An environmental, financial and practical assessment of Bamboo as building material for bearing structures was presented at the 7th World Bamboo Congress in 2004. It compared the overall "environmental cost" of structural building elements made from Steel, Concrete, two types of sustainable hardwoods, and Bamboo. The most extreme contrast showed a steel column having an "environmental cost" over 300 times that of Bamboo! The sustainable hardwoods fared slightly better but the report notes that "timber from regular, non-sustainable woods will have a considerably greater environmental impact." READ MORE

With the ever increasing demand from organizations and travelers to stay in socially responsible hotels, adding environmental responsibility to your hotel's identity can translate directly into new revenues. The Ecological Lifestyles market is now estimated at $81.2 Billion (2005) with over 63 Million consumers wanting to open their wallets for environmentally responsible companies. READ MORE

All across the country, hotels and their parent brands are talking about implementing or enhancing their environmental programs with more enthusiasm and passion than ever before. Not only has there been a tremendous influx of high-quality eco-products into the marketplace, but guests are becoming more sophisticated in their demands for a planet-friendly hotel. Eco, once considered to be an esoteric fringe lifestyle, has become part of the cultural mainstream and recent media reflects that trend. Compelling and extensive recent coverage in outlets such as Time, Vanity Fair, Elle, and Cameron Diaz's MTV show Trippin', have not only educated consumers on the urgency of doing our part, but has made it cool and sexy to care for the Earth. READ MORE

In this day in age, why would a hotel or hotel group not embrace and adopt a sincere environmental program? Typical answers include it costs too much money, quality of service will suffer, we don't know where to start, and we have other more pressing priorities. The good news is that all the above responses are misperceptions and there is nothing but bottom line and top line benefits that come from a well thought out and executed environmental program. Furthermore, an environmental program translates into cost savings, new revenue, and happier employees - some of the biggest priorities for any hotel. However, to achieve these outcomes it may be necessary to look outside of the hotel for support and resources. In this article we'll explore how engaging an environmental consultant may be the best option to remain focused on a hotel's core competency while adding business and social value in the process. READ MORE

Travelers and hotel guests are becoming more informed and educated on 'green' issues and as a result are changing their behavior. These changes can include changing to CFL light bulbs, buying eco-friendly products (such as 'green' cleaners), purchasing carbon offsets for their travel, and recycling more. As a result, hotels must ensure their 'green' efforts are supporting their customer behavior preferences or risk attracting and maintaining the loyalty of these 'green' travelers. READ MORE