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Case study 2

Read the following information and answer the questions which follow.

The TRS International Hotel provides accommodation, dining, and function and meeting facilities. The organisation has designed and implemented an Environmental Policy.

The hotel regularly conducts audits to assess how the hotel can reduce the amount of water it uses and energy emissions and waste it produces. By applying more environmentally friendly practices the hotel has not only contributed more positively to the environment but they are saving money and have gained a positive reputation with the public and the hotel industry. For example, a water audit saw the hotel reduce the water flow from taps, saving water and reducing the hotel’s water bills. The hotel has found that saving water, energy and waste did not affect the quality of service provided by the hotel.

Other environmental practices that have been implemented include:

Office paper is reused wherever possible and then collected for recycling.
Cardboard is compacted into bales and recycled.
Glass and plastic are separated from general rubbish for recycling.
Old towels are recycled as pool towels and rags.
Old tablecloths are recycled as tray mats.
Partially used toilet rolls are used in staff areas.
Newspapers are collected by staff to use as garden mulch.
Shredded paper is given to pet shops.
Waste kitchen oil is collected and recycled by a local organisation.
Candles and corks from restaurants and banquets are given to Girl Guides for use in craft work.
Unused soap is retained and collected on a monthly basis by an organic farmer. The soap is treated and used on crops as an insecticide.
Half empty bottles of shampoo and bath gel are collected by staff and used as dog wash.
All guest rooms have been fitted with water efficient taps.
Procedures are in place for lighting and air conditioning in unused public areas to be turned off unless required.
Old bed linen, blankets and furniture are given to the Salvation Army.

Many of these practices were suggested at meetings conducted by the Environmental Committee within the hotel. This committee includes representatives from each department, who meet regularly to discuss environmental issues that affect the hotel. Each staff member receives a copy of the minutes of the meeting. Staff members are also kept informed of changes in practices through memos sent to their work email address and at staff meetings. The hotel sees that it is the duty of care of the employees to implement the practices.

Questions

What are the benefits of implementing an environmental policy for a hospitality enterprise?
List five environmental practices that may be implemented by hospitality enterprises.
How are staff members informed of current hotel practices at TRS International?

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