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SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT PLAN - 2018
The Sustainability Management Plan ensures long-term profitability for the hotel, which will benefit its shareholders, employees and the community.
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Our Commitment: Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra is committed to supporting and implementing MH&R’s Global Sustainability Policy and Programme as part of our Vision, Culture and SHINE programme. We aim to integrate sustainability into our business strategy to make the hotel more resilient towards its challenges. Our Sustainability Management Plan ensures long-term profitability for the hotel, which will benefit the shareholders, employees and the community; safeguard occupational and public health and safety; and promotes environmental protection.
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Table of Contents Our Commitment: .................................................................................................................................................... i
Table of Figures ...................................................................................................................................................... iii
1.0 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 SIZE AND SCALE ............................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT PLAN ............................................................................................................. 1
2.1 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT....................................................................................................................... 1
2.1.1 Green Building ........................................................................................................................................ 1
2.1.2 Compliance ............................................................................................................................................ 1
2.1.3 Staff Training .......................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1.4 Customer Satisfaction: ........................................................................................................................... 2
2.1.5 Customer Engagement ........................................................................................................................... 3
2.1.6 Health and Safety ................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2. SOCIAL / ECONOMICAL ................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2.1. Business Ethics ...................................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Community Support ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Fair trade .............................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1.4 Local Entrepreneurship ........................................................................................................................ 10
2.1.5 Local Employment ................................................................................................................................ 10
2.1.6 Worker Protection ............................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.6.1 Non-Exploitation: .............................................................................................................................. 11
2.3 CULTURAL HERITAGE .................................................................................................................................. 11
2.3.1 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.2 Historical Artefacts ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 Protection of historic sites ................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.4 Alliance to culture ................................................................................................................................ 13
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1 Resource Efficiency targets .................................................................................................................. 13
2.4.2 Harmful Substances and Chemical Usage ............................................................................................ 13
2.4.3 Waste Management and Recycling ..................................................................................................... 14
2.4.4 Sustainable Procurement ..................................................................................................................... 14
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2.4.4 Food and Beverage .............................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.6 Harmony with Nature .......................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.7 Biodiversity........................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.8 Landscaping .......................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4.9 Wildlife Management .......................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix A: Environmental Policy ........................................................................................................................ 17
Table of Figures
Figure 1.1 Facilities at the hotel .............................................................................................................................. 1 Figure 2.1 Moments Pyramid .................................................................................................................................. 3 Figure 2.0.2 TrustYou and TripAdvisor Logos ......................................................................................................... 3 Figure 2.3 Fire Safety Training ................................................................................................................................ 4 Figure 2.4 First Aid Training .................................................................................................................................... 4 Figure 2.5 2018 Interns and New Staff ................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 2.6 Donation at the Leprosarium ................................................................................................................. 7 Figure 2.7 Blood Donation Exercise ........................................................................................................................ 7 Figure 2.8 Kilo of Kindness Donation at “Chance for Children” .............................................................................. 8 Figure 2.9 “Chance for Children” at the Christmas ................................................................................................. 8 Figure 2.10 Business Olympics ................................................................................................................................ 9 Figure 2.11 World’s Powerful Girl ........................................................................................................................... 9 Figure 2.12 Career Day at Kinbu Senior High School ............................................................................................ 10 Figure 2.13 Organic Herb Garden ......................................................................................................................... 15 Figure 2.14 Ghana Wildlife Society Billboard ........................................................................................................ 16
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1.0 BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION
1.1 SIZE AND SCALE Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra is a five-star hotel in Accra, Ghana. It is located in the Central Business District of Accra, in close proximity with The Accra Financial Centre, World Trade Centre, International Conference Centre and Government Ministries. It occupies a green and well landscaped area of 16 acres (6.5 hectares).
Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel is only 7km (10 minutes) drive from the Kotoka International Airport. The land area occupied by the hotel has 3 components: a 260 room hotel, 10 floors of Retail shops and offices and 18 residential villa apartments.
