Hyatt Regency Dusseldorf in Germany has been fitted with a system that pipes moderate-temperature groundwater around the building, helping regulate the interior temperature. As a result, the hotel needs only what Hyatt calls “marginal” heating and cooling throughout the year. This water is also used for flushing toilets, rather than use potable water.
The company’s water intensity stayed at 0.72 cubic meters per guest night from 2010 to 2011. Since its 2006 baseline Hyatt has reduced this metric by 7 percent. It has a goal of cutting its water intensity by 20 percent by 2015 compared to the 2006 baseline.
Last year the company replaced 2,500 3-gallon-per-flush toilets with 1.28 gallon-per-flush units. Hyatt has installed water-efficient fixtures in more than 90 percent of its hotels. The Grand Hyatt Dubai uses such water saving technology as capturing condensation from its air conditioning units and treating grey water for its cooling towers. These initiatives help the hotel save 3.9 million gallons of potable water per month, the report says.
The chain also uses an optional towel and linen reuse program at 95 percent of its hotels and has initiated laundry practices such as reusing water or using cold water washing detergents, in an effort to cut water consumption (see graphic, below).
The Hyatt report was compiled using the Global Reporting Initiative 3.1 guidelines, and is graded level “C”.
According to a study released in October, chain hotels, such as those run by Hyatt, are doing a better job at promoting sustainability than their independent rivals.
Washington State University researchers found that chain hotels are more likely to use energy efficient light bulbs; train staff to turn off lights, heaters and air conditioning in unoccupied rooms; buy in bulk to reduce packaging; use safer cleaners and chemicals; and give guests tips on how to save water and energy.
