Skip to main content

Sheraton SU's Green Initiatives and LED Light Bulbs

On Wednesday, the Hotel & Resort Operations class and I toured the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center on campus. We met with eight executives and learned from their own words about how they lead their divisions to meet the departmental and organizational goals.

One of the commitments this hotel makes is to maintain its leading position in guest satisfaction and green initiatives. Over the years, the hotel has already lowered its energy consumption by 30 to 35 percents after installing the energy management system; it also cuts waste from 36 tons/month to 14-16 tons/month (the ultimate goal is to lower the number to around 10 tons/month). In addition, the hotel plans to replace the existing light bulbs with LED light bulbs, which will probably take the hotel’s green commitment to the next level.

Why do LED light bulbs seem so important in this case? As suggested in the embedded CNN News video, LED light bulbs is 10 times more efficient than the traditional incandescent light bulbs and can last for decades. The City of Los Angeles started using LED light bulbs for street lights since 2008 and has made substantial savings (55% reductions). L.A. sets a “green” example of using LED light bulbs. I am glad that the Sheraton Syracuse University Hotel & Conference Center is also ahead of most hotels.

As managers, what green initiatives do you take in your hotel? As hotel guests, how much do you value a hotel’s commitment to the environments?

Comments

  1. I was on the tour of the Sheraton and I found their “Green Initiative” to be one of their strongest qualities. The Engineering Manager had said the property has been honored with numerous awards commending their steps to be “green” and be a leader in the initiative. People who travel to the area frequently are more likely to stay with the same hotel if they know the hotel is concerned with big issues, conservation and sustainability being the two biggest of the time. Their waste reduction numbers were astounding. Last spring, three of my classmates and I did research and found that Syracuse University students dispose of 568 tons of food waste (the equivalent of 124 Asian elephants.) The Sheraton’s energy management system is very advanced with sensors to know when someone is in the room, without the person having to move about. The system allows for the guest to adjust the heat/air to their comfort level when the room is registered as “checked-in” but maintains an energy efficient level when the room is vacant. Hotel lighting is a big selling point to me. The lighting can be too dark or too bright, harsh or soft; but I am more concerned in the lighting itself than the light emitted. In my home we have switched to energy efficient light bulbs and I am always glad to see when hotels do the same. I look forward to seeing the Sheraton after its renovations, especially their advances to be “greener.”

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Luxury vs. Millennials and Their Technology: The Ritz-Carlton (By Julia Shorr)

Embodying the finest luxury experience, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC has been established since 1983. In 1998, Marriott International purchased the brand offering it more opportunity for growth while being independently owned and operated. They are known for their enhanced service level as the motto states, “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen”. The luxury brand now carries 97 hotels and resorts internationally and is attempting to keep the aspects of luxury while keeping up with the trends of the technologically improving generations. The Varying Demographics of the Target Market The Ritz-Carlton’s typical target market includes: business executives, corporate, leisure travelers, typically middle-aged persons and elders, and families from the upper and upper-middle class section of society .   This infers a large range of types of travelers in which all are similar in that they are not opposed to spending extra for the luxurious ambiance. However, w...

How to Convince AI that You Are the Best Candidate for the Job

Last week, we discussed how more companies used AI to screen resumes and analyze job candidates’ performance in the initial interviews. We called for companies’ attention to the  potential AI biases in hiring . This week, we will visit what job candidates can do to help AI pick us and recommend us for hiring. A. Writing a Resume Tailored to AI Screening First and foremost, job candidates must thoroughly research the job and the company to understand its job descriptions and organizational culture. From there, they can: Write the resume in Word and submit it as a Word document instead of a PDF file. Select a straightforward format and avoid using graphics, charts, or complex layouts that could confuse AI. Use headings effectively to help AI pick up the content it seeks, such as “Relevant Job Experience” and “Education.” Strategically pick the relevant keywords that match the job descriptions as the job candidates describe what they perform(ed) at work. Highlight their achievements a...

What Shall We Do When Job Seekers Cheat the AI Hiring Systems?

AI can streamline the hiring process, but concerns linger. For example, AI could perpetuate gender or racial biases in the hiring process , just like most human HR managers could do. Meanwhile, to increase the chances of being picked by AI, job candidates must prepare resumes and job interviews tailored to AI’s “preference.” When more job candidates understand how to convince AI that they are the best candidates for the job , can AI still make valid recommendations to hire the best-fit candidate in the pool? Then, if AI makes a mix of valid and invalid recommendations for hiring, will HR managers find it more challenging to select the right candidate for the job? The situation can get even more complicated if a candidate cheats the AI hiring systems. Cheat to bypass AI screening: Is it the cruelty of human nature? Job candidates are eager to get hired. Career coaches want to help. That is a good thing. Nevertheless, I have seen many free online tutorial videos teaching job candidate...