First Green Key awarded establishments in Colombia

Four NH hotels located in Colombia’s capital city, Bogota, have just been awarded the Green Key.

Green Key is proud to add NH Collection Bogota Royal Teleport, NH Collection Royal Andino, NH Collection Royal Hacienda and NH Collection Royal WTC to the list of Green Key awarded establishments. The four hotels confirmed their commitment to sustainable development by complying with Green Key criteria and implementing various initiatives and policies to save energy/water and reduce food waste while contributing to local communities.

Regarding energy and water savings, the establishments invite their guests to forego that sheets and towels are washed daily. The money saved thanks to this initiative is donated to the Amiguito Royal Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting nutrition and development for children. This Foundation also receives items that are no longer used by the hotels.

NH Collection Royal WTC Bogota

NH Collection Royal WTC Bogota

NH Collection Royal Teleport

NH Collection Royal Hacienda

In the restaurants of the hotels, organic, seasonal, local and fair trade products are highlighted on the menu as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. Hotels are also active on avoiding food waste by collecting and composting the waste. They also encourage guests to carry away food and the hotels provide environmentally friendly carton containers for the purpose.

When the streets and avenues of Bogota are closed to encourage sport and use of alternative and sustainable means of transport, the hotels support these initiatives by informing the guests about public transports, sites of bicycle rental or agencies offering walk in nature. In this way, the staff also provides information about the city’s safe routes or bikes path to travel.

Green Key is delighted to see the growth in South America and more and more establishments worldwide committed to reducing the environmental impact while raising awareness amongst guests about sustainable initiatives.

Ramada by Wyndham Amsterdam Airport Schipol awarded Green Key for the first time

Thanks to this award, Ramada Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the first hotel of the German HR Group with Green Key certification in the Netherlands.

On the photo: GM Jan Nieuwenhuis (right), Facility Manager Thomasz Chjecki (middle) and Erik van Dijk (left).

Erik van Dijk, Green Key national operator in The Netherlands overhanded the Green Key certification.

We are very happy with this", says Jan Nieuwenhuis, GM of the hotel. "The policy of HR Group is to have all the hotels certified with Green Key. Our building is 27 years old, it was a challenge to meet the Green Key criteria.

The Responsible Facility Manager, Tomasz Chojecki, is proud that he and his Green Team reached this result. It was a big and successful challenge for this 27 years old building to comply with the Green Key criteria. The hotel staff is still working toward the improvement of the hotel’s eco-friendly technical facilities.

“Hard work with our team, special on the technical demands of Green Key" he explained at the small certification ceremony in the hotel lobby. "I want to thank all my colleagues for their work. We have still challenges on sustainability in future, with Green Key as our guide we know what to do.

Green Key International featured in the UNWTO Affiliate Members newsletter

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has recently released its November Affiliate Members newsletter, featuring Green Key International at the side of others tourism-related organisations.

The UNWTO, the United Nations agency charged with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, is the leading international organisation in the field of tourism. Its November newsletter highlights Green Key as one of the few international labels in the hospitality industry managed by one of the UNWTO affiliate members, the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).

The Green Key programme guides tourism establishments in doing their part in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN member states in 2015. Worldwide, our network engages in acts of awareness-raising about environmental management and sustainability education related to the SDGs. Moreover, Green Key is involved in UNWTO’s Affiliate Member working group on SDGs support on behalf of FEE.

This September, Green Key also signed the International Tourism Plastic Pledge at the sides of over 100 companies and organisations from the tourism sector to reduce plastic pollution at holiday destinations worldwide. The International Tourism Plastics Pledge is a reflection of the readiness and commitment of tourism stakeholders to take action in the fight against plastic pollution. The joint ambition of its signatories to come to a concrete roadmap with tangible goals and a monitoring system will be taking place within the framework of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, led by UNWTO and UN Environment and in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

You can have access to the UNWTO Affiliate Member newsletter here.

A document describing Green Key’s overall contribution to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals can be downloaded here.

At Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort, a new smart electricity system saves energy

Green Key-awarded Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic re-opened its doors one year ago after a thorough renovation, including the installation of the latest technologies.

Since air-conditioning and lighting are main sources of electricity consumption in the resort, LED has been installed all over the establishment as the source of lighting during the renovation. Moreover, a smart presence sensor system controls the lighting and the air-conditioning in the guest rooms shutting off all lights and returning to a pre-set comfort temperature of the air-conditioning system when finding the room empty. The sensors replace the key card and register presence when guests are entering the room. When registering presence, all lights that were on upon de client leaving the room turn back on automatically. The sensors also register when guests are opening the balcony door and the air-conditioning is turned off to avoid waste of energy and condensation. 

