Renewable energy comes from sources that can be replenished on a human timescale, like biomass, hydropower, geothermal, wind, and solar power. Examples of renewable energy include solar panels, solar water heaters, wind turbines, bio-digestors, fully solar powered refrigerators/freezers, solar lights, and hydro systems. Based on 55 responses to the Ministry’s renewable energy survey of hotels on the electricity grid, approximately 20% of respondents utilize some form of renewable energy, namely in the form of solar panels and solar lights.

Energy efficiency refers to reducing the amount of energy consumed while attaining the same output. LED lighting, energy efficient air conditioning units (inverter units), low flow toilets, low flow faucets and shower heads are examples of energy efficient technology. Many hotels and other businesses in Belize employ energy efficient methods such as LED lighting, energy efficient appliances/fixtures, and motion sensors.

There are also energy conservation methods that hotels can take to reduce their energy consumption. Energy conservation involves using less energy by adjusting behaviors and habits. For example, hotels can ask guests and employees to turn off lights when they leave rooms and common areas.

Both energy efficiency and renewable energy result in significant benefits for businesses in the tourism sector. Among these benefits are cost savings, better competitiveness due to reduced cost, reduction of carbon footprint, environmentally friendly image for businesses allowing for new markets, an improvement on the quality of services offered to guests, and preparation for future problems such as power outages and water shortages. Renewable energy is a cheaper and cleaner alternative in remote areas.