Sustainability is Good for Business HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT Introduction – Our customers are looking for accommodation that is working to improve its sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact – The hotel is making efforts to reduce its water and energy consumption and to minimise the production of waste – All departments are able to contribute to this effort Housekeeping – Energy Reduction – Turn off unnecessary equipment in guest rooms i.e. – lights – TVs (do not leave them on standby) – air conditioning / heaters – if these must be left on then adjust to a suitable temperature • 26OC when cooling, • 18OC when heating • Check for poorly fitting doors, windows, draughts etc. and report to maintenance Housekeeping – Water Reduction – Don’t leave taps running while cleaning – Check for malfunctioning toilets, excessive water flow, leaking plugs – Report any issue to maintenance immediately for prompt repairs – If there is a towel / linen reuse programme in place then ensure it is followed – Consider implementing top to bottom method of linen change if appropriate Housekeeping – Waste Minimisation – Use bins that do not require a plastic bag liner – If a plastic liner is used, only replace when soiled or damaged – Collect any recyclables from guest rooms separately to general waste – Use refillable amenity dispensers – If small disposable ones are currently in place, only replace partially used bottles on checkout Case Study - Caribbean – Pirate’s Inn, Barbados – Action – The hotel has implemented a policy where all lights and air conditioning is turned off in unoccupied rooms – Guests pay an additional $10 per day for air con usage and are advised of the policy on arrival – Impacts – The hotel reduced energy consumption by 5.4% in 2010 compared to previous consumption levels saving over 5,000 kWh annually and reducing CO2 emissions by 4 tonnes Action Planning – Discuss what options there are for reducing energy, water and waste in your operations – create a list of potential actions – who needs to be involved to ensure that these actions can take place? – how quickly do you anticipate these actions being put into place? – will any further training be required? MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE…