Search Results (86)

This paper aims to compare the perceptions of hotel customers and hotel staff regarding the value of green hotel attributes. By examining both stakeholder groups, the study addresses a gap in sustainable hospitality research, which largely overlooks employee perspectives in favour of customer preferences. An exploratory, cross-sectional survey was conducted using structured questionnaires, administered to hotel guests (n = 307) and hotel staff (n = 89) in Porto, Portugal. Respondents rated 15 green hotel attributes using a five-point Likert scale. Demographic data were also collected to analyse perceptual differences across gender, age, income, and education. The results revealed that both customers and staff exhibited environmental awareness, though their prioritisation of specific green practices differed. Customers tended to value visible environmental measures, such as recycling bins, energy-saving light bulbs, and renewable energy signage, while staff placed greater emphasis on operational sustainability aspects, including low-flow plumbing fixtures, refillable soap dispensers, and durable goods used in service areas. These differences reflect the stakeholders’ distinct roles and experiences within the hotel ecosystem. This study enriches the discourse on sustainable hospitality by providing a dual-stakeholder analysis of green hotel attributes using a shared evaluative framework. The findings offer practical insights for hotel managers aligning sustainability strategies with the expectations of both guests and employees, supporting more effective and inclusive green implementation in the lodging sector. Full article

This paper presents a procedure for the energy optimization of domestic hot water (DHW) systems in hotels located in tropical climates that use centralized air conditioning systems. The study aims to maximize heat recovery from chillers and reduce the fuel consumption of auxiliary heaters by optimizing operational variables such as water mass flow in the primary and secondary DHW circuits and outlet temperature of the backup system. The optimization is implemented using genetic algorithms (GA), which enable the identification of the most efficient flow configurations under variable thermal demand conditions. The proposed methodology integrates a thermoenergetic model validated with real operational data and considers the dynamic behavior of hotel occupancy and water demand. The results show that the optimized strategy reduces auxiliary heating use by up to 75%, achieving annual energy savings of 8244 kWh, equivalent to 2.3 tons of fuel, and preventing the emission of 10.5 tons of CO₂. This study contributes to the design of sustainable energy systems in the hospitality sector and provides replicable strategies for similar climatic and operational contexts. Full article

Objective: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of using an evidence-based Tai Chi intervention to manage the fatigue–sleep disturbance–depression symptom cluster (FSDSC) in female breast cancer patients. Methods: This study reported the feasibility outcomes of a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), along with a nested qualitative process evaluation. Seventy-two female breast cancer patients experiencing the FSDSC were randomized into either a Tai Chi group or a control group. The Tai Chi group received an eight-week Tai Chi intervention consisting of two one-hour sessions per week, along with routine care, while the control group received routine care only. The feasibility and acceptability of the study procedure and Tai Chi intervention protocol were assessed by measuring recruitment, referral, retention and drop-out rates, questionnaire completion rates (including the Brief Fatigue Inventory [BFI], Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression [HADS-D], and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast [FACT-B]), intervention adherence, and safety outcomes. The nested qualitative process evaluation consisted of semi-structured interviews conducted among 22 participants to further explore their experiences of participating in this study and practicing Tai Chi. Descriptive data analysis was employed to present the feasibility and acceptability outcomes. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data from the qualitative process evaluation. Results: A total of 72 breast cancer patients were successfully recruited over six months, with a recruitment rate of 79.1%, retention rate of 95.8%, and dropout rate of 4.2%. No missing data was found in the BFI, PSQI, or HADS-D. However, a notable number of missing values were found in the FACT-B, particularly for items related to sexual satisfaction. The Tai Chi intervention demonstrated a high level of feasibility, with an average adherence rate of 86.8%. Only eight participants reported minor discomforts, such as minor musculoskeletal discomfort and dizziness, but they were transient and manageable after stopping Tai Chi practice. Semi-structured interviews with 22 participants highlighted that Tai Chi was experienced to be generally convenient, energy-saving, and low intensity for FSDSC management. Participants also felt that the study questionnaires were comprehensible and straightforward. Many interviewees from the Tai Chi group reported perceiving favorable effects on FSDSC management, as well as overall functional health and well-being. Conclusions: The evidence-based Tai Chi intervention proved feasible, safe, and convenient as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing FSDSC in breast cancer patients. Future large-scale studies are needed to evaluate Tai Chi’s definite effects on improving FSDSC among breast cancer patients. Full article

