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6 Green Practices to Improve Casino Efficiency AND Sustainability

6 Green Practices to Improve Casino Efficiency AND Sustainability

Rarely do casinos come to mind when most people think about energy efficiency and sustainable practices, but casinos are largely taking steps towards a greener existence. Adopting more eco-friendly procedures has become a regular part of business planning in the casino industry, and with the frequent advancements in technology, green practices are easier than ever to implement.

Let’s explore six green practices that casino management teams use to improve both their facilities’ efficiency and sustainability.

#1- Solar Energy

Solar energy isn’t a new source of electricity anymore, but until recently, it’s been underutilized by casinos. Now, several casinos have opted to cut energy costs by using more sustainable practices in terms of energy management. For example, the MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas has had solar panels installed on the building’s roof, which now accounts for more than 90% of the business’s daytime energy provision.

On top of using renewable energy sources, casinos are also taking steps to reduce their overall energy usage, like reducing the availability of electronic slot machines and opening a greater number of gaming options that use in-person dealers.

#2- LEED Ratings and Green Building

Construction and building renovations have become more economically efficient as well, with several casino owners and building planners trying to design buildings and features that are more environmentally friendly. For many years, becoming LEED-certified or gaining a higher LEED rating has been a goal for casino-operating professionals. As such, greener designs have become quite a common trend.

The Green Building Council offers LEED Program resources to owners, builders, and designers who aspire to create efficient buildings with a lower carbon footprint. Not only is certification a positive step in the eyes of the public and the quality of the environment, but certification also rewards casino owners and operators with significant tax breaks for their efforts.

#3- Data Collection and Monitoring

Data collection and analysis are essential to developing green practices in and around casinos. For management teams to choose the right solutions, understanding where and how to improve is a must.

To make more efficient and sustainable choices in casino operations, owners and managers are utilizing data collection and analytical tools to create comprehensive reports about energy and water usage, visitor traffic, air quality, security, and the array of intricate processes involved in casino management.

Adopting a usage monitoring system enables casino professionals to collect data and easily determine where reductions or more efficient replacements can be made throughout the facility. For example, data might show that water waste contributes to high casino costs, which helps to pinpoint exact areas for improvement. To create a solution, management might install sensor-operated utilities and use recycled rainwater for toilets.

#4- Greener Cleaning Practices

Performing custodial and sanitation tasks using safer, less harsh cleaning agents is one of many simple changes casinos can make to improve sustainability. Cleaning teams are implementing safer alternatives to common cleaners, as well as limiting the use of one-time disposable cleaning tools.

Greener cleaning practices and supplies can help casinos lower the costs they’d typically incur when buying wasteful products. In addition, the use of gentler chemical cleaners can improve the air quality in the casino and reduce air and water pollution.

#5- EPA Collaboration

The Environmental Protection Agency has come up with several green solutions that casino management can use to improve efficiency and sustainability. ENERGY STAR, WaterSense, Integrated Pest Management, Safer Choice, and many other programs and incentives can prove exceptionally effective in improving casino processes in several performance areas:

  • Recycling
  • Green Cleaning
  • Renewable Energy
  • Building Practices
  • Kitchens and Food
  • Water Conservation
  • Transportation
  • Golf Course and Pool Efficiency

#6- Reduction of Food Waste

Among the most environmentally friendly casinos in the world, a common goal for owners and management teams revolves around food waste. Composting unused food, sourcing products locally, adjusting buffet hours, using smaller plates, and implementing food rescue programs have been essential elements of reducing food waste in casinos.

Reducing food waste in these ways will benefit the environment in general, but will also reduce costs that casinos would otherwise incur just to throw food in the garbage.

As eco-friendly business performance has become a key goal for companies in a variety of industries, green practices will likely continue to become more efficient and accessible in the years to come. As sustainable practices grow in popularity among casino owners and managers due to their cost-saving opportunities, they soon become a significant component of standard casino planning and operations.