Case Study of the Week: Reduce, Reuse or Recycle - Hotel Renovations

Sep 29, 2025

Hotel and Lodging

You are to assume the role of the general manager of Lilac Inn, an independent hotel property in a city of 30,000 people. The owner wants you to identify waste redirection opportunities that could lead to a better brand image.

Lilac Inn is the oldest lodging property in the city, dating back to the early 1900s. Lilac Inn has been dedicated to the citizens of the city since it opened and has always given back through local event sponsorships.

The property has undergone renovations and remodels over the past century to keep up with modern advances and technology. This next year, Lilac Inn will undergo a complete renovation and upgrade of the 52 guest rooms. Each guest room will receive a makeover that includes all furniture, televisions, linens, draperies and carpeting.

As the public learned about Lilac Inn’s multi-million-dollar renovation project, many expressed outrage at the waste of resources and executives’ lack of environmental concern since all removed items will be discarded.

The owner is unsure how to respond to the angry community. The mattresses, bedding and carpeting must be discarded due to health and safety concerns, but the beds, desks, dressers, bedside tables, chairs, and televisions are not required to be permanently disposed. The owner wants you to identify waste redirection opportunities that would lead to a better brand image for Lilac Inn.

Questions?

Randi Bibiano
Competitive Events Specialist
randi@deca.org

Randi Bibiano is DECA's competitive events specialist. In this role, she conceptualizes and authors role-play scenarios for the collegiate and high school division’s competitive events programs. She also manages DECA's online competitive events and serves as a liaison to volunteer efforts at DECA's educational conferences.

Discussion Questions

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Classroom Connection

Career Cluster:

Hospitality and Tourism

Instructional Area(s):

Operations

Performance Indicators:

Explain the nature of corporate branding
Discuss the role of ethics in operations
Identify environmental sustainability issues in hospitality and tourism
Identify waste redirection opportunities