Figure 1.1 Facilities at the hotel
The Sustainability Management Plan mainly covers the hotel component of the property, which has the following features:
52 Superior Twin 122 Superior King 29 Deluxe Room 8 Executive Twin 25 Executive King 15 Deluxe Suite 7 Executive Suite 1 Ambassador Suite 1 Presidential Suite 6 Food outlets; 1 1000m3 swimming pool
Other amenities Services offered by the Hotel include:
Five state-of-the-art meeting rooms and 2 pillarless Ballrooms with 30 – 750 guests capacity An executive lounge with private check-in and complimentary 24 hour access A fitness centre with 2 spa treatment rooms Laundry services A Business Centre Free Wi-Fi Internet access Airport shuttle services A 400m jogging track Disabled parking lot 2 Disabled guest rooms
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3 Disabled toilets in the Public Area
We generously share our sustainability actions and achievements and aim for continuous improvement.
Our Sustainability Management Plan is supported by our Environmental Policy (Appendix A), which will be reviewed annually.
1.2 OBJECTIVES Based on the recommendations of our Green globe audit in 2017, we have set the following objectives:
• Improve on energy consumption in the hotel by implementing recommendations of our Energy Audit by the Energy Efficiency Group in 2016;
• Monitor and maintain the efficiency of water management systems in the hotel to ensure optimisation ; • Develop an annual calendar for our Corporate Social Responsibility – SHINE activities; • Improve training methods and capacity building for management and staff; • Review our Carbon Emissions and Pollution Management Plan; • Include flood, earthquake and tsunami in our Disaster Management Plans; • Increase awareness and understanding of sustainability among our guests, employees, shareholders,
suppliers and community; • Achieve Green Globe recertification in 2018.
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2.0 SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT PLAN
Our Sustainability Management Plan encompasses 4 key areas:
• Sustainability Management; • Social / Economical; • Cultural Heritage; and • Environment.
2.1 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
2.1.1 Green Building The hotel building, plants and equipment meets all the attributes of a Green Building. The structure and the application of processes are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient i.e. from planning to design, construction, operation, maintenance and renovation. There has been cooperation among the contractor, the architects, the operating engineers and asset managers at all project stages. The green features of the hotel building complements the economy, utility, durability, and comfort concerns of classical building design. The hotel building has the following features, which gives it its green attributes:
• Walls and roof insulated against temperature leakages • Heat Recovery for the chillers; this maximizes chiller efficiency, and the ‘wasted’ heat from the
condenser is captured to preheat water that feeds the calorifiers to produces hot water for the guests. • Ninety-nine (99%) LED lights to reduce carbon footprints; • Boreholes and rain harvesting system to irrigate the hotel gardens; • Excess steam from steam boilers is used in fresh air de-humidifiers instead of electrical heaters; • Adiabatic cooling technology fitted to the chillers to reduce the atmospheric temperature around unit
to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions; • Power factor Correcting Units to improve the PF of the chillers to unity and optimize chiller energy
consumption to reduce consumption and carbon emissions; • Operate a Building Management System (BMS) and Chiller Plant Manager (CPM) to optimise chiller use,
conserve energy and improve on safety of HVAC, underground diesel tanks, water treatment plants, steam boilers, electric generators, electrical panels, UPS systems, lighting systems; and
• Fire detection, suppression, firefighting systems to monitor, prevent and deal effectively with fire outbreaks.
2.1.2 Compliance
The hotel complies with all the international and municipal laws pertaining to the industry. The hotel has a legal database, which is updated from time to time. The hotel has retainer lawyer and retainer labour consultant and lawyer, the hotel is a member of the Ghana Hotels Association and the hotel has a full time Hygienist with legal education (LLB Degree). All the above updates and advises the hotel on legal issues pertaining to the industry.
2.1.3 Staff Training Candidates at the employment stage are accessed to determine their qualification and suitability. The candidates are taken through a series of interviews with: line managers, Human Resources and the General Manager to test their qualification and suitability. They are also made to write psychometric tests to check if their personality and aptitude / cognitive abilities match those required to perform the role.
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Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel conducts training for team members on regular basis to enhance skills and improve on performance. The training calendar for Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel is planned every month as per the training needs assessment from departmental heads. There are also departmental trainings by the various heads of departments and supervisors. They usually spend between 15-30mins to conduct training sessions and discuss departmental issues on a daily basis. The Training Coordinator spot checks these trainings at least once a month to ensure that brand standards are adhered to.
