A recently released report by J.D. Power and Associates, the 2009 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, showed, among other things, that green hotels made great strides in awareness, guest satisfaction and participation in sustainable programs since the previous reporting period in 2008.
For their report, J.D. Power surveyed over 66,000 guests who stayed in North American hotels between May of 2008 and June of 2009. Here are some notable findings about green lodging taken directly from the release:
• Guest awareness of their hotel’s green programs increased significantly in 2009. Sixty-six percent of guests said they were aware of their hotel’s conservation efforts, up from 57 percent last year.
• A high percentage of guests took part in their hotel’s sustainability efforts. Among those guests who were aware of the green program, 72 percent said they participated in their hotel’s conservation programs during their stay, meaning they recycled or participated in the property’s linen reuse program, for example.
• Awareness of green programs had a strong impact on overall guest satisfaction. On average, satisfaction is more than 160 points higher among guests who report being aware of their hotel’s green programs, compared with guests who are unaware of them.
In a nutshell, this study shows that green hospitality has finally taken a firm hold in the industry, and that overall it is being done well. Eco hotels’ efforts are starting to reap dividends, not only for the environment but also for the bottom line.
We are discovering first hand how green building is now top of mind for property management firms. Our company works with service providers to commercial properties providing training and support for the repair and re-engineering of failed foggy insulating glass windows.
Property management companies are now coming directly to us for training of their maintenance personel to learn how to service these wet windows and greatly extend their lifecycle without needlessly throwing them in the landfill.
Paul Lacey
President
Window and Glass Institute
There is no question that green buildings and green practices are very important to end users in both the hospitality and student housing industries.
Campus Apartments is an owner operator of 45 apartment complexes throughout the United States and is finding green buildings and practices are very important our residents. We currently devoting significant effort to developing more green initiatives through our development, construction and management divisions.
Nick Zaferes
Vice President – Facilties & Engineering
Campus Apartments