Online version: PDF - DTIE

120
UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Good Practice Tip
A business should never indulge in ‘green-wash’ or false environment claims.
Care must be taken not to blow achievements out of proportion. If the business
has a major environment impact, it is best not to draw attention to it
before rectifying action is in place. There are many groups interested in the
environment performance of businesses, including environment groups, nongovernment
organisations, regulators, and competitors. While transparency is
important, false green claims are always found out: this can seriously damage
the reputation and credibility of the business.
Examples of Good Practice
The Hotel Inter-Continental, Sydney, Australia, organises regular service
information sessions for corporate clients, to inform them of new packages and
services available. Information on environment performance is always included
in these sessions.
The Royal Castle Hotel in Dartmouth, Devonshire, UK, actively discourages
guests from using their cars while on holiday. Vehicles are parked free of charge
on arrival, and guests are provided with a wide choice of activities that can be
done by bicycle, in group tours, on foot or by public transport. Guests arriving by
public transport are picked up free of charge. An information leaflet, ‘20 Things
To Do Without Your Car in Dartmouth and Devonshire’, is included in the guest
brochure. A tent card outlining the Royal Castle’s environment commitment, and
the in-house environment newsletter ‘Green Matters’ are placed in rooms.
The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, Sarawak, East Malaysia, informs guests
about its eco-friendly practices through formal presentations and informal
chats. As a further incentive to adopt environmentally-friendly habits, the
Housekeeping Department places a thank-you note in rooms whenever guests
reuse their towels. Guests who write to the resort commenting on environment
practices or giving suggestions are always acknowledged.
S
E
C
T
I
O
N
2
Examples of Good Practice
Communicating Environmental Performance
An important spin-off from EMS is environment improvement not just within the
business, but also in the surrounding neighbourhood and community. Consider
the following examples:
The Hotel Inter-Continental Sydney, Australia, cooperates in conducting
environment training and networking programmes with:
• The Green Jobs Unit of the State Department of Employment, Education
and Training;
• The University of New South Wales;
• Hotel schools in Sydney;
• The Taronga Zoo;
• Other hotels in Australia and overseas.