Water is an absolute necessity for life—and it’s running out. The time to focus on reducing water usage and increasing eco-friendly practices is now. Hotels are realizing this, and they have begun to do their part in reducing water usage as much as possible.
One of the first and best ways to start reducing water waste is by documenting it. Recording and measuring water usage each month is a great approach to finding out where it is going and where it can be reduced. From recycling sprinkler water to installing low-flow faucets, there are many methods that can be used to reduce water wastage. These hotels are not only keeping the planet green, but blue, as well.
InterContinental San Francisco is Low-Flow
InterContinental San Francisco is a LEED Gold-certified hotel. Approximately 2 million gallons of water are saved each year by utilizing low-flow faucets and toilets, as well as other water-reduction features. By adding an HVAC water system, the hotel estimates about 1 million gallons of water are saved each year. To take it a step further, the hotel has instated waterless urinals in its public restrooms, a move estimated to save half a million gallons per year.
Saving Water in the Desert at MGM Grand Las Vegas
It’s referred to as an oasis in the Mojave Desert, but MGM Grand Las Vegas is serious about its water conservation. By converting natural grass surfaces to water-efficient desert landscaping and artificial turf, the hotel has lowered exterior water usage. It has also succeeded in using less water from Lake Mead, with water consumption down by 21 million gallons through exterior irrigation, and well water providing 60 percent of the property’s cooling-tower water needs.
Environmental Protection Agency Approved
The Environmental Protection Agency launched the WaterSense H2Otel Challenge to get more hotels to reduce their water footprint and “ACT”: Assess water use, change products and processes, and track water-saving progress and achievements.
More than 860 hotels have signed up for the challenge so far; hotels that would like to participate in the challenge will be given the necessary information to reduce their water-footprint and lower spending.
