Module 2: Sustainability

Question 1

What are current sustainability initiatives in hospitality?

Answer 1

Linen reuse program
Towel reuse program
Recycling paper and cardboard
Installing compact fluorescents or LED’s
Training staff on energy conservation
Water conservation through retrofits
Monitoring energy and water consumption

Question 2

Where can we improve sustainability?

Answer 2

Occupancy sensor controls for thermostat
Recycling food waste
Using low or zero VOC paints
Sourcing “green” vendors
Tracking generation of solid waste
Recycling programs in guest rooms
Recycling programs in recreational areas
Cleaning chemicals with MSDS health rating of 1 or less

Question 3

What are forces for change?

Answer 3

Customer demand
Increasing environmental regulations
Managerial concern with ethics
Customer satisfaction
Maintenance issues related to physical plant
Increasing influence of the “green” investor
Consumer behaviour influenced by environmental pressure groups
In general, a good green solution is LESS expensive than other solutions (water saving, less chemical usage, linen saving solutions, etc.)

Question 4

What are the 6 steps to sustainable tourism practices?

Answer 4

Make a commitment
Measure your carbon footprint
Create a sustainability action plan
Implement change
Verification and offsetting
Evaluation, monitoring and marketing

Question 5

What are ways to reduce waste?

Answer 5

Source reduction
Recovery and Re-use
Waste transformation
Recycling

Question 6

What are examples of waste transformation?

Answer 6

Garburators
W2E Incinerators/Co-gen
Solid waste digesters….
Cardboard balers

Question 7

What is potable?

Answer 7

Water that is suitable for drinking

Question 8

What are factors affecting water consumption?

Answer 8

Type of hotel
Location
Facilities available
Management attention and concern
‘Deduct meters’ help reduce costs