A Green hotel in Jackson MS is first of many for Kana Hotel Group: EcoGreenHotel helping expand Kanas green lodging offerings
Potential guests searching for an environmentally friendly hotel in Jackson, Mississippi or throughout Tennessee, the Carolinas, Texas, Alabama and as far north as Illinois need look no further than Kana Hotel Group. Kana recently contracted with EcoGreenHotel to perform an in-depth sustainability analysis of thirteen of its properties, with the dual goals of protecting the environment and boosting profits at the same time.
Kana Hotel Groups president, Alpesh Patel, said he has three reasons for pursuing the greening process.
First, its simply the right thing to do. We want to be a responsible business, Patel said. Profitability is another reason. Energy costs greatly affect our bottom line; in this tough economic environment, anything we can do to reduce expenses without sacrificing guest satisfaction is very important. The third reason its what our guests and team members want. More companies and guests are choosing greener hotels with all else being equal, so this is another competitive advantage that were trying to achieve for our hotel. And the greening process has been fun and meaningful for our team members.
EcoGreenHotel president Scott Parisi said his companys sustainability analysis for each of the Kana properties includes an Energy Star Portfolio Manager Account setup and upload, the propertys current Energy Star ranking, an onsite evaluation of the property by an EcoGreenHotel Sustainability Professional, a comprehensive energy conservation report and strategy proposal, energy procurement opportunities, rebate and incentive opportunities, and cash flow and funding opportunities to allow for project implementation.
Working with a company like Kana Hotel Group is such an honor, Parisi said. Theyre clearly doing this for all the right reasons. Theyre one hundred percent engaged and committed, as evidenced by the fact that theyve signed up thirteen of their properties for analysis to become green hotel accommodations. Theyre walking the talk, and thats refreshing.
The first to undergo the analysis was the Embassy Suites Jackson-North/Ridgeland in Jackson, Mississippi, managed by Kammie Smith. The property has implemented a green team made up of both line level and managerial associates and led by sales manager Meghan Elder. EcoGreenHotel is coordinating the entire project and working with the green team and vendors to ensure proper and timely installation with the least interference in daily operations. EcoGreenHotel is also applying for rebates, incentives and loans to offset the costs of implementation.
From simple acts of recycling paper to biodegradable 100% recycled room keys Embassy Suites has taken strategic steps to go green. Read about Embassy Suites green initiatives here at www.greenhotelmississippi.net.
Patel said he is delighted with EcoGreenHotels administration of the process.
We chose EcoGreenHotel for this process because they have excellent expertise in this arena and they have provided true value in the planning and execution of our green initiatives, he said. EcoGreenHotel is doing an outstanding job getting the most bang for our buck and delivering everything from A to Z.
Patel and Parisi both spoke about the process at the 2nd Annual Green Lodging Conference in Orlando, Florida on December 9-11, 2009.
In addition to the Embassy Suites Jackson-North/Ridgeland, these Kana properties are also working toward sustainability to offer their guests green accommodations under the guidance of EcoGreenHotel:
Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Smryna TN Hampton Inn Knoxville/Lenoir City, TN Hampton Inn Knoxville/East, TN Staybridge Suites Greenville, SC Holiday Inn Express Knoxville/East, TN Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Mooresville, NC Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/South AL Hilton Garden Inn Abilene, TX Hilton Garden Inn Winston-Salem, NC Holiday Inn Express Knoxville/Clinton, TN Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Southland - Matteson, IL Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville/Athens, AL
China's First 'Green' Hotel Selects TravelCLICK -
TravelCLICK, the leader in hotel emarketing solutions, to provide an integrated hotel distribution and marketing solution for its flagship hotel property--the earth-conscious URBN H (594 Views)
EcoGreen Hotel: Supporting Hospitality Sustainability - EcoGreenHotel.com is dedicated to help hotels address environmental issues. A valuable resource for hoteliers, EcoGreenHotel.com is helping hotels to implement environmentally friendly initiatives. In .. (404 Views)
EcoGreenHotel Provides Hoteliers Sustainable Solutions for 2009 - January 20th, 2009 – EcoGreenHotel has rolled out the “Sustainability Support Program,” a green solution for a troublesome 2009. The program allows hotel owners and operators to begin a green initiati .. (352 Views)
