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?

MAKINGA WORLDOF DIFFERENCE…