Hotel and Hospitality Management

Hotel and Hospitality Management

The increased demand on the supply of energy increased challenges in solid waste management and water, air and soil pollution are among the many adverse environmental effects in the hospitality industry (Mbasera, Du Plessis, Saayman & Kruger, 2016). Considering these effects, it’s quite hard to be certain regarding the long-term implications of these effects, especially those associated with climate change around the globe (Rogerson & Sims, 2012). This necessitates the need for the implementation of green practices in the hotel and hospitality industry and the development of accommodation that is free from carbon at various destinations (Mbasera et al., 2016). Accommodation is one of the most important segments in the hospitality industry (Ottenbacher, Harrington & Parsa, 2009). Hotels are characterized by several activities that have significant effects on the global resources. The effects of hotels on the environment contribute to the challenges which are known across the globe, with the primary one being climate change (Bohdanowicz, Zientara & Novotna, 2011). The activities in hotels release substantial greenhouse gases which are released into the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons. According to research by Han, Hsu and Sheu (2010), most of the commercial buildings, including restaurants, have the greatest adverse effects on the environment. The approximations have shown that a hotel can release between 160 kg and 200 kg of carbon gas in each square meter of the floor of a room every year and the rate of water consumption per head per night is also high. It is with this regard that hotels are urged to adopt green practices to minimise the adverse effects to the environment. The main aim of this study is to explore the implementation of green practices in the Hotel AVANI and discuss the benefits of implementing environmental safety certifications such as ISO14001 and EMAS.   

Literature Review

The sustainability debate has been on the rise and the relationship between environment and tourism has been the central focus and regarded as a high priority topic. The environmental and social impact of tourism has emerged as a topic of discussion since the Rio Earth Summit of 1992 (Graci, 2009). The rapid deterioration of natural resources around the globe fuelled the concession among leaders from across the world that sustainable development should be the primary focus of businesses and governments. Vast literature has shown that in various parts around the globe, sewage and waste materials associated with accommodation are discharged directly into rivers, seas and lakes without any form of treatment, hence, creating adverse health risks and awful environment (Timothy & Teye, 2009). As part of tourism, the hospitality industry is to blame on the ecological deterioration, although its impact has not been more intense than those of the automobiles, cruise ships and airlines (Timothy & Teye, 2009). However, it is imperative to note that the increased challenge of solid waste has become an extra environmental impact of the operations of hotels. It is, therefore, essential for hotels to act with regard to effects of hotels on the environment as this will demonstrate a good ecological stewardship. This can be achieved by implementing green practices in every business operations in all sectors.      

Literature Review

Hotels, which act as the primary providers for accommodation services, play a crucial role in the hotel industry and their operations impose substantial ecological and economical effects on the environment. Considering the fact that hotels impose negative effects to the environment, it is crucial for hotel managers to take action that would help in mitigating such impact on the environment. Some studies have emphasized on the measures that hotel management can take in order to effectively tackle the issues that arise from their business operations (Hsieh, 2012, Timothy & Yeye, 2009).                                                     

Green Practices in Hotel AVANI

Hotel AVANI is known for its contributions to the community in many ways. AVANI provides support to the community by awarding scholarships to students through the Heinecke Foundation (Minor Hotels, n.d.). The properties of the hotel are designed in such a way that they do not pollute the environment. The hotel participates in environmental and social initiatives aimed at supporting the local charities in various destinations as well as sustainable practices in the operations and development which has been a focus in the Minor Hotels portfolio. The most outstanding green practice that Hotel AVANI established is the decision to ban the use of plastic straws in all its branches in ASIA by the first of January, 2018 (Anantara Hotels, 2017). The hotel has plans to extend the ban globally by the end of 2018. Different biodegradable and reusable alternatives are being introduced, some of which include stainless steel and bamboo. The single-use practice of resources such as the plastic straws has led to these products being the top polluters of the environment.   

While plastic is one of the greatest inventions in human history, its adverse environmental effects cannot be denied. According to a study by Miller, Watts, Winslow, Galloway and Barrows (2017), about 300 million tons plastics are produced annually across the globe and approximately 8.8 million tons are discharged into the ocean. The study further revealed that Americans alone use over 500 million straws on a daily basis while the total number of the same product across the world is so large that it cannot even be estimated (Miller et al., 2017). AVANI has amazing structures all of which have some sense of environmental sustainability.                

Benefits of Implementing Green Certifications such as ISO 14001 and EMAS in Hotel AVANI

Many companies and organizations are currently implementing Environmental Management System (EMS) (Heras, Arana & Molina-Azorin, 2009). This is a practice that has been adopted widely across the world, particularly in the European Union (EU) as well as in Asia (Heras, Arana & Molina-Arizona, 2009). The EMS is a process that firms and other organizations apply for the purpose of executing and implementing policies, goals and responsibilities as well as regular evaluation of its components (Cascio, 1996). Environmental Management Systems are mainly based on international reference models and the most common one being the international ISO 14001 standard.