Training can be categorised into brand mandatory, hotel specific or Green Globe Standard trainings. Managers and the training coordinators choose or schedule the trainings to meet training objectives or to address the challenges encountered in the operation or administration of the hotel. Experienced training facilitators are chosen to facilitate these trainings.
The brand mandatory trainings undertaken are grooming and personal hygiene, guest experience, quality standards, telephone etiquette, communication skills. Tailor made trainings undertaken are usually technical in nature to address emerging challenges. Green Globe training undertaken are Food Safety, Health and Safety, Environmental Management, Waste Management (Recycling, Reuse, Recovery and Responsible Disposal), Child Exploitation, and Hotel Interpretation; and staff welfare issues.
The staff attendance is monitored to ensure full attendance and participation, the staff performance is accessed through marked quizzes, by observation of staff during work and through interactions with staff. Trained employees who are identified not to be meeting training objectives are retrained and reassessed, and refresher trainings are given to all staff.
Staffs are encouraged to meet key performance indicators, which are appraised during annual and mid-year employee performance reviews. Employees are also able to give feedback in Employee Engagement Surveys EES about the quality of training provided and the treatment given to them by the hotel.
2.1.4 Customer Satisfaction: We provide authentic products and quality experiences that exceed our guests’ expectations. Quality forms an integral part of the Values and Strategic Objectives of our brand. We show passion in the delivery of our products and services, and continuously search for creative opportunities to improve our service delivery.
Quality Initiatives:
• Implementation of our guest experience Quality standards; • Ensure we create the ultimate atmosphere for a seamless guest experience; and • Maintain healthy business ethics among staff, management and business contacts.
Our brand standard is “we make moments” and this is based on the “moments pyramid” below:
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Figure 2.1 Moments Pyramid
2.1.5 Customer Engagement • We continuously measure and review quality through guest feedback e.g. mystery guest, Internal
Quality reports, TrustYou etc. o Through TrustYou, the hotel can proactively solicit guest feedback, make the right staff and
procedural adjustments, and attain operational excellence.
Figure 2.0.2 TrustYou and TripAdvisor Logos
2.1.6 Health and Safety The hotel complies with all established health and safety regulations required by law in Ghana, and ensures that both guest and staff protection instruments are in place. We will actively engage with all relevant authorities to ensure the hotel remains updated with all health and safety laws applicable to our scale of business.
Health & Safety Initiatives:
• Guest rooms have safe deposit boxes, double locks and admittance keys; • There are emergency phones on all floors; • Facilities are available for guests with disabilities; • Guest Room Emergency instruction complete with hotel layout; • Employee handbooks outlining their Health & Safety roles are provided to all employees; • Food Safety System is based on HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points); • Green Team exist to implement and operate Green Globe Standards in the hotel; • Health screening for all employees and yearly health screening for Food Handlers; • Emergency evacuation response training and drills for all staff; • Hotel crisis team to oversee affairs during emergencies and disasters; • Daily safety checks on guest floors by Duty Manager;
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• Provision of first aid stations at vantage locations in the hotel; • Trained first aiders to administer first aid; • In-house clinic and medical insurance policies for staff; • West African Rescue Association (WARA) to take care of guest health and safety emergencies; • Swimming pool marked with depth and stand-by life guard; • Provision of PPE for staff in all areas of the hotel to ensure their safety; • Emergency generator in case of power shut down; • Monthly water quality and Legionella spp tests; • Our fire systems are certified annually and it consists of fire protection (fire doors, dumpers between
rooms, suppression system in kitchen hood, anti-panic doors at the emergency exits), detection (smoke detectors), warning (alarms, sounders, strobes) and fighting system (manual and automatic extinguishers, sprinklers, fire blankets); and
• Controlling and monitoring of systems in the building is done by a Building Management System(BMS) and Chiller Management Systems;
Figure 2.3 Fire Safety Training
Figure 2.4 First Aid Training
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2.2. SOCIAL / ECONOMICAL We aim to partake in corporate social responsibility actions, support local entrepreneurs, promote hiring of local staff and assist in community development. We believe in fair trade, and have thus implemented a policy against commercial exploitation so as to promote equitable hiring, employee protection and to ensure that our business does not jeopardise the provision of basic services such as water, energy, or sanitation to neighbouring communities.
