HICAP reveals its stars of sustainability

Burba Hotel Network, Horwath HTL, and Stiles Capital Events, co-hosts and organisers of the annual Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), have announced the winners for the HICAP 2012 Sustainable Hotel Awards.

The 23rd annual HICAP will be held October 10-12, at the InterContinental Hong Kong.

Winners of the HICAP 2012 Sustainable Hotel Awards are:

Sustainable Project Design – Jetwing Vil Uyana
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Judges’ Verdict: Twenty-seven luxurious dwellings are integrated into a wetland reserve in an area of just three acres despite the property spanning 24 acres.

Two years prior to hotel construction were spent solely on the creation of the private nature reserve on neglected slash and burn agricultural land, which now comprises a wetland ecosystem with lakes, reed beds and forest.

Only indigenous plants were utilised and grown naturally, including butterfly and bird attracting flora to enhance species richness.

Sustainable Operations – Radisson Blu Resort Temply Bay
Mamallapuram, Tamil Naidu, India

Judges’ Verdict: Spread over 44 acres on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay offers a high quality resort experience operated under a system designed for and committed to responsible and sustainable business principles.

Key components to the system are an array of energy, water and waste management practices – including recycling, heat recovery, equipment/fixture specification and purchasing criteria – which have produced significant and continuing reductions in consumption and wastage, balanced with increases in efficiency and reuse.

Sustainable Destinations – Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa
Chiang Rai, Thailand

Judges’ Verdict: When refurbishing the Anantara’s pre-existing buildings, recycled wood and locally sourced materials were used as part of a design scheme highlighting the area’s distinctive hill-tribe and Buddhist cultures.

Enforcement of non-hunting and fishing regulations covering the 400-acre property gave native species a rare haven in the local environment. Tree planting schemes and international standard wastewater treatment were implemented to further ensure environmental integrity.

The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation was created with the purpose of helping elephants subjected to abuse and other harsh circumstances. Thirty rescued elephants are now thriving at the resort, along with their mahout caregivers and their families who are provided with practical and ethical work.

Sustainable Communities – Song Saa Private Island
Koh Rong Archipelago, Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Judges’ Verdict: Song Saa’s business model is based on successfully delivering and maximising a triple bottom line covering "People, Planet and Profits".

A comprehensive programme of conservation and community engagement is a fundamental part of this approach, a cornerstone of which is the establishment of organic food/produce production in the local village, which Song Saa purchases, generating a steady income base.

A local youth programme combines organised recreational activities with environmental education, including lessons in solid waste management and soil husbandry.

A Song Saa funded solid waste management system for the local village has further illustrated the benefits by improving health conditions and aesthetics.