electricity use accounts for 60-70% of the utility costs of a typical hotel.
• Energy-efficient lighting can reduce electricity use up to 75%.
• Typical hotels use 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room.
• Water-efficient fixtures can reduce water and sewer bills by up to 30%.

Rebates, Incentives, & Services Locator

There's money out there for energy efficiency improvements - be sure you get your share. Utilities throughout California are offering rebates and other financial incentives to help you become more energy efficient. Use Flex Your Power's Rebates, Incentives & Services Locator to find programs in your area.

Options for Saving Energy and Money

A Guide for Hotels: Cutting Costs With Energy Efficiency & Conservation

This guide is designed to show facility managers many of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy use and costs in hotel operations. By taking some of the steps outlined in The Guide for Hotels many facilities have been able to reduce their energy use by up to and over 20%, saving them tens - even hundreds - of thousands of dollars a year. These changes can also improve the guest experience through better aesthetics and a more comfortable indoor environment.

Benchmark Your Facility

Benchmarking is a way to find out how your facility's energy use compares to the energy use of other similar facilities. Use ENERGY STAR's benchmarking toolkit to begin.

Implement an Energy Management Plan

An energy management plan can help you identify options for cutting your bills, schedule and budget upgrades, and keep track of your energy use. Flex Your Power's best practice guide for commercial facilities provides a framework for putting together a plan. Planning an Energy Program

Start Saving in Your Kitchen

Commercial Kitchens, like those in hotels, use an incredible amount of energy. See which equipment and appliances are costing your money, and find out ways to start saving, in Flex Your Power's best practices guide for restaurants.

Upgrade Your Lighting Systems

Nowadays there's an energy-efficient light or fixture for almost every setting. Modern energy-saving motion sensors and LED (light emitting diode)-based exit signs are better than ever. Visit Flex Your Power's product guides to sensors and lights to see all of your options.

Learn How Others Have Done It

Case studies are a great way to learn about energy saving potential. These short business examples offer an insider's look at the practical steps necessary for planning and implementing an energy efficiency project.

• Case Study: DoubleTree Hotel Sacramento

• Case Study: Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

• Case Study: Rosen Hotels and Resorts

Other Resources

Flex Your Power's Tips

Find plenty of no-cost and low-cost options for saving money and energy in Flex Your Power's online tips database.

Inkeepers Guide for Dealing with the Energy Crisis

Produced by California Hotel & Lodging Association, this comprehensive manual covers exactly what every innkeeper needs to know to cope with an energy shortage.

AH&LA's Good Earthkeeping Program

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) partnered with ENERGY STAR to create the Good Earthkeeping Program, which offers energy efficiency tools and resources to participating hotels.

The California Green Lodging Program (CGLP)

The CGLP is a state-sponsored program that directs government employees to participating green hotels.