2.2.1. Business Ethics Our business ethics are moral principles that guide the way our business behaves. The same principles that determine an individual’s actions also apply to our business. Acting in an ethical way involves distinguishing between “right” and “wrong” and then making the “right” choice. Our business ethics is based on our core values and core behaviours in our moments pyramid’s values and core behaviours:
Our values are:
Quality
We are passionate about what we do. We continually strive to improve in order to achieve higher levels of excellence.
Reliability
We are accountable for our actions and deliver on our promises.
Care
We are devoted to nurturing genuine relationship with one another. We embrace our communities the environment, our partners and guests.
…with a personal touch
As a collection of unique individuals, we use our own professionalism, intuition and creativity to show our humanity and passion in our dealings with guest and colleagues alike
Our core behaviours are:
Trust
Operates with fairness and integrity, fostering an environment of transparency and sincerity through open and host communication and by honouring commitments
Relationship
We build and maintain strong connections with colleague and guests, valuing diversity in people and perspectives whilst overcoming potential obstacles to increase cooperation and collaboration.
Entrepreneurship
We fully understand the business and market context, identifying and seizing opportunities for continuous improvement and supporting change
Drive
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We are action-oriented, setting direction for self and others, clarifying goals and objectives and overcoming barriers and challenges in order to produce results.
2.2.2 Community Support We will actively work together with the community in order to contribute to their sustainable development. We will educate and encourage our employees to actively engage in the local society in line with our Global Sustainability Programme, SHINE. We will encourage our guests to support local produce and services. We will share best practice and partner with local organisations in social responsibility initiatives by openly sharing our training material with schools, universities and other businesses.
SHINE activities dates:
1. Accra Millennium Marathon – 22 March 2018 2. Citi FM Olympics - 23rd September 2017 3. Kilo of Kindness (Chance for Children Donation) – 4th October 2017 4. Blood Donation – 12 October 2017 5. Christmas Lighting / Dinner (Chance for Children) - 3 December 2017 6. Annual Internship Programme – started on 04 June 2018 for the next 3 months 7. Partnership Forum on 7 June 2018 between Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Ghana, and
University of Maryland, USA 8. World Environment Day multi-stakeholder panel discussion – 05 June 2018 9. Host of World’s Most Powerful Girl – 26 and 27 June 2018 10. Kinbu Senior High Technical School - (Career Day) – 29th June 2018 – In Process
Accra Millennium Marathon The hotel proudly sponsored the Millennium Marathon launch event in 2018 with a free venue. The marathon was aimed at promoting good health, tourism and trade in Ghana.
Annual Internship Programme Ten (10) interns have been selected and assigned to various departments in the hotel in our annual internship programme during their summer break. The internship programme allows students to develop their skills and gain industrial experience in preparation for their future roles.
Figure 2.5 2018 Interns and New Staff
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Donation to the Weija Leprosarium Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel donated some clothing to the Weija leprosarium near Accra as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility and obligation to the community. The items were received by Father Andrew Campbell, Chairman of the Lepers Aid Committee on behalf of the lepers. The Wieja leprosarium houses over 30 lepers and provides their daily needs.
Figure 2.6 Donation at the Leprosarium
Blood Donation Exercise Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel participated in a blood donation exercise to help save lives and support the Nation’s largest blood bank as part of our corporate social responsibility. Employees of the hotel stepped forward and donated 17 pints of blood to support this very worthy cause.
Figure 2.7 Blood Donation Exercise
Kilo of Kindness Generous guest and employees of Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel donated 330 kilos of kindness to the Chance for Children, a non-governmental organisation, as part of Mövenpick Hotel Resorts global charity drive. Items donated
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include; stationery, clothing and foodstuff. Chance for Children currently provides shelter, food, educational support for 150 underprivileged children.
