Nurturing ‘Eco’logy

Sustainablility in hotels has been the trend. Aldrina Fernandes, Environment Officer, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Meluha The Fern An Ecotel Hotel, gives views on how the hotel strives to maintain the theme through suited initiatives.

Every hotel should initiate a green team, headed by a member of the top management”

REQUISITES FOR A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL

To be in tune to the commitment of nurturing the environment, hotels can ensure adoption of a sustainability programme that is holistic in nature.

Hotels could adopt initiatives in five different spheres of environmentalism that is: Sustainability Commitment, Water Management, Energy Management, Waste Management, Employee Education and Community Involvement*

SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT

The mission statement of the hotel/ resort must mention its environmental dedication. Additionally, every hotel should initiate a green team, headed by a member of the top management, ensuring that all departments are working in consonance with the hotel’s mission of environmental responsibility.

ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Factors like, usage of minimum lighting, involvement of the guests as well as the employees etc., makes a difference to the amount of energy conserved.

WATER MANAGEMENT

Employees are expected to be well-versed with the water management practices of the hotel.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Employees of the hotel must undergo training in the basic solid waste management techniques to attain better results.

EMPLOYEE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The hotel should be committed to instilling a spirit of environmentalism through a dynamic and interactive training. *Reference Ecotel certification Globes, A Hallmark of environmentally sensitive hotels.