Background and aims: We investigated parenteral nutrition (PN) containing fish oil (FO-PN) vs. standard PN without fish oil (NF-PN) in adult patients hospitalized in the non-intensive care unit (general ward). Methods: Searches in Medline, Embase, and Web of Science (any date to 10 October 2024) were screened, data were extracted, and the quality of the studies was assessed by two independent researchers. Meta-analyses were performed, with outcomes included in random effects models, and heterogeneity for clinical outcomes was explored via subgroup analyses and meta-regression. Pharmacoeconomic analyses used data from the current meta-analysis. Results: In this study, 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with intervention and control groups given FO-PN and NF-PN, respectively, as part of PN covering ≥70% energy provision. Compared to NF-PN, FO-PN was associated with a 37% lower relative risk (RR) of infection (19 RCTs; RR 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.50–0.78; p < 0.0001), 2.03 days shorter length of hospital stay (18 RCTs; 95% CI 1.23–2.84; p < 0.00001), and a 51% reduction in the risk of sepsis (10 RCTs; RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.32–0.74; p = 0.0009). There was a non-significant 54% reduction in the 30-day mortality rate (11 RCTs; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.20–1.08; p = 0.07) for FO-PN. FO-PN was associated with better clinical outcomes and financial savings (i.e., dominance) compared to NF-PN in all five countries studied. Conclusions: FO-PN is a cost-effective option compared to NF-PN for adult patients hospitalized in a general ward across a range of healthcare systems. Full article

This paper investigates a sustainable proposal for tourist hospitality. It presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis to evaluate the set-up phase of a new hostel by comparing two different scenarios of interior design: one with new furniture and another with reused furniture (collected thanks to the involvement of the local community). This LCA analysis is applied to the case of a public hostel located in a small village along the Italian VENTO cycleway. By focusing on the reuse of existing structures and objects, rather than constructing or producing new ones, the study aims to explore environmentally conscious hospitality, which can also include positive social impacts. The results of the analysis also demonstrate the relevance of applying sustainable practices during the setting-up phase of the hospitality building, enlarging the usual approach that is more dedicated to the “using” phase (concerning the energy savings in heating and cooling or the reduction in plastic waste, the laundering of towels and bedding, and the single-use of personal care products). Full article

Legionella colonization of water systems represents a potential hazard for humans within healthcare facilities. It is possible to contain its spread through continuous disinfection systems and the correct management and maintenance of the systems. The hygienic and sanitary quality of the water cannot be ignored in an evaluation of the management and energy costs. The Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS in Rome has installed the “ME.SI. MR ACS” (MEthod of SavIngs Maximum eneRgy for hot water) device, which allows the system to activate, when necessary, avoiding continuous water recirculation. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the health and hygiene quality of the hospital water network and to evaluate the thermal and electrical energy savings and chlorine dioxide consumption, with and without this device in operation. This study involved three phases of microbiological sampling in the facility under study: ME.SI. MR ACS device installed but not running, with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 60 °C; device running with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 60 °C; and device in operation with the boilers’ setpoint temperature at 45 °C. The microbiological analyses were carried out in accordance with the ISO standard. The data show a constant absence of Legionella spp. in all samples. The application of ME.SI. MR ACS on the hot water recirculation circuit leads to a reduction in the daily consumption of electrical and thermal energy of 68.6% and 48.6%, respectively, for a savings of approximately EUR 23,000/year per circuit. Furthermore, with the device in operation, there is a 50% reduction in the chlorine dioxide consumption with a savings of EUR 11,500/year. ME.SI. MR ACS guarantees thermal and electrical energy savings associated with a reduction in chlorine dioxide consumption, maintaining the hygienic and sanitary quality of the water network. Full article