Figure 2.8 Kilo of Kindness Donation at “Chance for Children”
Christmas Lighting/Dinner Every first Sunday of December the Hotel organises Christmas Tree Lighting for our cherished guests and their wards. Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel invited Chance for Children (a non-governmental charity organisation) to partake in the annual Christmas lighting activities. The kids from Chance for Children were served dinner by team members of the hotel including the HR Manager and the Executive Chef.
Figure 2.9 “Chance for Children” at the Christmas
City FM Business Olympic Games Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel participated in the recent City FM Business Olympic Games held in Accra to enhance employees’ wellbeing and networking activities. The event saw about 50 companies compete in different sporting disciplines for trophies and bragging rights.
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Figure 2.10 Business Olympics
World Environment Day The Hygienist represented the hotel celebrations marking the 2018 World Environment Day at the Australian High Commission Accra on 5 June 2018. The Australian High Commission, the US Embassy and USAID-funded West African Biodiversity and Climate Change (WABICC) Program hosted a multi-stakeholder panel discussion as part of this year’s World Environment Day celebration on the theme “Sustainable Strategies to Beat Ghana’s Plastic Pollution”.
Partnership Program Forum The Hygienist represented the hotel in a partnership forum between Technical Universities and Polytechnics in Ghana, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, USA on enhancing Technical Universities’ capacities for sustainable human capital formation and training systems for Ghana’s Hospitality and Tourism Industry on 7 June 2018 at the Accra City Hotel Accra. Hosting World’s Most Powerful Girl Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra proudly hosted Zuriel Elise Oduwole and her family during their visit to Ghana. The cost of accommodation and food was covered by the hotel during their two night stay. Zuriel Oduwole is the founder of “Dream Up Speak Up Stand Up” (DUSUSU). She is an education advocate, a film maker and best known for her works on the advocacy for the education of girls in Africa. Zuriel presented the 2018 DUSUSU awards for the African Gender Minister Category to Madam Otiko Afisah Djaba, Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection for her fight in girl education and gender equality. The ceremony took place on Tuesday 26th June 2018 at the compound of Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection. Two representatives from Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel were invited to witness and grace the occasion. The next day on 27 June 2018 Zuriel was hosted by the President of Ghana at the Presidency.
Figure 2.11 World’s Powerful Girl
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Career Day at Kinbu Senior High School The hotel will organised a career day at the Kinbu Senior High School to the students career guidance in the Hospitality and Catering Industry.
Figure 2.12 Career Day at Kinbu Senior High School
2.1.3 Fair Trade Fair trade is a social movement whose stated goal is to help producers in developing countries achieve better trading conditions. The hotel participates by buying fair-trade coffee. The hotel believes that farmer in the coffee industry must be given encourage to produce more to support their families.
2.1.4 Local Entrepreneurship We will also provide safe and fair working conditions for all employees and will only work with suppliers that meet national standard working conditions, at a minimum. The hotel has a policy of favouring certified suppliers or suppliers following best environmental and social practices (purchasing policy) and have anti bribery programmes. All of our suppliers have been asked to undersign such policies.
2.1.5 Local Employment The MH&R Code of Conduct states: To sustain our effort to become a sustainable employer we will:
• Continue to celebrate our diverse workforce and provide equal opportunities to learn, develop, and make promotions from within;
• About 97 of the workforce is local staff; • Improve employee engagement and job security; • Ensure fairness and transparency in terms of hiring and promotion as well as compensation and
benefits; and • Encourage communication and a sense of entrepreneurship.
Specific employer objectives:
• Establish MH&R as the preferred employer through excellence in talent management practices; • Provide a motivating and value-based work environment, living our values and core behaviours; • Embrace and celebrate diversity as part of our hire and promotion philosophy; and • Maximise employee engagement and satisfaction by sharing information frequently and openly.
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2.1.6 Worker Protection MH&R’s “Code of Conduct” states:
We believe in treating all people equally with the same level of respect and dignity regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual preference or origin. We support a work environment, which promotes diversity, trust, respect, and care. For this reason, no employee will ever be subject to verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological abuse. We are fully committed to providing equal opportunity in every aspect of employment and will not tolerate any discrimination and harassment.
