In 2005, with the Tourbench LIFE Project, a research on consumption and savings was made which considered the measures adopted under the LT Decalogue. A large sample of 258 LT ecolabelled accommodation businesses (excluding bathing establishments and start-up projects) was taken into account adding to about 40,000 beds and 3,250,000 overnight stays (estimate based on 80-day occupancy per bed per year)

The research is based on official business data and the application of selected and measurable measures (perlators in each bathroom/room suite, min. required low bulbs, bicycles for local mobility, no single-portioned jam at breakfast) complied with by businesses:

Water saving: low flow aerators in faucets and shower heads lead to a consumption reduction of 363.000 cubic metres.

Energy saving: Considering that water consumption with tourists is 2/3 hot water, the energy saved for electric heating is equal to 2,200 oil-equivalent tons by electric heating or 804 oil-equivalent tons by gas boiler heating

Additional energy saving comes from replacement of low energy bulbs which is equal to 278.415 Kwh.

Waste reduction through low package products, concentrates and refills. The elimination of food single portions at breakfast is effective in reducing waste volumes: i.e. replacement of 50% of all jam single portions from breakfast buffets led to avoid about 2 tons of plastics

The reduction of CO2 emissions was also considered: with 20% of tourists giving up private cars and using bikes for small transfers within holiday resorts about 478 tons of CO2 per year are avoided.

These data prove that effective results are possible in terms of energey and water saving and waste volume reduction through little gestures and fixes that also improve single behaviours and lifestyles while improving the environment!