A Guide for Hotels: Boosting Profits with Energy Efficiency & Conservation

Planning an Energy Program: Energy Teams

The next step is to bring together the knowledge needed to develop and execute the energy action plan. An energy team's makeup could range from a single staff member at a small hotel taking on energy as one of many duties, all the way up to a team of full-time, dedicated energy specialists overseeing dozens of properties.

Consider goals and objectives when deciding whom to include among staff. For example, if air quality concerns are high among the priorities, then recruit staff familiar with the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Leverage the expertise of individual team members to make the most effective use of time and money.

External partners are another source of expertise and capabilities. Local utilities, for example, offer a range of services and programs that are often free of charge or tied to rebates. Similarly, third-parties, like architecture and engineering firms and building contractors, might be able to provide specialized services that in-house staff do not have the time or capacity to perform.

Leading by Example: Marriott International

Marriott has taken great effort to integrate all of their employees into their energy management strategy and to give them ownership over improving efficiency. Energy management is an important component of Marriott's intensive management training, and is often a topic at daily staff "stand-up meetings." Many properties even reward employees who identify and resolve energy related maintenance issues.