Green Practices in Hotel AVANI

There are many benefits that hotels can get from implementing green certifications. The EMS assists companies to identify, manage, monitor and control their operations in a holistic way. There are several reasons why organizations have opted to develop strategies to improve their environmental performance (Organization Internationale de Normalization, n.d.). Implementation of ISO 14001 in hotel AVANI helps in demonstrating compliance with current and future statutory and regulatory requirements. Another benefit of implementing ISO 14001 is that it increases leadership involvement and employees’ engagement which is a good practice for any reputable organization. When a company implements ISO 14001, it increases its reputation and stakeholders’ confidence through strategic communication (Chan & Wong, 2006). Hotel AVANI will also be able to attain strategic business objectives through the incorporation of environmental issues into business management (Chan & Wong, 2006).

With the increasing need for environmental sustainability, there is a need for businesses to adopt the green practices. The implementation of green certifications serves as a basis for competition. Businesses that practice green strategies tend to be competitive in the entire world (Darnall, Rigling Gallagher, Andrews & Amaral, 2000). AVANI will accrue the benefits of having a competitive edge among the many companies in the hospitality sector as consumers have also begun to be sensitive to matters regarding environmental conservation (Corbett & Kirsch, 2001). AVANI will also benefit from its recognition as a company that encourages the ecological performance of suppliers through the integration into the business systems of the organisation (Chin, 1999).   

Suggestions for Hoteliers to improve Environmental Impacts Management

The increasing need for sustainability has fuelled the proliferation of several strategies to ensure business operations minimise their impact on the environment. One of the strategies that AVANI and other hotels can apply is to apply energy-saving technologies. According to Chin (1999), about 75% of the environmental impacts caused by the hotel are associated with excessive consumption, especially energy. It is, therefore, essential for hoteliers to install energy-efficient technologies such as lighting, appliances and cooling systems. This will make a significant difference for the hotel’s bottom line. Another strategy that hoteliers can apply to improve environmental impact management is to adopt recycling. Recycling is regarded as one of the key initiatives that can result in long-term differences.

Hotels can also reduce environmental impact by supporting the locals and practising sustainable business. The hoteliers should make smart choices. AVANI and other hotels should ensure that they only purchase products that are environmentally friendly. Local purchases are also another strategy .that would substantially minimize the impact on the mankind.  Alternative sources of energy are another recommendation that hoteliers should embrace. Switching to least portions of energy usage to alternative sources is likely going to yield great results. The alternative sources of energy include solar energy which is used for water heating and signage. Water is the most crucial natural resource in the world. Hotels use a lot of water for laundry, cooking and other uses. It is vital for businesses to save water by adopting various water-saving initiatives. Some of these initiatives include waterless laundry machines, installation of toilet tank fill diverters in older toilets which can significantly save water per flush.            

Benefits of Implementing Green Certifications such as ISO 14001 and EMAS in Hotel AVANI

Conclusion:

Environmental management systems are processes that every business and individual should implement. There are various advantages that a business will enjoy as a result of implementing this project. The entire hotel industry is currently concerned about the environment, and this has motivated many players in the industry. The implementation of the strategies outlined will substantially minimise environmental impacts.         

References:

Anatara Hotels. (2017). Anatara and Avani hotels resorts to end the use of plastic straws. Press Release. Retrieved from https://www.anantara.com/en/press-releases/anantara-and-avani-hotels-resorts-to-end-the-use-of-plastic-straws  

Bohdanowicz, P., Zientara, P., & Novotna, E. (2011). International hotel chains and environmental protection: an analysis of Hilton’s we care! programme (Europe, 2006–2008). Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(7), 797-816.

Chan, E. S., & Wong, S. C. (2006). Motivations for ISO 14001 in the hotel industry. Tourism Management, 27(3), 481-492.

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Heras, I., Arana, G., & Molina-Azorín, J. F. (2009, August). Motivations and benefits for implementing the green global standard. In International conference Quality and Service Sciences, 12th QMOD and Toulon-Verona Conference (pp. 27-29).

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Mbasera, M., Du Plessis, E., Saayman, M., & Kruger, M. (2016). Environmentally-friendly practices in hotels. Acta Commercii, 16(1), 1-8.

Miller, R. Z., Watts, A. J., Winslow, B. O., Galloway, T. S., & Barrows, A. P. (2017). Mountains to the sea: river study of plastic and non-plastic microfiber pollution in the northeast USA. Marine pollution bulletin, 124(1), 245-251.

Minor Hotels. (N.d.). AVANI. Retrieved from https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability/avani

Organization Internationale de Normalization (n.d.). ISO 14001 Key Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/files/live/sites/isoorg/files/archive/pdf/en/iso_14001_-_key_benefits.pdf

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