From Guest Blogger R. Hoyal: Renewable Energy Advances In The Tourism Industry
Tourism is an important part of the economy; it creates jobs and brings in outside money to a community. The problem is that by its very nature, tourism can be harsh on the environment as lots of energy and resources go into to the travel industry. The tourism industry is slow to change to green, or eco-friendly ways, however when it does, it does it in big ways. Here are some of the latest advances and changes the industry is making to be greener.
Airline Travel
Airlines are perhaps the sector of tourism most in need of renewable and eco-friendly practices. Change comes slow but as the price of fuel and other costs for the industry rises, thus causing ticket prices to rise as well, the airlines turn to renewable resources to help cut costs and lower ticket prices at the same time. Airports are moving toward using green and renewable materials for construction and maintenance of the facility. Many are adding solar panels and research into mass production of bio-fuel to replace conventional fuel is also underway.
Cruise Lines
Modern cruise lines are almost like small floating cities, they require a lot of power for engines, electricity, not to mention entertainment for the thousands of guests on each cruise liner. How can these floating marvels go green? One way is whilst docked in the port; they tap into local power girds so they burn less fuel to maintain electricity. Replacing engine and filters with modern more efficient models also helps cut down on fuel consumption, reducing the overall carbon footprint these ships have. The real innovation in renewable fuel for these massive ships is the almost unlimited access to wind and sun they have. The most advanced cruisers are being fitted with solar panels and wind turbines so they can generate their own electrical power without the need of fuel aside from engines. This will dramatically cut down on the amount of resources these ships need to function.
Accommodations
Large resorts from Las Vegas, to Disney locations, to anywhere in the world, all have massive power needs for lights and entertainment etc. and a lot of the attractions these resorts are known for all require a lot of power. Going green with renewable sources not only helps the environment, but many places are finding it helps cut costs and means lower prices and more business. Energy efficient appliances for the kitchens and laundry services are the most common preliminary step most resorts take. Replacing old lighting with compacts or LED lights is highly efficient and can cut down on power requirements. The major and most effective move to renewable power though, is a lot of resorts are installing solar, wind, or hydropower, to make their own energy.
Ski Resorts
Ski resorts have a unique relationship with the environment around them and are often the first to turn to green and renewable methods. Most are undergoing energy efficient refits and rebuilds with sustainable materials. Ski resorts are also the first to turn to solar, wind or hydropower production for their facilities to be more sustainable. Photovoltaic systems offer drastic benefits to the resorts and easy steps to renewable energy. Many responsible ski resorts are also members of green research groups and programs, for example, Aspen in the Colorado Rockies of the United States of America recently discovered how to make snow out of common dust, so they are not only recycling but this will also mark a significant decrease in need for water in the off seasons.
It may be that the tourism industry is moving towards renewable energy primarily for financial reasons, but the knock on effect for the environment is still positive, regardless of the motive behind it.
