Share your research. As far as my employees, my investors, my staff, there were different people to get on board in this. Obviously, [investors] expect to get a return on investment over time. Things like cleaning supplies — where we’re able to do an analysis and show that after the initial expense we’re going to be saving 70 to 80 percent on our recurring costs — that was an easy sell and that’s an immediate return. Something such as lighting, you have to show them that over time it’s something that’s going to pay for itself in reduced maintenance expenses, reduced energy costs, longer life. Investors are in business to get a return, so you have to show them where that works.
Just do your homework. The numbers are there. It makes financial sense to make these changes, not just environmental sense. We’ve been able to show that we’re going to have 70 percent savings on cleaning supplies by making these changes. There was a little bit of cost upfront and purchasing the machines that are required for mixing the chemicals — which, in cases, companies will give you for free. But in the long run, it’s a big savings in cost with a quick return.
So if you have to present the budget for it, the numbers are very easily attainable. Any of the suppliers for the products will be able to give you those numbers.
Whereas I’m personally extremely concerned for the environment, I have to be aware that not everybody is. It has to be a decision that makes sense. You can’t be altruistic and not be profitable. At least be able to show that eventually you’ll be profitable. Otherwise, you’re not going to get the financial support to do these things.
Pass on the savings. One of the things that we really tried to do is educate people so they see how easy it is to do certain things. They can take this information home with them and be more environmentally conscious when they’re at home, as well. Show them that there isn’t a lot of cost involved in some of the things [and that] they can be done without any inconvenience to them or any change in their lifestyles.
People that are working for us also have homes. They’ve seen that we’ve been able to be just as efficient but we’ve been able to do it at a lower cost, and that’s something that hits home with these people who are living paycheck to paycheck right now. If we’re making changes that are going to save us money, it’s something for them to follow. So getting the employees to adopt these practices has been pretty easy.
We’ve set up a sustainability committee that is made of different department heads. We’ve asked those people to come up with ideas and suggestions on changes that they could see us implementing. And then on almost a daily basis, the department heads meet with their employees, and if there’s something new that we’re going to implement, they’re explaining to them, training them.
How to reach: Cambean Hospitality LLC, (305) 672-5858 or www.cambean.com