2.1.6.1 Non-Exploitation: In accordance with Children’s Act, 1998 of Ghana (Act 560), we will not support the use of child labour. We have developed an Exploitation Policy in order to provide a strong local leadership and effective systems to tackle child sexual exploitation; raise awareness of exploitation among employees, guests and community; establish working practices that enable us safeguard the vulnerable and support victims; and establish a framework for a flow of intelligence and information to assist agencies to disrupt, arrest and prosecute offenders.
We have chosen to support “Chance for Children” an accredited non-governmental organisation (NGO) according to Ghanaian law and a non-profit organisation according to Swiss law. The organisation was founded in 1999 by Daniela Rüdisüli Sodjah and Amon Kotey, who both lead it until today together with Daniel Awuley Nartey. By now there are forty (40) Ghanaian and two (2) European employees working on accompanying the children into a self-dependent life with a promising perspective.
At the moment Chance for Children is supporting approximately 140 children and adolescents. So far more than 47 former street children have completed school as well as professional training with the support of CFC and are now living self-dependently.
“There are more than 90,000 street children in Accra. Roughly half of them are girls. Three-quarters of the street children originate from outside of Accra. They left their families in search of money and work. Five percent (5%) of the street children were already born on the streets. Forty-percent (40%) dropped out from school, sixty percent (60%) have never visited one. Street boys work mainly as carriers, waste pickers, shoe shine boys or car cleaners. Street girls often sell water, food and in some cases also their bodies” (Census on Street Children, 2011)
We will create awareness on the problem and promote the charity with the following actions.
• Add a screen message to show on the in-house TV’s highlighting the problem and the charity • Raise money through team events to donate to the charity • Donate goods to the drop in centre and encourage others to do the same • Inform and educate people on the problems and encourage them to donate time and or money • For further information on the work of Chance for Children and how you can help, please go to
www.chanceforchildren.org • On Sunday, December 3, 2017 the hotel hosted children from Chance for Children during our Christmas
lighting ceremony. The kids were served dinner and given gifts to take with them.
2.3 CULTURAL HERITAGE
2.3.1 Code of Conduct Mövenpick’s vision to be a preferred and most enjoyable, upscale hotel management company of Swiss origin for guests, employees and shareholders. In order to protect our global reputation as a reliable, quality-focused and caring organisation, we have developed Code of Conduct to help guide us all towards our vision based on our
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values, core behaviour and approach to business. We recognise that our continued success and reputation depends on each and every one of us.
Our Code of Conduct outlines a range of standards and behaviour which support our shared vision and values. We are committed to establish long lasting relationships with customers, with partners and the communities where we operate. We believe in trust, in growth, and a business model which is based on entrepreneurship and performance.
As a business, we commit to interact with our partners in line with the Code of Conduct. In line with our values and vision, we are committed to conducting our business in a sustainable way from an environmental, employer and social perspective. We believe in caring for the planet and making it a better place for future generations. We also believe that our collective actions do make a difference.
Our code of practice covers areas such as:
• Sustainable Business Practices • Discrimination and Harassment • Health and Safety • Fair Competition • Confidentiality • Proper Use and Protection of Company Assets • Accuracy of Reporting Company Information • Financial Gifts and Entertainment • Conflict of Interest • Government Personnel and Outside Payments • Steps for Reporting Breaches in Code of Conduct • Confirmation of Understanding the Code of Conduct
2.3.2 Historical Artefacts • Through the team building package, all departments visit tourist sites in various communities and other
hospitality businesses. • We respect the local cultures and historic locations and do not exploit the cultural intellectual property of
the local communities. We are committed to stop any illegal trading of historical or archaeological artefacts or objects. We will promote the local intellectual property and strive to add a local flavour to our properties by adding elements of local art, culture, and history in the design. We currently exhibit 1500 different pieces of local artwork throughout the hotel, each telling its own unique story. The 1500 pieces of local paintings and art work as part of its "Art Academy" which tells a story of local culture and customs (e.g. Kente in lobby, Horn blowers, Murals in Ball rooms, Adinkra symbols at the Executive club floor).
• Concierge trained on interpretation of local culture; also available in guest service directory in every guest room.
