greening your lodging - air quality

Money Saving Tips - Air Quality
Reprinted with permission from www.GreenLodgingNews.com

• Implement air filtration in guestrooms where feasible.
  
  
• Phase out the number of smoking rooms, with the goal of eliminating all smoking in the hotel.
  
  
• Minimize off-gassing by purchasing carpeting, paint, mattresses, and other products that do not use volatile organic chemicals. Formaldehyde can be produced from pressed wood products such as particleboard, plywood, and medium density fiberboard; finished furniture, shelving, and cabinetry made with composite boards and certain coatings; decorative fabrics and textiles; and paper products. It may be used as a biocide in certain paints and coatings, adhesives, and personal care items.
  
  
• In indoor pool environments, minimize the use of chlorine.
  
  
• Use cleaning products that leave no chemical residue or odor.
  
  
• Avoid aerosol products, pesticides and Styrofoam.
  
  
• Allocate only a select number of rooms to be pet friendly rooms. Implement a cleaning program to target pet-related odors, dander, etc.
  
  
• Offer allergy-friendly rooms to guests. Such rooms feature air filtration systems and are de-ionized to eliminate allergens, spores, mold and bacteria.
  
  
• Maintain air ducts monthly.
  
  
• Include live plants in guestrooms. They provide oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. • When used properly, ozone generators can rid a room of odors and particulates.
  
  
• In order to protect indoor air quality, an essential component of a green cleaning program, floors should be vacuumed instead of swept or dry mopped.
  
  
• In outdoor areas where smoking is allowed, use smokeless ash receptacles.
  
  
• UVC devices installed in air handling systems can result in a wide range of benefits, including mold and microbial control, enhanced indoor air quality, and energy and maintenance savings.
  
  

Reprinted with permission from www.GreenLodgingNews.com.