NYSERDA Launches Focus on Hospitality Initiative

November 9, 2007

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced a new initiative today that will assist the hospitality industry to reduce energy costs and improve the environment, while enhancing the comfort of guests. The Focus on Hospitality effort will provide lodging and food service owners and operators with a single point of entry to access NYSERDA’s programs and help them improve their business’ energy performance.

Paul D. Tonko, President and CEO of NYSERDA, said “The hotel and restaurant industry is yet another sector of our economy NYSERDA is assisting to make informed lighting and equipment choice decisions. By replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps, installing a high-efficiency combination oven to replace an older model, and taking other energy-efficiency measures, a hotel or restaurant can see drastic reductions in electric usage, and will put them in line with Governor Spitzer’s 15 by 15 goal of reducing statewide electricity consumption.”

NYSERDA, who will be an exhibitor at the International Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Show being held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center from November 11 – 13 will work with several state and national associations, including the New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association, the New York State Restaurant Association, the American Hotel and Lodging Association, and the Green Hotel and Restaurant Associations, to promote the message to their members that they can save money on energy and water costs while improving their guest satisfaction. ENERGY STAR® notes that just a 10% decrease in energy costs can equate to a $1.35 increase in a full service hotel’s average daily rate. Efficient commercial kitchen equipment, efficient lighting, and occupancy sensors are effective ways to achieve these kinds of savings.

NYSERDA services, including audits, benchmarking, and financial incentives through the New York Energy $mart^SM program, can assist hospitality facilities in making informed energy-efficiency decisions and implementing energy-saving strategies. Additionally, the New York Energy $mart^SM Loan Fund provides interest rate reductions on loans for energy-efficiency projects and renewable technologies to eligible business owners. For more information about NYSERDA programs, visit NYSERDA - Focus on Hospitality.

CONTACT:

Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 ext. 3359 or cqr@nyserda.ny.gov