• Concierge, Front office staff trained on ‘dos and don’ts’ of Ghanaian culture"
2.3.3 Protection of historic sites • List of protected areas, Internal interpretation program brochure (including site's history) available at
concierge desk. No worries Ghana book and Ghana Map flyers at Concierge desk
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2.3.4 Alliance to culture • MH&R supports a responsible approach in our effort to make information on cultural, historic and
sensitive sites available to our guests. • We understand and actively seek to minimise the impact on built and natural environments caused by
increased visitor activity. In our communication to guests, we seek to educate them about local people’s cultural customs, norms, and beliefs as well as appropriate verbal and non-verbal behaviour in order to contribute to the overall appreciation of the site and local community pride.
• Information about our rich history is available at the Concierge. • Guest service directory in rooms gives information about the local traditions and culture. There are books
at Concierge (No Worries Ghana and Welcome to Ghana) which give information about Ghanaian customs and beliefs. Also now part of hotel's internal interpretation program. ‘Dos and don’ts’ of Ghanaian culture list available at concierge
2.4 ENVIRONMENTAL
We will actively reduce pollution, conserve resources and biodiversity.
2.4.1 Resource Efficiency targets We aim at utilizing resources more efficiently as a vital step in our quest for sustainability. This will in turn reduce the impact our business may have on neighbouring communities.
We seek to meet the following objectives:
• Set clear resource efficiency targets for water, waste, and energy: electricity, diesel and LPG, and continuously measure the progress: Implement our energy reduction plan with the target of 5% reduction, on average, throughout the
year measured against the base year 2017; and Implement a water efficiency plan with the target of 5% reduction, on average, throughout the year
measured against the base year 2017; • Promote and develop the use of sustainable resources and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions; • Reduce our total waste generated by 3% by close of 2018, measured against the base year 2016; and • Increase our Waste Diversion rate by 5% by close of 2018 by introducing new recycling streams, measured
against the base year 2017.
2.4.2 Harmful Substances and Chemical Usage We aim at totally phasing out chemicals which may be harmful to the environment. We will promote the purchase and use of eco-labelled chemical products and insist on suppliers who have clearance from the EPA. We will measure chemical usage throughout the company in partnership with our suppliers and continuously strive to reduce the amount of chemicals used.
As part of our Chemical Usage Policy, all chemicals are to have clear dosing instructions furnished in the Product Information Sheet (PIS) and accompanied by a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), which will be transparently displayed wherever chemicals are used. We will also ensure that all chemicals are labelled on the property for easy identification. Where the MSDS sheet of a chemical specifies the need for a particular Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), it will be provided in a PPE box sited near the storage location of the chemicals.
The hotel has a Chemical Management Plan to guide on storage of incompatible chemicals and promote their safe use. No pesticides are kept on the premises of the hotel.
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Chemicals that are identified to be hazardous are responsibly discarded by our waste contractors, Jekora Ventures Limited. Spill containment measures have been installed in our chemical storage rooms to accommodate chemical spills.
2.4.3 Waste Management and Recycling In order to obtain a truer reflection of our waste generated and to facilitate benchmarking, average weights of the waste generated in each category in the hotel is entered onto a database. The waste diversion for the hotel for the past three years is 38.45% in 2017, 25.2% in 2016, and 23.3% in 2015.
To promote segregation of waste by staff, refresher training on the importance of recycling was organised for staff and our waste management targets for 2018 were communicated during the training session.
2.4.4 Sustainable Procurement All new and existing suppliers are invited to sign our Sustainability Purchasing Policy which is renewed annually. As planned last year, visits were made to the premises of selected suppliers to verify their compliance to sustainability.
We will only buy from suppliers who comply with our anti-bribery policy. We will give preference to locally produced goods and services and purchase from suppliers within 160km distance from our premises where applicable. We will also give preference to eco-certified suppliers.
2.4.4 Food and Beverage We will continue to feature vegan, vegetarian and “Go healthy” meals in our menu. Guests are notified about allergen-containing foods in our menu.
Our menus detail the calorie and cholesterol content of selected food items, and half-portions. Our herb garden supplies us with fresh herbs (parsley, mint, lemon grass) to supplement what is locally procured. To celebrate culinary diversity, we provide international buffets during the week and African Theme Night on Friday.
