Best Western takes on green initiative - TravelMole


Best Western takes on green initiative

Friday, 28 Mar, 2008 0

Hotels under the Best Western umbrella in the UK are to be encouraged to improve carbon footprints, cut energy waste and promote sustainability.

The consortium of 280 owned and managed hotels is endorsing the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a leading green business accreditation initiative.

GTBS helps identify financial savings through minimising waste, buying local produce, and using both water and energy more efficiently.

As well as ensuring any new Best Western members measure up to 150 measures of best practice, the two companies have also joined forces to create a scheme to encourage continual improvements.

Best Western’s membership services director Keith Pope said: “Our members wish to be at the forefront of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the hotels and leisure industry.

“Joining Green Tourism allows us to demonstrate to our major corporate customers that our members are committed to providing a service that we know their customers require.

“We are developing a website linked with Green Tourism which will include the carbon footprint results of our members as part of the quality index. This will enable all members to see and compare their performance as a benchmarking exercise with other members.”

GTBS gives Bronze, Silver and Gold awards with points awarded for a range of measures such as installing efficient lighting and heating, nature conservation, use of renewable energy, buying local produce and community involvement.

Spokeswoman Andrea Nicholas said: “Some businesses have realised there is money to be made by jumping on the green bandwagon.

“Unfortunately green washing has also devalued the claims made by bona fide individuals and organisations that have made genuine changes to their business, making it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“It is important for them and the consumer that the GTBS, established 10 years ago, provides a trustworthy green choice in which consumers can feel confident.”

He added: “Businesses can see real savings on water and energy sometimes just by implementing a few simple measures,” said Ms Nicholas.

“Depending on the size of the business there can be mammoth savings. We’re delighted to welcome Best Western having saved millions of pounds for hotel chains in the past.

“With some accreditation schemes you just fill in a form and your award comes back by return – that’s not credible. We send out a qualified independent assessor initially every two years to carry out a full environmental check to make sure standards are kept and provide ongoing support and advice”.

by Phil Davies



 

profileimage

Phil Davies



Most Read

Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago

Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research

Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact

Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference

Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role

Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal

Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination

Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness

Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future

Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua

San Antonio on the Rise: David Gonzalez Talks Travel, Culture, and Growth

Anna Marie Presutti on San Francisco’s Tourism Revival and Global Outlook
TRAINING & COMPETITION
Skip to toolbar