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UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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Examples of Good Practice
The Taj Group of Hotels, India, has developed an in-house environment ‘train the
trainers’ programme. Department heads and all senior-level staff are trained for
two days on conducting environment awareness, resource consumption, waste
reduction and environment performance monitoring classes for all staff in their
respective units. Resource consumption training includes water and energy
auditing procedures, cost-benefit analysis, benchmarking against international
standards, energy and water conservation strategies, and building employee
awareness on water and energy conservation. Training in waste reduction is
based on the ‘3 Rs’ – reduce, reuse, and recycle. The rationale of this programme
is that increased environment awareness will raise commitment, enthusiasm,
and participation in the EMS.
Senior staff are encouraged to attend the environment leadership-training
programme conducted by the Indian Institute of Hotel Management.
The EcoTaj Environment Information Centre in Bangalore, India, has an EMS
and conservation library and resource centre for the use of all employees. An
in-house environment magazine is circulated to all units and employees.
All new employees undergo an environment-training programme as part of their
induction.
COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCE TO GUESTS
There is little point in implementing an excellent environment action plan if clients
are not told about it. Guest communication is critical to optimise the business
benefits of the EMS.
The preliminary environment status review provides initial insight into the
environment awareness and demands of clients. If a business works with travel
agents and tour operators who have environment policies, and if competitors have
begun to work on EMS, it is likely that visitors will be receptive to environmentally
responsible services. But even when environment action is not widespread, a
business can enhance its corporate image by becoming a pioneer in environment
action.
Suggestions for Environment Communication Methods
• Hang a framed copy of the environment policy statement in reception;
• Include the environment policy and information about the on-going
environment management programme in brochures, guest information
packages, and on the in-house television channel;
• Place tent cards suggesting guests use towels and linen for longer;
• Tell guests about the importance of saving water and energy, and
reducing wastes;
• Provide information on local environment issues;
• Invite guests to participate in local conservation efforts;
• Suggest how guests might participate in maintaining and improving
environment quality, both during their stay and when they get home.