We opt for filleted fish as a waste reduction measure and do not serve dishes from any endangered species named in the IUCN red list and WWF Sassi. To ensure no endangered species is purchased, our Purchasing Team and Executive Chef refer to the following websites:
1. http://www.iucnredlist.org/search 2. http://wwfsassi.co.za/sassi-list/
Food generated in our outlets is utilised in a food compost program via our waste contractor, Jekora Ventures Limited.
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Figure 2.13 Organic Herb Garden
2.4.6 Harmony with Nature We recognise the respect for nature as an important tool in the success of our business. We therefore aim to reflect this harmony in all our current and future infrastructural developments.
2.4.7 Biodiversity While acknowledging the very origins of our brand name, Mӧvenpick – seagull (möwe in German) and its feeding action (pick) in our work. Thus we will not only conserve nature, but actively improve biodiversity in our neighbourhoods by:
• Promoting the use of wood from sustainably managed forests (FSC) in all products and construction; • Avoiding the display or sale of souvenirs produced from endangered plant and animal species; • Supporting local biodiversity and conservation efforts; and • Interacting with our guests to raise their awareness of these issues, by informing them of the local
challenges and opportunities and encouraging them to contribute to positively.
2.4.8 Landscaping We recognise the importance of landscaping in harmony with nature in new developments and prioritise the use of indigenous plants. We do not use invasive alien species in gardening or landscaping.
We also employ biologically friendly options such as cow dung in place of artificial fertilizers. A list of all plants in the hotel has been compiled and cross-checked with the IUCN red list.
2.4.9 Wildlife Management As proof of our commitment to Wildlife Management, we have renewed our corporate partnership with the Ghana Wildlife Society (GWS), to ensure that our business does not negatively impact wildlife or plants on our property’s site or surrounding area, notably those cited on the IUCN Red list. Our conservation education billboard has been rebranded as per our partnership agreement with the Ghana Wildlife Society this year. The hotel participated in activities marking the World Environment Day organised by the Australian High Commission - Ghana, American Embassy – Ghana and The Ghana Wildlife Society under theme “Strategies to Beat Ghana’s Plastic Pollution”.
An annual membership fee of 5000ghc has been paid to the Ghana Wildlife society which will be used to support wildlife educational programs and its conservation activities throughout the year.
16 Version: 007 Update: 20.06.2018
Figure 2.14 Ghana Wildlife Society Billboard
17 Version: 007 Update: 20.06.2018
Appendix A: Environmental Policy
At Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra, we are committed to implementing green hotel policies to increase profitability; safeguard public health and safety; and promote environmental protection. We recognise the potential impact of our operations on the environment and strive to minimise any detrimental effects that may occur as a result of our business. By working together we will contribute to preserve the environment and ensure environmental issues remain a focal point of our attention.
Our commitment will ensure:
• We promote continuous improvement of our procedures and programmes to prevent environmental
pollution due to solid and liquid waste generation; and energy: electricity, diesel, LPG consumption; and
water consumption;
• All our activities will comply with the relevant local and international environmental legislations and
standards;
• We review all relevant local and international environmental legislations and standards monthly to be
abreast with the latest Regulations;
• We monitor and record our environmental performance: solid and liquid waste generation; energy:
electricity, diesel, LPG consumption; and water consumption;
• Our established environmental purchasing policy leads to minimum environmental impacts;
• We continuously encourage our suppliers to implement environmentally sustainable practices;
• We provide our employees with the necessary environmental training and resources required to
implement and achieve the environmental objectives;
• We are implementing the necessary activities to reduce our 2018 energy consumption by 5%, measured
against the base year 2017 and water consumption by 5% measured against the base year 2017;
• We maintain activities to reduce, reuse, recycle and recover waste and increase our waste diversions rate
by 5% and reduction rate by 3% measured against the base year 2017;
• We give priority to employing locally;
• We give preference to services and products of Ghanaian origin;
• We support community environmental and sustainability training initiatives in line with our Global
sustainability programme “Shine”; and
• Our Environmental Policy is documented, implemented, and annually reviewed.
