28 March 2008

Best Western takes on green initiative

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 WesternÃ¢â¬â¢s membership services director Keith Pope said: Ã¢â¬ÅâœOur members wish to be at the forefront of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the hotels and leisure industry.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœJoining 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.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWe 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.Ã¢â¬~

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: Ã¢â¬ÅâœSome businesses have realised there is money to be made by jumping on the green bandwagon.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœUnfortunately 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.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœIt 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.Ã¢â¬~

He added: Ã¢â¬ÅâœBusinesses can see real savings on water and energy sometimes just by implementing a few simple measures,Ã¢â¬~ said Ms Nicholas.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœDepending on the size of the business there can be mammoth savings. WeÃ¢â¬â¢re delighted to welcome Best Western having saved millions of pounds for hotel chains in the past.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœWith some accreditation schemes you just fill in a form and your award comes back by return - thatÃ¢â¬â¢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 adviceÃ¢â¬~.

by Phil Davies