Robbinsville, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/06/2010 -- Deregulation of electricity and natural gas markets in Pennsylvania is giving residential and commercial consumers (including green hotels) the opportunity to choose their utility providers – and save big money on their energy costs as a result.

Green hotels in Philadelphia are beefing up their energy efficiency strategies in order to maximize the savings they can achieve thanks to deregulation. That’s a smart move, because estimates are that hotels lacking an energy efficiency strategy that also bypass this chance to pick their utility provider will end up paying as much as 36% more for energy than they have to.

In response, people like Francine Cohen of PhilaGreen Hospitality Association are promoting sustainability in hotels, restaurants and facilities in the City of Brotherly Love. The association held a seminar on July 13th presenting practical ways for Philadelphia’s green hotels to save on their water and electric bills. One seminar speaker from Villanova University discussed practical ways green hotels can lower the new storm water fees.

EcoGreenHotel, an Energy Star Partner, has also taken action to assist the Philadelphia hotel industry by educating hotel professionals on their choices of electric and gas service suppliers and implementing energy efficient strategies throughout the property. [Read “How to Save Money on Your Electric and Natural Gas Bills”]

Another shining star in Philadelphia green lodging is Marvin Dixon, director of engineering at the fabulous Four Seasons. Anyone who thinks that sustainability can’t be opulent should go talk to Marvin. He and the property’s green team are reducing energy cost at their luxury property by maintaining a rooftop garden, using micro turbines to create their own energy, and operating a heat recovery system that warms water for laundry and the swimming pool, among other things.

Another grand green hotel with a Philadelphia address is the Palomar, a boutique Kimpton property in the Center City area. Energy efficient lighting, low flow fixtures and a long list of additional earth-friendly features make the Palomar one of the city’s most sustainable lodging choices for eco-savvy travelers.

With all the changes on the horizon for Philly, we wish all the fine folks therea satisfyingly sustainable summer– and big savings on those energy bills!

About EcoGreenHotel
EcoGreenHotel LLC is a privately-held company dedicated to helping lodging facilities address abroad spectrum of sustainability issues. The company provides information, tools, checklists, current news and trends to the hospitality industry through its website, www.EcoGreenHotel.com. In 2009, the company launched an online marketplace for green products and services at www.EcoGreenHotelStore.com. In addition to the online offerings, EcoGreenHotel provides customized consulting services tailored to the needs of the hospitality industry in the areas of energy efficiency and certifications, including LEED, Green Seal and Energy Star. For those properties that have reached certified levels of sustainability, EcoGreenHotel assists with marketing services to position the properties within the growing “green” space and enhance revenue. For further information, emailinfo@EcoGreenHotel.com or call 888.229.0213