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Travel industry is going green too!
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Boeing 787
From airlines, to lodging and accomodations, to rental car fleets, it seems that no industry is willing to be left out of the green movement. It's not only better for the environment, it is also more economical for the businesses, and more consumers are demanding it.
Boeing's new 787 commercial aircraft is 20% more fuel efficient than other big passenger planes. That's a huge savings in fuel, and comes in response to the fuel crisis of the last few years when airlines had to find ways to tighten their fuel consumption.
Boeing is managing to reduce fuel consumption in several ways.
- up to 50% of the primary structure - including the fuselage and wing - on the 787 will be made of composite materials.
- General Electric and Rolls-Royce are developing engines for the new airplane. It is expected that advances in engine technology will contribute as much as 8 percent of the increased efficiency of the new airplane, representing a nearly two-generation jump in technology for the middle of the market.
- Other savings will come in the way that the plane will be built, including less aluminum sheets and fasteners due to making parts such as the fuselage in one piece, rather than in sections.
More than two thirds of U.S. hotels boast they are now using more energy efficient lighting, and have also implemented towel and linen re-use programs. According to Budget Travel magazine, Accor/Motel6, Intercontinental, Marriott, Starwood, Hilton, Hyatt, Best Western and Wyndham/Super8 have all made huge strides in energy and water conservation, recycling and green design over the last few years.
In addition to the big chain hotels, many small independent hotels and lodgings have also joined the green movement. To find a green hotel when you are traveling, you can check at he website of the Green Hotels Association.
Almost all the larger rental car companies now offer a selection of more fuel efficient cars, for those travelers that insist on that option. Currently, most companies do charge from $5 - $10 more per day to rent hybrid cars, though there are some areas, where you might actually find a discount (such as San Francisco International Airport rental centers) which offers a one time $15 credit for renting green.
To date, no rental car agencies have any electric vehicles in their fleets, but that is probably coming in the next few years.
Resource: Health News Digest
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