Background: This study applied levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) and environmental cost accounting techniques to evaluate the feasibility of producing green hydrogen (GH₂) via alkaline electrolysis for use in a bus fleet in Fortaleza, Brazil. Methods: A GH₂ plant with a 3 MW wind tower was considered in this financial project. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the economic viability of the project, considering the influence of production volume, the number of electrolysis kits, financing time, and other kay economic indices. Revenue was derived from the sale of by-products, including green hospital oxygen (GHO₂) and excess wind energy. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to quantify material and emission flows throughout the H₂ production chain. A zero-net hydrogen price scenario was tested to evaluate the feasibility of its use in urban transportation. Results: The production of GH₂ in Brazil using alkaline electrolysis powered by wind energy proved to be economically viable for fueling a hydrogen-powered bus fleet. For production volumes ranging from 8.89 to 88.9 kg H₂/h, the sensitivity analysis revealed high economic performance, achieving a net present value (NPV) between USD 19.4 million and USD 21.8 million, a payback period of 1–4 years, an internal rate of return (IRR) of 24–90%, and a return on investment (ROI) of 300–1400%. The LCOH decreased with increased production, ranging from 56 to 25 USD/MWh. Over the project timeline, GH₂ production and use in the bus fleet reduced CO₂ emissions by 53,000–287,000 t CO₂ eq. The fuel cell bus fleet project demonstrated viability through fuel cost savings and revenue from carbon credit sales, highlighting the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of GH₂ use in urban transportation in Brazil. Full article

We evaluated the energy consumption of a 3T MRI using a central monitoring system, focusing on hospital energy costs during peak winter months from 2021 to 2023. We analyzed consumption during non-productive phases like end-of-day standby and assessed their impact. For active use, we compared standard and AI-enhanced protocols on phantoms, scheduling high-demand protocols during off-peak hours to benefit from lower energy prices. Standard protocols consumed 3.4 to 15 kWh, while optimized protocols used 2.3 to 10.6 kWh, reducing consumption by 32% on average. Savings per scan ranged from EUR 0.03 to EUR 3.7. The electrical consumption of a brain MRI protocol is equivalent to that of 3–4 knee protocols or 2–3 lumbar spine protocols. Using AI-optimized protocols and management, 41 protocols can be completed in 12 h, up from 30, reducing daily costs by EUR 2.38 to EUR 29.18. Annually, AI-optimized protocols could save 7900 to 8800 kWh per MRI unit, totaling 10,500 to 11,600 MWh across France’s MRI fleet, equivalent to the yearly consumption of about 4700 to 5300 people. Optimizing MRI resource use can expand patient access while significantly reducing the associated energy footprint. These findings support the implementation of more sustainable practices in medical imaging without compromising care quality. Full article

Hotel certifications have become increasingly vital in promoting sustainability within the hospitality industry, providing frameworks that guide hotels toward reducing their environmental footprint, enhancing operational efficiency, and gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace. This review explores the development, types, and impact of hotel certifications, with a focus on prominent schemes, such as LEED, Green Key, and EarthCheck. Through an analysis of case studies from globally recognized hotels, we highlight how certifications contribute to significant reductions in energy and water use, improved waste management, and enhanced biodiversity protection, while also delivering economic benefits through cost savings and increased guest loyalty. Our paper also examines consumer perceptions of certifications and their willingness to pay (WTP) for certified hotels. The findings suggest that eco-conscious travelers, particularly younger generations, are willing to pay a premium for hotels that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability; however, consumer awareness of certification schemes remains limited. The barriers to adopting certifications, such as high initial costs, resource limitations, and management resistance, are also discussed, along with the challenges posed by greenwashing and the proliferation of certification schemes. Looking to the future, this review identifies key trends that will shape the evolution of hotel certifications, including increased transparency, the integration of smart technologies, the expanding role of social responsibility, and their alignment with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hotel certifications are not only crucial for environmental sustainability, but also serve as a powerful tool for enhancing the economic viability of hotels in an increasingly competitive and sustainability-driven market. Full article

