Chapter 2

Environmental and
Energy Management
Managing Housekeeping Operations
Revised Third Edition
(338TXT or 338CIN)

2008, Educational Institute

 Competencies for
Environmental and Energy Management
1. Explain why it is important for hospitality properties to
adopt environmentally friendly policies, and list "green"
strategies and organizations that can help hospitality
properties be good stewards of the environment.
2. Describe the role that housekeeping plays in a "green"
property.
3. List ways that hospitality properties can conserve water.
4. Explain the steps hospitality properties can take to
become more energy efficient.

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 Competencies for
Environmental and Energy Management
(continued)

5. List the three main components of a waste management

program.
6. Describe the importance of indoor air quality and how it
can be safeguarded.
7. Explain how executive housekeepers can safely manage
cleaning chemicals.

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 Triple Bottom Line
Economic Benefits
Energy savings
Waste reduction and lower disposal costs
Eligibility for government incentives
Reduced labor costs
Reduced employee absenteeism
Increased productivity

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 Triple Bottom Line
Environmental Benefits

Conservation of limited resources

Making the world a healthier place to live
Reduction in pollution
Preservation of natural habitats

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 Triple Bottom Line
Social Benefits
Create pride in the community.
Increase employee health and morale.
Enhance property image and increase
competitive edge.
Establish a property as an environmental
leader.
Create a deeper level of trust in guests,
suppliers, and partners.
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 Green Training for Housekeepers
Controlling HVAC settings in guestrooms
Turning off exhaust fans and closing windows
in vacant rooms
Opening and closing drapes
Unplugging appliances
Cleaning light fixtures
Checking and cleaning wall heating/cooling units

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 Green Purchasing
Purchasing in bulk and concentrate
Requiring vendors to take back pallets and
non-recyclable boxes and crates
Using local suppliers
Looking for simplicity in products and minimal
packaging of items
Purchasing and maintaining more durable
supplies that won't have to be replaced as often
Purchasing sheets with higher thread counts for
longer wear
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 Water Conservation Techniques

Towel and linen reuse program in guestrooms

Low-flow faucets and showerheads in
guestrooms
Low-flow toilets in guestrooms
Automatic faucets or toilets in public
restrooms
Water-efficient clothes washing machines

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 Energy Management Techniques
Using equipment rated as energy efficient by
Energy Star
Using programmable thermostats
Using sensor lighting indoors and outdoors
Using energy-efficient lighting in both the front and
back of the house
Using a computerized energy management system
Installing renewable energy generating equipment
Purchasing green power through a local utility
Installing tinted or double-paned windows
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 Preventing Mold
Fix leaks as soon as possible.
Watch for condensation and wet spots and respond to
them rapidly.
Prevent moisture problems.
Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning drip
pans clean.
Vent moisture-generating appliances.
Maintain low indoor humidity.
Perform regular inspections and maintain
documentation tags.
Clean and dry all wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
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