Green Key and Historic Hotels of Europe cooperate to ensure high sustainability industry standards

The partnership between Green Key and Historic Hotels of Europe include a joint ambition of having high sustainability standards and protecting the heritage of each establishment.

The following interview is with Paula Ellis, Group General Manager of Twr y Felin Hotel, Penrhiw Priory and Roch Castle

Why did you decide to join Green Key for your hotels?

At Twr y Felin Hotel and our sister venues Roch Castle and Penrhiw Priory we are passionate about our environmental impact. We are located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and feel strongly that we should support and promote the ethos that encompasses that. We wanted to ensure that the venues were as green as possible and that sustainability is a significant part of our business plan.

What did the achievement (Green Key award) mean for your establishments in terms of your work with sustainability? 

The award was a positive achievement for all of our team who had been involved in the process. Although some of the larger installations/changes had already been achieved at the time of opening, we regularly brainstormed to come up with new ideas for improvement, ensuring our sustainability is a team effort.

What would be your recommendations to other hotels (especially other HHE hotels) in relation to Green Key and the work with sustainability issues? 

We would suggest placing sustainability on the monthly agenda for discussion about how to improve the hotel. This will allow them to continually identify and improve their practices, which are not only beneficial to the environment but also something that many guests are now looking for in a venue.

Hospitality group in Mauritius launches their sustainability programme “Now for tomorrow.”

Rogers Hospitality group’s sustainability projects and objectives showcased in a new website and charter. Several of their hotels and resorts have or are obtaining the Green Key certification.

It is vital to think ahead for our future generations and what they will need. On the new “Now for tomorrow” website the Group states that responsible business is about doing things right. Over the last decade, attention has been paid towards energy, water, biodiversity, waste, and social inclusion. It is encouraged that together they can create a better future for Mauritius. 

“Go for it now; the future is promised to no one.” Wayne Dyer

Rogers Hospitality pledge to make responsible decisions within the choices and actions we all make. Their programme “Now for Tomorrow” commits to consolidating resilient development, favouring sustainable consumption, protecting Mauritius’ biodiversity through mindful development, valorising cultural and historical heritage, and maintaining vibrant communities. Their objective is to spread awareness that ‘actions speak louder than words’. They are devoted to making a difference and, as part of that, believe hospitality can and should perform differently.

Rogers Hospitality’s aims to provide exceptional hospitality services, which would be an advantage for the environment as well as increase the value for residing communities and raise visitor experience. A pledge was created towards climate change improvement by focusing on five pillars that individually embrace crucial areas and implement physical results that can be measured to guarantee progress has been made. A priority enforced by the nationwide initiative Pacte Signe Natir to build a sustainable and inclusive Mauritius and reach UN’s SDGs.

(1) Energy transition

From October 2021, Rogers Hospitality offers Carbon Neutral Stays for their guests residing at Heritage Resorts in Bel Ombre and recommend additional offsetting opportunities for guests staying at Veranda Resorts. These actions are geared to shift operations towards a low carbon economy along with other transitioning actions to non-renewable energy sources and zero/low carbon emissions.

(2) Circular Economy

Starting from production up to consumption and eliminating the end-of-life concept, by adopting a no-waste and pollution design. Products and materials are reused in a regeneration system: no waste is produced, and all materials are re-injected into the production stream

(3) Biodiversity 

Referring to the variety of living organisms (animals & plants) present in ecosystems on Earth, each ecosystem is a community (area) within which a group of living organisms interact with each other in a specific environment (on land or in water). Biodiversity plays an important role in our survival and ensuring a sustained future for generations to come.

(4) Inclusive Development

It makes sure that development progress is sufficiently wide for the benefit of most of the population. One important aspect of inclusive development is social inclusion, where individuals and groups, take part in society. Inclusive development covers support in different ways to vulnerable communities and NGOs for the better.

(5) Vibrant Communities

Similarly, the vibrant community pillar relates to communities that have the potential to ensure a good quality of life for their residents—protecting the community’s culture by incorporating their interests into development and encouraging culture, heritage, and arts.

Rogers Hospitality is committed not just to treading lightly, but to making a real difference. Its hospitality brands Heritage Resorts & Veranda Resorts operate in a responsible manner and incorporate principles of sustainable development into the way they provide our guests and clients with real-life experiences.  The group operates seven hotels and resorts ranging from mid-scale to luxury resorts in Mauritius, as well as spas, a golf course, nature reserve, beach club.  Two of their Heritage Resort establishments have been Green Key certified since 2016, and four establishments are in the application process to being approved. 

