Article for Hotel Business magazine
SAMPLE COPY – ANNA STENNINGNOT FOR USE
Hospitality and the environment are profitable allies
As you plan for 2009, now is the ideal time to draw on your business's greatest asset for inspiration – its environment. Your customers are already thinking about it: Visit Britain reports that 31 per cent of consumers consider environmental issues when planning their holidays*. The Travel Foundation tells us only four per cent of holidaymakers would prefer a five-star hotel over a four-star establishment which is sustainably run. If anyone still needs persuading, many large tourism companies already have environmental programmes and will be looking for providers who share their commitment to sustainability. So how can you improve your green credentials?
Where to go for help
If you're starting from scratch, there are plenty of ways of getting help from independent authorities. A good place to start is with a self audit, such as the Green Audit Kit, which covers all aspects of your business, from marketing to customer experience, and provides a great opportunity to get staff on board. You can also opt for membership of a recognised environmental award provider, and work towards an ISO or Green Tourism Business Scheme certification. In return for subscription, you'll benefit from good publicity, advice on energy efficiency, find out about grants you may be eligible for, get help sourcing sustainable products and with writing a policy statement.
Cutting costs to you and the planet
The Government wants us to go green. A joint environmental initiative of the Government and hotel industry, Hospitable Climates, believes it can save the UK hospitality industry £31 million yearly by reducing carbon emissions. The Environment Agency offers practical fact sheets on water and energy saving, waste reduction and recycling, from the bathroom to the kitchen. And the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme allows a business to write off the whole of the capital cost of their investment in sustainable technologies against their taxable profits of the period during which they make the investment.
Soon, however, we'll see more of the stick and less of the carrot as the Government is pressured into tackling carbon emissions that are already showing their devastating impact. But there are already examples of hotels and b&bs of all sizes establishing eco-credibility. Many publicise their use of local and organic food or wine; some offer wildlife gardens or nature walks, or incentives for customers to use public transport. Many manage to reduce their waste and improve energy efficiency. Regardless of size and budget, what distinguishes them is their direct relationship with their environment, the commitment of their staff, and the loyalty of customers.
*http://www.gos.gov.uk/gol/news/newsarchive/612846
Other useful websites:
www.sustainweb.org
www.green-business.co.uk
www.consideratehoteliers.com
www.envirowise.gov.uk
www.defra.gov.uk/environment
www.responsibletravel.com
www.ecotech.org.uk
www.carbontrust.co.uk/default.ct
www.environment-agency.gov.uk
462 words
posted by Anna Stenning @ 8:58 AM
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