The hospitality sector is a substantial energy consumer, driven by the demands of heating, cooling, lighting and guest amenities. This study explores energy consumption patterns across different hotel types, highlighting luxury hotels’ higher usage compared to mid-range and budget establishments. Key energy drivers include HVAC systems, lighting and hot water. Legislative frameworks, such as the Paris Agreement, the Sustainable Development Goals and European Union directives, set ambitious energy efficiency and emissions targets for the sector. Through case studies on Marriott, Hilton and Hotel Verde, the study demonstrates effective energy-saving practices, including LED lighting, smart HVAC systems and renewable energy integration, which can reduce energy use by 10–20%. The findings show the dual benefits of these measures, which enhance environmental sustainability and reduce operational costs. By adopting these practices, hotels can align with evolving regulatory standards and cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly accommodations. Full article

Climate change can significantly affect building energy use and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in urban areas, as fossil fuels remain a significant energy source. Green roofs can offer multiple benefits to the urban environment, but their effects on GHG mitigation have not been fully investigated, especially under climate change. This study assessed green roofs’ contribution to GHG mitigation by saving building energy and absorbing CO₂ under the present (2017–2019) and future (2049–2051) climate scenarios (SSP2-45 and SSP5-85) in Shanghai, China, at the city and township scale. A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial statistical method was developed based on climate change modeling and building energy simulation. The results suggested that installing green roofs can effectively save building energy regardless of building type, yet the amount of savings can vary depending on the weather conditions within the city. The contribution analysis indicated that most saved building energy was attributed to the Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) system, with more energy saved under warmer climate scenarios in the future, particularly during the summer months. More energy was saved from shopping malls on an annual and monthly scale, regardless of the climate scenarios and weather zones. Finally, a case study indicated installing green roofs on all five types of buildings (office, hotel, hospital, shopping mall, apartment) of less than 50 m in height can reduce 8.28% of the CO₂ emitted during the building operation stage in the entire city under the present climate scenario. The annual CO₂ reduction varied with the location of townships, ranging from 2.18% to 13.78%, depending on the composition of building types and local weather conditions in Shanghai. This study offered policymakers a reference on the environmental benefits and investment values of installing green roofs in large cities. Full article

To gain a sustained competitive advantage, organizations such as UPS, Fedex, Amazon, etc., began to seek for industry 5.0 innovative autonomous delivery options for the last mile. Autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles are a promising alternative for the logistics industry. The fact that drones are propelled by green renewable energy source fits the companies’ need to become sustainable, replacing their fuel truck fleets, especially for traveling to remote rural locations to deliver small packages, but a major obstacle is the necessity for charging stations which is well documented in the literature. Therefore, the current research embarks on devising a novel yet practical piece of technology adopting the simplicity approach of direct flights to destinations. The analysis showcases the application for a network of warehouses and hospitals in Israel while controlling costs. Given the products in the case study are medical, direct flight has the potential to save lives when every moment counts. Hydrogen cell technology allows long-range flying without refueling, and it is both vibration-free which is essential for sensitive medical equipment and environmentally friendly in terms of air pollution and silence in urban areas. Importantly, hydrogen cells are lighter, with higher energy density than batteries, which makes them ideal for drone usage to reduce weight, maintain a longer life, and enable faster charging, all of which minimize downtime. Also, hydrogen sourcing is low-cost and unlimited compared to lithium-ion material which needs to be mined. The case study investigates an Israeli entrepreneurial company, Gadfin, which builds a vertical takeoff-and-landing-type of drone with folded wings that enable higher speed for the delivery of refrigerated medical cargo, blood, organs for transplant, and more to hospitals in partnership with the Israeli medical logistic conglomerate, SAREL. An analysis of shipping optimization (concerning the number and type of drone) is conducted using a mixed-integer linear programming technique based on various types of constraints such as traveling distance, parcel weight, the amount of flight controllers and daily number of flights allowed in order to not overcrowd the airspace. Importantly, the discussion assesses the ecosystem’s variety of risks and commensurate safety mechanisms for advancing a newly shaped landscape of drones in an Israeli tight airspace to establish a network of national routes for drone traffic. The conclusion of this research cautions limitations to overcome as the utilization of drones expand and offers future research avenues. Full article

