Green Quid Pro Quo – by John Hendrie

If you want my business, you need to demonstrate your Green efforts (sustainability) and I shall pay you my Greenbacks (money).  My Green for yours.  Makes sense.
 
The other day I was reviewing a Request for Proposal (RFP) from a Gaming company in North America, and there were Green stipulations as part of the submission process.  This was at first a bit curious, for the work to be executed was not construction or design or renovation; it was a RFP for Quality Assurance programs.  As the sponsoring body was representative of Indian Gaming, the language made perfect sense.  This is exactly how you make Green work, for good intentions only move the Green front slowly – very slowly.
 
Hospitality is not the most innovative or motivated business in the world.  Matter of fact, we have to be dragged, almost cajoled, into action at times.  Ecology, sustainability, the environment, dwindling resources, even Green – all descriptive and weighty words still create the picture of “Tree-hugger” for many, “save the spotted owl” hoots - fauna, flora phooey.  But, as soon as you attached the economics, attitudes begin to change, because one must stay in business.  Green ends up being a very reluctant “Best Practice”.
 
The green topic has also become part of our Hospitality Meetings agendas, early on mostly for curiosity sake.  I remember pulling together a Green forum of presentations for the New England Innkeepers Association several years ago with the help of Ray Burger of Pineapple Hospitality, also a presenter.  One of the keynotes was delivered by the owner of the Lenox Hotel in Boston – a hotel which understood the benefits of going Green and has benefited ever since.  The information exchanged was inspiring, but the audience was not entranced; they were not moved to action. Nowadays, there is simply no excuse, especially with all the Associations/Programs, such as Green Key Eco-Rating, prepared to give you a Green Template, counsel you along the way, certify your effort and help market that success.  However, the evolution has been very slow, especially with the latest downturn.
 
Good intentions really do not drive the Green bandwagon.  Matter of fact, the government and covenants for new and/or continuing business actually catch our attention.  We have seen this in our states and localities with building permits.  We have seen this with our national government requiring travel lodging with Green properties.  Perhaps, we are also seeing requirements in RFP’s.  We certainly know what our Guests and Customers want to see.  Plus, it is good business, as we are all stewards of the limited earthly resources. 
 
So, as we strive for the memorable Customer Experience, it is wrapped around the environment we create and to which we commit.  Green is good!

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