Exploring the factors influencing energy efficiency in the Greek hotel sector

Abstract

The current paper aims at enhancing the existing literature of studies discussing the parameters, which formulate the phenomenon of the energy efficiency gap in hotels. Specifically, the obtained outcomes, as resulted by the conduction of a stated preference survey are presented and discussed. The survey was carried out on a representative sample of hotels in Greece in the context of the “Consumer Energy Efficiency Decision making (CONSEED)” project. Emphasis was given on various issues related to the energy efficiency gap, such as the impact of EU labelling scheme, the linkage of the pro-environmental behaviour with the willingness to invest in more energy-efficient technologies and equipment, the lack of information about electricity prices and the imperfect understanding of energy operating costs. The findings of the survey can be used to explain the role of the behaviour in the decision-making procedures for the further promotion of energy efficiency. Theoretical models can be developed with the collected data to examine the energy efficiency gap phenomenon and to quantify the contribution of different factors to its formulation including the calculation of the implicit discount rate. Finally, the design of more effective policies can be supported with the findings of the paper maximizing the private and social benefits, which are associated with the purchase of energy-efficient technologies and equipment in the hotel sector.

Eco-friendly hotels and guesthouses as a new opportunity for resilience and sustainability: Evidence from the Czech Republic

“…Other questions focused on the use of environmental management. An important question was whether the particular hotel/guesthouse had an environmental management concept [ 39 , 106 ]. Another section of the questionnaire dealt with individual environmental management measures and elements [ 16 , 107 , 108 ].…”

Integrated application of selected elements of sustainability, circular economy, bioeconomy, and environmental management system in guesthouses

“…In addition to the options offered, respondents could also choose the "other" option and express their own opinion or position on the issue. An important question was whether the hotel had an environmental management concept (Tourkolias et al 2020;Rawashdeh and Al-Ababneh 2021). The questionnaire also asked whether the hotels considered implementing environmental management as an advantage and whether they would seek to obtain an environmental management certificate.…”

How Much Are Consumers Willing to Pay for a Greener Hotel Industry? A Systematic Literature Review

“…The sustainability process can require large investment costs for energy-and waterefficient appliances, and may have a negative impact on profits given the cost increase involved in the adoption of sustainability practices [42]. Further, there are market (informational and others), behavioral, and organizational barriers to the adoption of sustainable practices, especially with regard to energy efficiency [43,44]. On the other hand, several studies have identified the benefits of green hotels, including financial benefits from energy and water savings and higher room rates, improved image and reputation, public scrutiny, and enhanced investor relations [42,45].…”