To improve the recovery of waste heat and avoid the problem of abandoning wind and solar energy, a multi-energy complementary distributed energy system (MECDES) is proposed, integrating waste heat and surplus electricity for hydrogen storage. The system comprises a combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system with a gas engine (GE), solar and wind power generation, and miniaturized natural gas hydrogen production equipment (MNGHPE). In this novel system, the GE’s waste heat is recycled as water vapor for hydrogen production in the waste heat boiler, while surplus electricity from renewable sources powers the MNGHPE. A mathematical model was developed to simulate hydrogen production in three building types: offices, hotels, and hospitals. Simulation results demonstrate the system’s ability to store waste heat and surplus electricity as hydrogen, thereby providing economic benefit, energy savings, and carbon reduction. Compared with traditional energy supply methods, the integrated system achieves maximum energy savings and carbon emission reduction in office buildings, with an annual primary energy reduction rate of 49.42–85.10% and an annual carbon emission reduction rate of 34.88–47.00%. The hydrogen production’s profit rate is approximately 70%. If the produced hydrogen is supplied to building through a hydrogen fuel cell, the primary energy reduction rate is further decreased by 2.86–3.04%, and the carbon emission reduction rate is further decreased by 12.67–14.26%. This research solves the problem of waste heat and surplus energy in MECDESs by the method of hydrogen storage and system integration. The economic benefits, energy savings, and carbon reduction effects of different building types and different energy allocation scenarios were compared, as well as the profitability of hydrogen production and the factors affecting it. This has a positive technical guidance role for the practical application of MECDESs. Full article

This paper addresses the problem of the reduction in the huge energy demand of hospitals and health care facilities. The sharp increase in the natural gas price, due to the Ukrainian–Russian war, has significantly reduced economic savings achieved by combined heat and power (CHP) units, especially for hospitals. In this framework, this research proposes a novel system based on the integration of a reversible CHP solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and a photovoltaic field (PV). The PV power is mainly used for balancing the hospital load. The excess power production is exploited to produce renewable hydrogen. The SOFC operates in electrical tracking mode. The cogenerative heat produced by the SOFC is exploited to partially meet the thermal load of the hospital. The SOFC is driven by the renewable hydrogen produced by the plant. When this hydrogen is not available, the SOFC is driven by natural gas. In fact, the SOFC is coupled with an external reformer. The simulation model of the whole plant, including the reversible SOFC, PV, and hospital, is developed in the TRNSYS18 environment and MATLAB. The model of the hospital is calibrated by means of measured data. The proposed system achieves very interesting results, with a primary energy-saving index of 33% and a payback period of 6.7 years. Therefore, this energy measure results in a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of hospital and health care facilities. Full article

The recent post-pandemic period has economically affected many business sectors. One of these is the hotel industry. As a result of this economic crisis, it is necessary to act on the economic costs of running energy-intensive buildings such as a hotel. The thermal and electrical energy consumption of an accommodation facility weighs heavily on the economic balance. Governments around the globe have moved to help those activities in need. To improve the sustainability of the hospitality sector from an environmental and economic point of view, the introduction of energy retrofit solutions is mandatory. Following European sustainability laws, the impact and efficiency of the building were calculated using smart readiness indicators. The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of a 5-star hotel located in southern Italy characterized by high energy consumption. Precisely these consumptions are due to air conditioning, lighting, hot water, catering, and all other utilities. The entire building and the systems serving it were characterized by means of software that studies consumption with dynamic models, Trnsys. The same software made it possible to model the case study by replacing the existing air conditioning system with one supplied by renewable energies. Two energy retrofit hypotheses were chosen to obtain the best economic and environmental results. First, the choice was to install solar cooling powered by flat solar panels, and the second choice was solar cooling powered by evacuated tube collectors. This paper reports the technical and economic characteristics of both proposed solutions, quantifying the energy and economic savings to identify the best solution. Full article