The additional objectives include from January 2022 to using 100% locally sourced products from Mauritian farmers and suppliers as well as implementing a waste management programme, with a view to recycling 75% of waste by 2022. Another objective is to develop a Conservation Programme with tangible initiatives around Lagoon & Reefs, Forests, Rivers and Wetlands. Reputation and guest awareness are key elements within the Now for tomorrow programme and certification remain a priority, with the objective of certifying by 2024 all business units in the group. In the meantime, Veranda Resorts is undergoing the Green Key auditing, targeting December 2021 for approved certification.

For more information have a look at the website here: https://nowfortomorrow.mu/

Green Key accredited Marriott hotel outlines their current sustainable practices and links with the net-zero campaign

The general manager Mr. Franco Vella of the Sheraton Tel Aviv hotel in Israel shares his experience implementing sustainable practices throughout the hotel and how this supports the recently announced Marriott Net-Zero campaign.

What influence will the net-zero target have for your hotel (which changes do you foresee and when)?

We are already doing a lot of eco-conscious initiatives in the hotel, so this is a continuation for us as we are not starting from the bottom. In 2017 we started renovations to become more sustainable; this included changing all the pipe-works so there is no loss of energy if the pipes were old or damaged, plus changing windows to keep heat in. Additionally, we changed to IPM to reduce our consumption of electricity so it is sourced from cleaner methods. Furthermore installing VRF units to use air-conditioning exclusively in areas where it is needed to control the consumption. As well as installing energy-efficient lighting throughout the whole building which has been converted but also to ensure replacements are done to continue being eco-conscious. We also utilise solely already generated fuel for our hot water needs as we try to use the heat generated from air conditioning. Our kitchen equipment has begun to be adapted into more energy-efficient and this will be finalised by the end of the year. 

How can your work with Green Key support the net-zero target?

Green key is very important to us, Green Key advocates to ensure we are always improving our efforts and continuing to make environmentally conscious endeavours. We have stopped including guest utilities in bathrooms and our suppliers do not use any single-use plastics, to ensure the item inside is still sustainable and not plastic and rather a tear box is used to confirm to the guest the product has not been used previously for Covid-19 reasons. We have likewise eliminated plastic water bottles and instead are using glass bottles which we send back to a partner organisation to be refilled. A new project we are working on involves the installation of electric scooters which are run through an app that allows guests to take a tour and so the guests will not use public transport but the tour can take them to areas which large bus tours usually cannot reach. 

As a result of working with the net-zero target, what differences will guests experience at your hotel and how will the local community be involved?

As previously mentioned, this is a continuous process for us, a priority is also that we try to minimise the impact on the guest. With the introduction of glass water bottles, the guests initially complained about not receiving a plastic bottle, however as we explained our reasoning and the importance of the change they understood and were fine with it. We think it is important to inform and try to change the guest's habits and perspective, the guests appreciate the changes we make and know this will be a positive impact on the environment.

We also sell any unused furniture which is in good condition and is sold to community centres so people with different needs are still able to utilise the furniture. An example is that we donated a substantial amount of furniture to an organisation looking after soldiers with PTSD so they can gather together. This also helps the hotel as the furniture which is sold to larger companies, the funds received from the sale is used to assist their associates if they are dealing with any difficulties. 

For more information contact: National Operator for Israel; michal@ecoocean.com

Green Key present at the 2021 UN Climate Conference (COP 26)

Green Key is proud to be present at the COP26 event “Climate Action - Harnessing the Power of Networks!” highlighting some of Green Key’s activities within climate action.

The 26th UN conference on climate change is held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 31 October to 12 November 2021.

On 2 November at 3.30-5.00pm in the Glasgow Science Centre, Green Key will be present at the Green Zone event “Climate Action - Harnessing the Power of Networks!”. The event is organised by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) with the President of FEE (Lesley Jones) as a keynote speaker and the CEO of FEE (Daniel Schaffer) as moderator. The event will showcase examples of FEE’s contributions to climate action as defined in FEE’s 10-year strategy (GAIA 20:30) as well as examples from the FEE programmes, including Green Key.

