In the world of green hotels, clean is “king.” It goes without saying that a problem free guest experience is greatly influenced by the cleanliness of our individual properties and facilities. No one wants to climb into a bed with soiled sheets, walk on a stained carpet or swim in an algae-filled pool or spa. When a guest enters their room for the first time, there should never be evidence of a prior occupant. Our customer’s are smart—not only can they see something that’s wrong, but they can also feel it and even smell it.
Ozone technology is one of the most efficient energy saving technologies available today. It has numerous applications and tremendous cost saving benefits that can lead to greater sustainability at your property while truly adding to your guests overall enjoyment.
What is Ozone?
Simply put, ozone is oxygen (O2) with an additional atom of oxygen attached (O3). This super-sized oxygen is an incredibly efficient sanitizing and disinfecting agent that can be utilized in everything from air purification, laundry, food service and pool sanitation. Ozone is a form of oxygen that is created when electrical energy breaks apart an ordinary oxygen molecule (O2) starting a chemical reaction that results in ozone (O3). The third oxygen atom is attached by a weakened bond, thus making it an unstable atom. It is this weak bond that gives ozone its incredible sanitizing properties.
The unstable third oxygen atom in ozone can instantaneously bond with a number of potentially hazardous contaminants like:
- Algae
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Fungus
- Mold
- Body Oils
- Sweat
- Urine
- Staph bacteria (MRSA)
Ozone attacks these agents and continues to destroy them as the ozone is depleted and used up. By oxidation, these elements are completely eliminated.
What’s in it for me?
For the hospitality industry, ozone technology is one of the most practical and efficient energy saving technologies available. When you consider the importance of cleanliness to our guests and clientele, ozone presents value that extends far beyond bottom line savings. It can improve guest perception, thus increasing loyalty and repeat business. Not to mention, this environmentally conscious technology has a long lasting impact on your sustainability and green initiatives. When cleanliness is important, ozone is one of the best answers available today.
Practical applications
Ozone is a leader in sanitation technology to residential and commercial users. These systems provide practical applications for the evolving hospitality segment at an affordable and cost-conscious rate. These systems can manage the sanitary needs of several key property components like:
- Ozone laundry systems
- Pools and spas
- Food Safety
For example, consider the typical expenses with a traditional on-site commercial grade laundry system:
- Hot water expense
- Chemical additives and detergents
- Storage costs
- Depletion and reordering
- Chemical bi-products
With an ozone laundry system, these costs are practically eliminated. The ozone system functions in cold water thus reducing the energy consumption for high temperature wash systems. That is a huge financial incentive, not to mention environmentally responsible. Did you know that ozone is one of nature’s most powerful disinfectant oxidizers? If not, consider this: Typically, ozone sanitation can be up to 200 times more effective than traditional chlorine-based sanitization. By removing the need for costly chemical additives, this system can drastically reduce the overhead costs for a hotel’s laundry department.
Regardless of geographic location of a green hotel the pool is often times the epicenter of social gathering. Whether your clients are primarily business persons needing some relaxation, or leisure travelers with a family of children, the pool/spa can add tremendous value to these guests. This is why cleanliness is so important. No parent wants to defuse a child’s excitement for “swim time” during a hotel stay. However, if algae and contaminants make your pool less than a serene oasis, this just may be the case.
Ozone technology in a commercial pool scenario can be a highly effective way of maintaining water quality and protecting our customers from the potential biological hazards that can occur in chemically maintained pools. In any instance, safety is the primary focus. But wouldn’t it be easier to remove the need for costly and confusing chemicals and balancers from your pool maintenance line item? Consider this:
- Ozone is the most effective broad spectrum pool water sanitizer
- Ozone removes the need for additives and chemicals which can create odor and irritation
- By combining an ozone system with a small amount of traditional chlorine additive, water remains crisp and clear while feeling fresh and soft
Systems can be designed to tackle any size and location of pool or spa. With the reduced supply and labor costs, this change could equal huge savings in the long run.
Ozone saves money
First and foremost, an ozone sanitation system saves money. Reductions in supply and labor costs easily offset those of purchase and installation. Whether you’re looking to lower costs and increase bottom line revenue, or you’re searching for ways to maintain your facilities for the long haul to save maintenance costs, Ozone technology can provide an incredible opportunity.
For example, the Best Western Plus- Tempe by the mall in Tempe, Ariz., recently installed the first ever Best Western International Inc. approved ozone laundry system manufactured by ClearWater Tech LLC. This Eco Tex- Advanced Laundry Oxidation System proved the power of ozone technology as a cost-saving tool. This hotel originally operated a laundry department for a 158-room hotel with an average total expense of $66,000 per year. With the installation of the ozone technology and a re-tooling of their laundry chemical formulas, this individual hotel reduced its annual expenditures by over $25,000. That is a savings of over 37 percent. The cost savings provided a return on initial investment within 11 short months. Imagine the impact this one adjustment to your hotel operation could potentially have.
Alongside the wave of green and sustainability initiatives industry-wide, many state and local municipalities now offer incentives in the form of tax breaks and cash rebates to companies that choose to make the switch to a more sustainable and energy-efficient business model. Ozone technology is one such change. There are currently 13 states nationwide that are offering cash incentive programs for businesses that upgrade to an ozone sanitation system. In this way, the rationale behind making the change to a more energy saving technology can be greatly influenced.
Technology is changing rapidly. The possibilities for a more cost-efficient and energy sustainable hotel operation are well within reach. Ozone technology is a real and effective option for hotels looking to maximize their sustainability efforts while minimizing their overall expenditures.
For more information on EcoGreenHotel’s sustainable solutions for hotels, contact us at info@EcoGreenHotel.com.