Recently, with the rise of sustainability in all industries, sustainability has become a focal point, and the casino industry is no exception. While companies worldwide have joined efforts toward eco-friendliness, casinos have started implementing unique ideas to minimize environmental degradation.
From energy efficiency and waste reduction to greener construction practices, going sustainable is changing one of the most energy-intensive industries in the world. The following series takes a close look at casinos going greener, the initiatives in place, and some of the challenges they’re experiencing in making those changes.
Reducing energy consumption
This is one of the major areas where casinos are focusing on being sustainable: energy consumption. Many casinos operate 24/7 and thus require substantial amounts of energy to power running gaming machines, lighting, and air conditioning over vast casino floors. To this end, numerous casinos are investing in energy-efficient lighting, including LED bulbs and state-of-the-art HVAC systems, which help reduce electricity use.
Some casinos have opted for solar panels and other alternative sources of energy. For instance, the Las Vegas Sands Corporation has incorporated solar energy into its establishments as a way of making the operations “greener.” To date, it has reduced reliance on fossil fuels through the use of solar energy, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Indeed, such sustainable energy options reduce operational costs for a casino while going a long way in environmental conservation.
Waste reduction and recycling initiatives
Large in scale and attracting significant numbers of visitors, casinos have many waste products generated from each of them from food and beverage containers to single-use items. Therefore, waste management features are among the top priorities of many casinos in their sustainability undertakings. While some have full-scale recycling programs to reduce landfill waste, other casinos have made sure to place plastic, glass, and paper bins across their facility.
Casinos are also decreasing waste generation by reducing the use of single-use plastics. Most casinos and resorts have begun using straws and utensils that are not plastic but, rather, biodegradable and reusable. Equally, casinos’ food waste is being reduced through repurposing or giving it to surplus organizations in the neighborhood for good casino-community relations.
Sustainable building design
Sustainable design has become more prevalent in new and renovated casinos. Recently, many casinos have aimed for LEED certification that would enable them to show how much they care for sustainable development. It is an internationally accepted green building certificate that ensures the buildings are constructed to meet criteria for achieving energy efficiency, water conservation, and/or using environmentally friendly materials.
For instance, MGM Resorts has made its LEED Gold-certified CityCenter in Las Vegas sustainable from the construction process onward. From green architecture to energy-efficient systems and a creative water recycling program, the facility is the quintessential model of sustainable development in the gaming industry.
In this manner, casinos, through such sustainable constructions, will decrease their ecological footprint while establishing a new benchmark for responsible building practices in the hospitality industry.
Water conservation efforts
Another area where casinos are working to go green is water conservation. Due to the high demand for water in the hotels, restaurants, and other facilities that keep casinos running, many operators try to reduce the amount of water consumption. A number of casinos have attached efficient water systems and low-flow faucets to guest rooms and public areas to reduce water wastage.
These techniques are crucial in places like Las Vegas, which frequently experience drought. Examples include the recycling of water at many of the Las Vegas facilities into captured wastewater to be utilized in landscaping and other applications requiring only non-potable water. This serves to preserve the local water supplies and reduce the overall environmental impact of casino operations.
Green gaming: The future of sustainable casinos
Sustainability growth within casinos continues with a greater overall trend toward corporate social responsibility. The benefits of doing so are not only environmental but also offer an improved perception of the gaming sector. As environmental awareness increases, patrons are more likely to choose eco-friendly establishments, making sustainable casinos appealing to eco-conscious visitors.
The future of green casinos is bright since many properties are only bound to go even greener. With each passing day, casinos can further integrate more energy-saving innovations into their design, working toward zero-waste goals. It’s a change forced by environmental concern and consumer demand alike, creating a more environmentally responsible gaming industry that benefits the planet without sacrificing entertainment quality.
Conclusion
Sustainability in casinos reflects how casinos have been positively transforming the gaming industry. Casinos have made significant strides toward energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and constructing sustainably, paving a path to a responsible industry. These changes reflect environmental stewardship and set an example for the industry, that other industries may follow. In fact, this move by the casino industry represents a hopeful change for entertainment toward a greener, more responsible future in an era where sustainability is becoming essential.