“With a location in a tropical area, the use of the computer controlled smart sensor systems and LED lighting have meant a reduction in the electricity consumption of the establishment contributing to a lower environmental footprint. The system is at the same time easing the work of the staff at the establishment without compromising the comfort of the guests. This is a true win-win situation for the establishment, our clients’ comfort and for the planet.” Cyntia de Cayón, Resident Director at Grand Sirenis Punta Cana Resort

NH Hotel Group and Green Key collaboration for environmental education in Mexico

The collaboration started in January has led to a new initiative in Mexican establishments to raise guests’ awareness among their carbon footprint.

As part of the work towards environmental information to guests, a joint production of cards with environmental information has been launched between NH Hotel Group and Green Key in Mexico. This initiative aims to generate a positive change in both guests and staff in the first two NH hotels awarded Green Key in Mexico City. Indeed, NH and Green Key collaboration in Mexico focuses on environmental information to guests, one of the 13 criteria areas to comply with to achieve the Green Key award.

Through the joint production of these informative cards, Green Key supports the first Spanish hotel chain’s ambitious sustainability goals. Green Key in Mexico also takes part to the implementation and spreading of eco-friendly practices in Mexican establishments since more NH hotels are underway in the country.

Recently, NH Hotel Group announced to have approved long term goals by the Science Based Targets Initiative, meaning that these goals are reviewed by a scientific committee and are meaningful for the planet.  This target set goals to reduce its carbon emission by 20% by 2030 based on 2018 as based-year on all supply chain activities in order to avoid the emission of over 70,000 tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

As part of its work with sustainability, NH Hotel Group also prioritizes innovation to develop eco-friendly solutions regarding energy, water, responsible suppliers, carbon footprint and climate change. With 46 Green Key awarded NH hotels worldwide, Green Key also supports this large scale transformation involving the entire hotel chain.

Marriott Hotel saves water and energy by bringing laundry in-house

The London Heathrow Marriott saved 1.7 million litres water per year by opting for an on-site laundry

Hospitality establishments have to deal with dirty laundry every day. 76% of them hand it over to expensive outsourced laundry business where laundry doesn’t always come back as clean as they would like. Moreover, an off-premise laundry emits carbon emissions from both washing operation and transport. That is why bringing laundry in-house could have multiple wins for both the establishments and the guests.

The London Heathrow Marriott has seen a return on investment within 8 months after installing a Hydrofinity washing machine in-house. The latter uses up to 80% less water, 50% less energy and 50% less chemistry than a conventional machine. By bringing laundry in-house, the hotel reduced its outsource costs, energy and water bills such as generated long-term savings in under one year. The 1.7 million litres of water saved would be enough to refill a reusable water bottle for 3.4 million Heathrow passengers every single year!

An on-premise laundry has several benefits that could push establishments to choose it instead of off-premise laundry. First of all, it can be quicker and easier, which also means more efficient. Investing in commercial laundry equipment permits to avoid breakdowns and downtimes of the domestic ones, just as reducing running and maintenance costs. Furthermore, it just requires a space with an access to services and plumbing so in the end would probably take up less rooms than expected. 

The London Heathrow Marriott commitment to sustainability also goes through two electric car charging stations, rooftop solar panels and reusable glass water bottles in-room and meeting room. The hotel’s practices are based on performance, guest satisfaction and sustainability.

Source: https://www.hydrofinity.com/blog/roi-8-months

New global Responsible Business training programme for Radisson Hotel Group

Since the launch of its first environmental policy in 1989, Green Key partner Radisson Hotel Group never stopped paying attention to its commitment to sustainable development

Known as “Living and Leading Responsible Business”, the new Responsible Business training programme is set to be rolled out worldwide over the next 16 months. First launched in 2001, the existing Responsible Business training programme has been revamped by a global and cross-departmental team as part of a five-year strategic plan.

The new global Responsible Business training programme provides team members in the near 100 countries where the group operates with the tools they need to drive standards and best practices. Training pilots have been completed to identify how the programme can help driving Responsible Business in every hotel and corporate offices. Moreover, all the participants have the opportunity to know how to put it into practice since the programme is available in 21 languages. Radisson Hotel Group aims to have trained its 1 100+ hotels in operation by the end of 2020.

Our responsibility for People, Community and Planet is borderless, so global alignment on our Responsible Business program is a key driver for Radisson Hotel Group. The new Responsible Business training program aims to engage and align all our team members – helping them to have a stronger impact on our group targets, as well as global efforts to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development goals.”

