Potential guests searching for an environmentally friendly hotel in Jackson, Mississippi or throughout Tennessee, the Carolinas, Texas, Alabama and as far north as Illinois need look no further than Kana Hotel Group. Kana recently contracted with EcoGreenHotel to perform an in-depth sustainability analysis of thirteen of its properties, with the dual goals of protecting the environment and boosting profits at the same time.

Kana Hotel Group’s president, Alpesh Patel, said he has three reasons for pursuing the greening process.

‘First, it’s simply the right thing to do. We want to be a responsible business,’ Patel said. ‘Profitability is another reason. Energy costs greatly affect our bottom line; in this tough economic environment, anything we can do to reduce expenses without sacrificing guest satisfaction is very important. The third reason - it’s what our guests and team members want. More companies and guests are choosing greener hotels with all else being equal, so this is another competitive advantage that we’re trying to achieve for our hotel. And the greening process has been fun and meaningful for our team members.

EcoGreenHotel president Scott Parisi said his company’s sustainability analysis for each of the Kana properties includes an Energy Star Portfolio Manager Account setup and upload, the property’s current Energy Star ranking, an onsite evaluation of the property by an EcoGreenHotel Sustainability Professional, a comprehensive energy conservation report and strategy proposal, energy procurement opportunities, rebate and incentive opportunities, and cash flow and funding opportunities to allow for project implementation.

‘Working with a company like Kana Hotel Group is such an honor,’ Parisi said. ‘They’re clearly doing this for all the right reasons. They’re one hundred percent engaged and committed, as evidenced by the fact that they’ve signed up thirteen of their properties for analysis to become green hotel accommodations. They’re walking the talk, and that’s refreshing.’

The first to undergo the analysis was the Embassy Suites Jackson-North/Ridgeland in Jackson, Mississippi, managed by Kammie Smith. The property has implemented a green team made up of both line level and managerial associates and led by sales manager Meghan Elder. EcoGreenHotel is coordinating the entire project and working with the green team and vendors to ensure proper and timely installation with the least interference in daily operations. EcoGreenHotel is also applying for rebates, incentives and loans to offset the costs of implementation.

From simple acts of recycling paper to biodegradable 100% recycled room keys Embassy Suites has taken strategic steps to go green. Read about Embassy Suite’s green initiatives here at www.greenhotelmississippi.net.

Patel said he is delighted with EcoGreenHotel’s administration of the process.

‘We chose EcoGreenHotel for this process because they have excellent expertise in this arena and they have provided true value in the planning and execution of our green initiatives,’ he said. ‘EcoGreenHotel is doing an outstanding job getting the most bang for our buck and delivering everything from A to Z.’

Patel and Parisi both spoke about the process at the 2nd Annual Green Lodging Conference in Orlando, Florida on December 9-11, 2009.

In addition to the Embassy Suites Jackson-North/Ridgeland, these Kana properties are also working toward sustainability to offer their guests green accommodations under the guidance of EcoGreenHotel:

  * Hilton Garden Inn Nashville/Smryna TN

  * Hampton Inn Knoxville/Lenoir City, TN

  * Hampton Inn Knoxville/East, TN

  * Staybridge Suites Greenville, SC

  * Holiday Inn Express Knoxville/East, TN

  * Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte/Mooresville, NC

  * Hilton Garden Inn Huntsville/South AL

  * Hilton Garden Inn Abilene, TX

  * Hilton Garden Inn Winston-Salem, NC

  * Holiday Inn Express Knoxville/Clinton, TN

  * Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago Southland - Matteson, IL

  * Hampton Inn & Suites Huntsville/Athens, AL