Since early 2025, the Green Key certified Mercure Bukhara Old Town hotel has worked to make environmental responsibility a shared commitment across all departments, in line with Green Key principles.
Integrating small but meaningful changes in daily operations
Rather than introducing sustainability as a separate project, the hotel integrated it into daily routines and existing operational processes. Employees took part in regular awareness sessions, departmental briefings, and practical environmental initiatives focused on energy saving, waste segregation, reducing single-use plastics, responsible water consumption, and sustainable guest communication. Green Key principles were also included in staff onboarding, while sustainability notice boards and departmental “sustainability champions” helped keep the topic visible and engaging throughout the property.
The importance of staff involvement
Employees joined different activities such as Earth Hour campaigns, recycling programs, linen and towel reuse promotion, paper reduction efforts, and community clean-up activities. Staff members were also encouraged to share ideas and feedback, helping create a stronger sense of involvement regarding sustainability.
One of the hotel’s biggest challenges was maintaining consistent engagement across departments with different schedules and operational pressures. To address this, management focused on simple and practical actions tailored to each department’s daily work. Short and targeted training sessions associated with continuous support from department heads and sustainability champions helped employees better understand how sustainability connects to their individual responsibilities.
About the results of the program
More than 90% of employees participated in sustainability activities during the year, contributing to improved waste sorting practices, reduced paper consumption through digital communication, and lower use of unnecessary single-use plastics in operational areas. The initiative also strengthened teamwork and environmental awareness across the property.
Most importantly, Mercure Bukhara Old Town is an example of how environmental responsibility can become part of everyday decision-making at all levels of a tourism establishment.