- Sven Wiltink, Director Responsible Business EMEA and Training Project Lead

This new strategy consists of two pillars: Living Responsible Business and Leading Responsible Business. On the one hand, all hotel team members are invited to follow classroom training. The latter deals with ethics, diversity, inclusion, community support, footprint reduction and sorting waste. More sensitive topics can also be evocated such as sex trafficking and forced labour. On the other hand, an e-learning tool permits group and hotel leaders to discover how Responsible Business can be integrated into all company departments. This part of the programme deals with footprint reduction, youth employability, responsible recruitment and sourcing, such as human rights.

This new Responsible Business training programme is such an inspiring strategy for hospitality establishments which want to be part of a more responsible and sustainable industry.

Radisson Blu Resort Jizan’s responsible initiatives to empower its local community

Radisson Blu Resort Jizan, Saudi Arabia, hosted a charity dinner for orphans during Ramadan last May

On May 29th, Radisson Blu Resorts Jizan hosted a charity Iftar dinner (the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan), welcoming 3 to 14 years old children for this event. The hotel management team joined the kids to share dinner buffet at the hotel’s restaurant after their arrival. This commitment to sharing joy and happiness during the holy month of Ramadan went on later in the evening, when the Hotel Manager, Khaled Alam, handed out gifts to the children. Moreover, a cartoon movie show was also organised after dinner.

Jizan orphanage dinner is part of Radisson’s responsible business activity strategy and its “Think community” pillar. Radisson strives to have a positive impact on its local community through initiatives such as Community Action Month or donations during times of crisis. The latter permits the collecting of clothes, furniture and serving food to the communities affected by the crisis. Thus, Radisson Hotels work to reduce food waste and increase recycling to have both global and local impacts.

The brand is committed to reducing the tourism industry’s negative impact on the environment thanks to environmentally friendly technology, thoughtful sourcing of products and responsible cleaning products. It also supports the involvement of the guests in towel reuse programme to reduce water consumption.

Radisson Hotel Group reported 32 000 volunteering hours in 2018 to benefit local charities around the world. It supports and partners with charitable organizations focusing on giving children food, shelter and a better future. Think community and environmental protection are definitely at the heart of Radisson Responsible business activity!

Green Key enters collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Green Key to support the world’s largest hotel franchising company’s sustainability efforts across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa

Green Key, the world’s leading eco-label for the hospitality and travel sector, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts – the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 9,200 hotels in more than 80 countries – today entered a new collaboration, which will see Green Key help Wyndham’s hotels in Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA) improve sustainability and environmental performance, working towards the prestigious Green Key Award.

Based on compliance with a strict set of criteria that include environmental management, environmental awareness raising and social responsibility, Green Key’s criteria for hotels are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The collaboration will support Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ continued sustainability efforts in the EMEA region, including initiatives to preserve natural resources, solutions to mitigate the impact on climate change through linen and towel reuse programmes, energy efficient lighting, recycling and water conservation. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also exploring long-term sustainability targets in alignment with the latest climate science including the encouragement of renewable energy where feasible.

Green Key’s application, audit and award process is standardised with a third-party verification of the award, a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism industry. Wyndham hotels in the EMEA region will work closely with Green Key in a bid to join the eco-label’s 3,100 awarded establishments in almost 60 countries around the world.

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, said: “We are extremely proud to be an official cooperation partner of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Company’s commitment to sustainability strongly match Green Key’s expertise and we look forward to supporting its broad range of hotels in EMEA in further advancing their efforts.”

Edwin Broers, Vice President Central Operations Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, added: “Sustainability and environmental performance are crucial for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,  and we are committed to providing our guests with places to stay that are socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible. Many of our hotels across the EMEA region are engaged in a broad range of sustainability initiatives, and we look forward to continuing this work in cooperation with Green Key.” 

For more information, please contact:

Finn Bolding Thomsen, Green Key International Director, e-mail finn@fee.global and phone +45 61248082

About Green Key

Green Key is the world’s leading eco-label for hotels and other tourism facilities with more than 3,100 awarded establishments in almost 60 countries around the world. The Green Key award is based on compliance with a strict set of criteria that include environmental management, environmental awareness raising and social responsibility. Green Key’s criteria for hotels and hostels are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). Green Key’s application, audit and award process is standardised with a third-party verification of the award.

 About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 80 countries on six continents. Through its network of approximately 817,000 rooms appealing to the everyday traveller, Wyndham commands a leading presence in the economy and midscale segments of the lodging industry. The Company operates a portfolio of 20 hotel brands, including Super 8®, Days Inn®, Ramada®, Ramada Encore®, TRYP by Wyndham, Hawthorn Suites®, Trademark Collection®, Wyndham® and more. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is also a leading provider of hotel management services, with more than 400 properties under management. The Company’s award-winning Wyndham Rewards® loyalty programme offers over 77 million enrolled members the opportunity to redeem points at tens of thousands of hotels, vacation club resorts and vacation rentals globally. For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.