News for the Hospitality Executive |
Cap and Trade: On the Horizon for
Hoteliers?
.
By Bill Cowern
President Hawaiian Mahogany Inc. January 2009 The new administration�s environmental policy is a work in progress, but it is clear there will be major impact on businesses�including hotel companies�as the new term progresses. The incoming president�s �New Energy for America� emissions campaign policy statement includes an �80 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 2050� and a �100 percent auction to ensure every ton of carbon is paid for.� It is likely that hotel operators will be affected by these �cap and trade� mandates proposed during the election campaign. .
Cap and Trade These policies would limit�set a cap on�an organization�s carbon dioxide emissions, or carbon footprint. Companies that create more CO2 than the limits, will have to trade, or buy, carbon offset credits to compensate for their overage. Businesses that emit less than their allotted cap, including forestry enterprises and other green concerns whose products remove carbon dioxide from the air, would be allowed to sell or �trade� the excess carbon credits to carbon emitters. Europe has already imposed a cap and trade program under the Kyoto Protocol, the international climate treaty to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the result is a reputable, multi-billion dollar worldwide carbon offset credit market. Legislation has been introduced in the U.S. to make cap and trade a reality here; most notably the proposed S. 2191, the Climate Security Act introduced in 2007 by Senators Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and John Warner (R-VA). Australia, New Zealand and South Korea also are discussing cap and trade policies. What does this mean for the hotel industry? To put it frankly, the days of �greenwashing,� of paying lip service to green initiatives, are over. Savvy hoteliers understand this, and are making significant investments to increase their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Smart strategy, smart money Taking action to reduce carbon dioxide emissions before caps are set is smart business. Companies like Nike, Bosh, Allstate, Delta Airlines, Polaroid, and Dell all buy carbon offset credits from major brokers like the Chicago Climate Exchange, and now is the time to do so before the promised cap and trade policies push prices up. Making the investment now is about more than escaping higher prices. Being prepared for change counts in business. Hotels that established tech disciplines in revenue management and business intelligence fared better after 9/11 and are holding their own better than their comp set in today�s economic climate. Travelers reward green businesses. Witness the 2008 Deloitte study that found 34% of travelers seek hotels that are environmentally friendly and 28% said they would be willing to pay 10% more to stay in a green lodging facility. Taking serious steps to go green demonstrates more than global responsibility. Under the new administration it will likely be an indicator of a more far sighted business strategy. Investing in carbon offset credits before the government requires it�particularly with U.S. companies whose approach is sustainable and whose credits are verifiable�is a more intelligent way for hotels to operate in the coming years. About Hawaiian Mahogany, Inc.
|
Contact:
Bill Stepchew, Operations Manager
Media Contact:
|
.