Renewable energy in tourism initiative: Best practices manual

From an article by Wendy Kerr in EcoCurrents, the membership magazine of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES):

The Renewable Energy in Tourism Initiative (RETI) has recently developed a set of Best Practices in Renewable Energy for the Tourism Industry and they can be downloaded for free at www.renewabletourism.org.

Through the use of case studies, these manuals outline renewable energy adoption strategies that maximize energy efficiency, minimize environmental impacts, and result in cost savings or increased profitability across six tourism sectors: Accommodations, Airlines, Cruise Lines, Public Lands Agencies, Ski Resorts, and Tour Operators.

Tourism, the world’s largest industry, has a powerful impact on, and is greatly impacted by, the ecological health of its destinations across the globe.

One of tourism’s largest economic and environmental costs is the massive amount of energy required for the transportation of travelers and maintenance of facilities like hotels and attractions.

Thus, many businesses are eager to minimize their consumption of non-renewable energy, but are often uncertain on how to make it happen due to the technological complexity and rapid rate of innovation in field of renewable energy.

According to the lead authors at Sustainable Travel International, the RETI best practice manuals, “are intended to serve as an inspiration and guide to tourism businesses of all sizes interested in realizing the benefits of adopting renewable energy initiatives and supporting a healthy planet.”

Of course, the Green Homes and Renewable Energy workshop will help clear up the uncertainties of renewables for tourism operators, travelers, homeowners, and anyone interested in renewable energy.