The contribution from Green Key at the event includes an interview with Dr. Stefan Hanselmann, Head of Programmes and Cluster Coordinator at the GIZ Office in Siem Reap, Cambodia. GIZ, which is the German Corporation for International Cooperation and FEE/Green Key have, together with a local hospitality school, been cooperating on a joint project to promote sustainable tourism for climate change in Cambodia.

There is also an interview with the General Manager of the Green Key awarded London Marriott Hotel Regent's Park and the Sustainability Chair for Marriott UK, Mr. Alok Dixit, about the work with climate change action in the hospitality industry through the participation in the Green Key Programme.

Join the live event through this link: https://youtu.be/5GCDBPL3_bM

Tobago gains two more Green Key Awards

Recently, the Green Key National Jury of Trinidad and Tobago unanimously awarded two tourism accommodation properties the internationally recognised Green Key.

Adventure Eco Villas and Native Abode became the two newest members of the International Green Key family of certified properties.

Together with Bananaquit and Shepherd’s Inn these four properties in Tobago are currently the only Green Key certified sites in the English-Speaking Caribbean. When deciding to become part of the programme.

lEan Mackay, Owner and Manager of Adventure Eco Villas commented that,

‘It seemed to be what we are all about, setting a strong environmental example to others and being a part of the Green Key programme worldwide made real sense as it endorses our sustainable dreams and efforts over the last twenty years.”

“For us the process was straightforward, since our goals are aligned, and the guidance provided was excellent. The Green Key initiative of sustainable tourism is in sync with our aims at Native Abode, so it was very easy for us to get onboard.”

Green Key demonstrates to visitors that tourist accommodation properties have taken steps to protect the environment and reduce their overall negative impacts. It assures guests that their green activities are genuine and real. Green T&T, the National Operator for the Green Key Programme in Trinidad and Tobago, worked closely with both properties to ensure that each operator was able to meet and, in some cases, exceed each of the criteria set forward. The Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) has been advocating and empowering local tourism stakeholders to raise the standard and quality of sustainable tourism products.

Director of Product Development and Destination Management, Narendra Ramgulam at TTAL describes it best:

Apart from strong brand positioning, Green Key certification helps tourism establishments to work towards sustainability in a structured way over time - it is phased in its approach and allows property owners time to implement changes annually. It also contributes to the reduction of costs at the tourism establishments, for example through lower energy and water consumption.

While the first four Green Key sites in Tobago are accommodation properties the Green Key standard is applicable to tourism attractions and restaurants as well. The journey has just begun, but Green T&T and TTAL will keep working together to ensure that Tobago continually increases its sustainable choices ensuring the preservation of the island for the future generations of all its travellers and residents alike.

New partnership to reduce food waste is launched by Radisson Hotel Group and Too Good To Go

A new partnership to implement positive actions and fight climate change is announced by one of the world’s leading hotel groups - Radisson Hotel Group, with mobile application Too Good To Go in Europe, which connects consumers and restaurants with unsold leftover food.

Too Good To Go is the #1 anti-food waste app as they state that every year, they are on a mission to reduce the food that typically goes to waste as this surplus food also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, Too Good To Go operates solely in Europe, thus the Radisson Hotel Group hotels in Europe contribute towards fighting against food waste and the negative impact that it comes with on the environment and other resources.

A large amount of food is wasted for numerous reasons throughout the world, from individuals over-ordering and restaurants over-preparing. The new partnership can work alongside the Hotel Groups current aim regarding responsible consumption as their current measures include portion control and enhanced storage for food to encourage food preservation.

The consumer can download the free app and purchase surplus food at a set discounted price. This allows both parties to support conserving the environment through lessening food, energy, and water waste. The destinations involved include but are not limited to Austria, Denmark, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. These destinations will be able to provide additional food for their local community.

From its commencement, it has been reported that Radisson Hotel Group has prevented 15,367 meals from being wasted, which tallies to a CO² decline of 37.6 tons.

Mette Lykke, Chief Executive Officer of Too Good To Go says: “The latest figures on global food waste from the WWF have discovered the problem to be even higher than previously believed, with 40% of all food going to waste. We need to address this urgently to avoid going backwards on progress we’ve made in recent years. It is through partnerships like this that businesses can make an impact at scale, which we absolutely have a responsibility to do, on the complicated issue of food waste.” 

Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group said: “In light of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Too Good To Go. It strengthens our positive impact and is fully aligned with our sustainability goals, including setting science-based emissions reduction targets This strong partnership across Europe highlights the importance of tackling food waste in reaching the UN’s goal of SDG 12.3, to cut global food waste in half by 2030.”

Google announces travel feature to improve the booking experience for eco-conscious travellers

Google has added a new feature to its travel site, making it possible to see whether a hotel is eco-certified or not. Green Key is one of the certification programmes used by Google Travel.

The feature allows tourists to distinguish whether a hotel is committed to contributing towards sustainable methods, the hotel is aware of their environmental impact and take responsibility and participate in sustainable practices.

Whilst searching on Google Travel for a hotel to stay in, the options on the list displayed will show a tag that states "eco-certified" next to a green leaf. This leads to travellers being able to identify hotels that take upon sustainable efforts and practices.

However, not all eco-certified hotels are featured as the tool is optional for hotels that opt-in to self-reporting. The eco-certified establishments would need to adhere to a set of practices provided through an accredited independent organisation such as Green Key.

How to use the feature:

1. On google.com/travel, search for hotels.

2. Select a hotel with an "eco-certified" label.

3. On the hotel's detail page, select the About tab.

4. Scroll down to the "Sustainability" section.

5. Find hotels with sustainability practices.

Nevertheless, it is essential to note that not all establishments participating in sustainable practices are also eco-certified. Google provides a list of twenty-nine reputable green programs, which the hotel selects the one applicable to them which they are contributing to alongside adhering to external on-site audits. Next hotel staff add the hotel to the listing through the free Google My Business Profile.

This new feature enables tourists who are mindful of their environmental impacts while travelling a simpler booking experience. Among travellers desiring further transparency against greenwashing, which has become increasingly popular alongside the desire to locate eco-friendly hotels, the new feature is anticipated to be well received from tourists.

The Alex Hotel in Ireland to receive the Green Key award

The Alex Hotel is committed to ensuring guests have a comfortable stay and receive a high-end experience while still being environmentally conscious through limiting guests energy and water consumption.

The Alex Hotel in Dublin City centre is an award-winning Irish establishment with an iconic industrial and 1950s finish throughout the hotel. The Alex Hotel is part of the O’Callaghan Collection, which involves a group of five high-end and boutique hotels in Dublin and Gibraltar. All hotels have recently completed refurbishments to provide their guests with memorable stays in easily accessible locations.

Additionally, the O'Callaghan Collection are passionate about being aware of their environmental impacts. Thus, the Alex Hotel participates in sustainable practices to reduce its impact on the environment. The group is committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling, water conservation, awareness and education, reduced energy consumption, community initiatives and energy management initiatives.

The Alex Hotel is committed to ensuring the guests have a comfortable stay and receive a high-end experience while still being aware and making a conscious change to limiting guests and employees' energy and water consumption.

Furthermore, the hotel also ensures that the food they use in the restaurant is all sourced from local suppliers to reduce incurred food miles. They are similarly partnering with suppliers who partake within practising with Green policies. Another example they have shared includes using renewable energy for their electricity and using lighting bulbs in rooms and around the hotel, which are created to save energy.

 Learn more about the hotel here.

Agreement with Drinkable Air renewed to reduce water consumption and the disposal of plastic water bottles

Green Key is happy to announce the renewal of its agreement with Drinkable Air Technologies LLC. Drinkable Air products support a lower environmental footprint by reducing water consumption from other sources and minimizing the production and disposal of plastic water bottles.

Drinkable Air Technologies LLC is a US-based Emerging Growth Technology Company that designs, manufactures, assembles and distributes Atmospheric Water Generators ("AWG's"). 

The AWGs of Drinkable Air, Inc. create an unlimited supply of pure drinking water from "the moisture in the air". The purity, freshness, and taste of the water produced are superior to expensive bottled water options, easily demonstrating the cost savings. Drinkable Air products are now in 40 countries.

Today the company offers three scalable (from 10 litres to 280 litres of water per day) products that can extract humidity from the atmosphere. The technology utilizes condensation principles (the same way nature creates rain) to create water where there is no water. These units do not require plumbing or piping. The water is produced, stored and purified by a process that ensures the water is free of bacteria, viruses and impurities and has a superior alkaline value. Water is then dispensed from the units to the end-user as needed.

Further information about Drinkable Air can be found on their website: www.drinkableair.tech