Operators’ Perceptions of Energy Use and Actual Saving Opportunities for Tourism Accommodation

Abstract

The last decade saw increased efforts by the tourism sector globally to understand and manage its energy requirements and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In recognition of the substantial amounts of energy consumed by the accommodation industry coupled with low levels of energy efficiency, this study explores current practices and opportunities for the New Zealand accommodation sector. An energy survey of 242 accommodation providers and analyses of 15 detailed energy audits are used to identify operators’ perceptions on energy use, implementation of energy savings measures, savings potentials and implementation costs. The results identify that there is a substantial gap between the positive perceptions held by operators and levels of implementation. Despite substantial theoretical knowledge on barriers to energy efficiency and conservation, there still seems to be a need to address the apparent gap through enabling policy frameworks and partnerships that go beyond the individual business. Good understanding and recognition of energy as a substantial cost factor in themselves seem to be insufficient motivators for action and will not lead to the necessary cuts in GHG emissions as demanded by global climate change mitigation goals.

Keywords:

• perceptions
• energy costs
• energy audits
• accommodation businesses
• energy gap

Notes

ISO14001 is an international standard designed to assist companies in reducing their environmental impacts. The standard serves as a framework to assist businesses or organisations in developing an environmental management system.

Not all tourism businesses in New Zealand (estimated to be up to 18,000) are members of TIA, and there is probably a tendency that smaller businesses are less likely to be a member than larger ones.

http://www.tianz.org.nz/main/tourism-energy-efficiency-programme/.

In some cases, for example, savings were identified simply by switching to another power company (or plan) or another gas supplier. In these cases, the saved kWh were zero but the dollar savings were larger than zero. In most cases, physical and monetary savings were roughly equivalent and corresponded broadly to national averages for energy costs.