Implementing Green Practices in Hotel AVANI: Benefits of ISO 14001 and EMAS

This article discusses the implementation of green practices in the Hotel AVANI and the benefits of implementing environmental safety certifications such as ISO14001 and EMAS. It explores the impact of hotels on the environment and provides suggestions for hoteliers to improve environmental impacts management.

Running head: HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 1
Hotel and Hospitality Management
Name
Institution
Date

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 2
Hotel and Hospitality Management
The increased demand on the supply of energy increased challenges in solid waste
management and water, air and soil pollution are among the many adverse environmental
effects in the hospitality industry (Mbasera, Du Plessis, Saayman & Kruger, 2016).
Considering these effects, it’s quite hard to be certain regarding the long-term implications of
these effects, especially those associated with climate change around the globe (Rogerson &
Sims, 2012). This necessitates the need for the implementation of green practices in the hotel
and hospitality industry and the development of accommodation that is free from carbon at
various destinations (Mbasera et al., 2016). Accommodation is one of the most important
segments in the hospitality industry (Ottenbacher, Harrington & Parsa, 2009). Hotels are
characterized by several activities that have significant effects on the global resources. The
effects of hotels on the environment contribute to the challenges which are known across the
globe, with the primary one being climate change (Bohdanowicz, Zientara & Novotna, 2011).
The activities in hotels release substantial greenhouse gases which are released into the
atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide and chlorofluorocarbons. According to research by
Han, Hsu and Sheu (2010), most of the commercial buildings, including restaurants, have the
greatest adverse effects on the environment. The approximations have shown that a hotel can
release between 160 kg and 200 kg of carbon gas in each square meter of the floor of a room
every year and the rate of water consumption per head per night is also high. It is with this
regard that hotels are urged to adopt green practices to minimise the adverse effects to the
environment. The main aim of this study is to explore the implementation of green practices
in the Hotel AVANI and discuss the benefits of implementing environmental safety
certifications such as ISO14001 and EMAS.

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 3
Literature Review
The sustainability debate has been on the rise and the relationship between
environment and tourism has been the central focus and regarded as a high priority topic. The
environmental and social impact of tourism has emerged as a topic of discussion since the
Rio Earth Summit of 1992 (Graci, 2009). The rapid deterioration of natural resources around
the globe fuelled the concession among leaders from across the world that sustainable
development should be the primary focus of businesses and governments. Vast literature has
shown that in various parts around the globe, sewage and waste materials associated with
accommodation are discharged directly into rivers, seas and lakes without any form of
treatment, hence, creating adverse health risks and awful environment (Timothy & Teye,
2009). As part of tourism, the hospitality industry is to blame on the ecological deterioration,
although its impact has not been more intense than those of the automobiles, cruise ships and
airlines (Timothy & Teye, 2009). However, it is imperative to note that the increased
challenge of solid waste has become an extra environmental impact of the operations of
hotels. It is, therefore, essential for hotels to act with regard to effects of hotels on the
environment as this will demonstrate a good ecological stewardship. This can be achieved by
implementing green practices in every business operations in all sectors.
Hotels, which act as the primary providers for accommodation services, play a crucial
role in the hotel industry and their operations impose substantial ecological and economical
effects on the environment. Considering the fact that hotels impose negative effects to the
environment, it is crucial for hotel managers to take action that would help in mitigating such
impact on the environment. Some studies have emphasized on the measures that hotel
management can take in order to effectively tackle the issues that arise from their business
operations (Hsieh, 2012, Timothy & Yeye, 2009).

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 4
Green Practices in Hotel AVANI
Hotel AVANI is known for its contributions to the community in many ways. AVANI
provides support to the community by awarding scholarships to students through the
Heinecke Foundation (Minor Hotels, n.d.). The properties of the hotel are designed in such a
way that they do not pollute the environment. The hotel participates in environmental and
social initiatives aimed at supporting the local charities in various destinations as well as
sustainable practices in the operations and development which has been a focus in the Minor
Hotels portfolio. The most outstanding green practice that Hotel AVANI established is the
decision to ban the use of plastic straws in all its branches in ASIA by the first of January,
2018 (Anantara Hotels, 2017). The hotel has plans to extend the ban globally by the end of
2018. Different biodegradable and reusable alternatives are being introduced, some of which
include stainless steel and bamboo. The single-use practice of resources such as the plastic
straws has led to these products being the top polluters of the environment.
While plastic is one of the greatest inventions in human history, its adverse
environmental effects cannot be denied. According to a study by Miller, Watts, Winslow,
Galloway and Barrows (2017), about 300 million tons plastics are produced annually across
the globe and approximately 8.8 million tons are discharged into the ocean. The study further
revealed that Americans alone use over 500 million straws on a daily basis while the total
number of the same product across the world is so large that it cannot even be estimated
(Miller et al., 2017). AVANI has amazing structures all of which have some sense of
environmental sustainability.

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 5
Benefits of Implementing Green Certifications such as ISO 14001 and EMAS in Hotel
AVANI
Many companies and organizations are currently implementing Environmental
Management System (EMS) (Heras, Arana & Molina-Azorin, 2009). This is a practice that
has been adopted widely across the world, particularly in the European Union (EU) as well as
in Asia (Heras, Arana & Molina-Arizona, 2009). The EMS is a process that firms and other
organizations apply for the purpose of executing and implementing policies, goals and
responsibilities as well as regular evaluation of its components (Cascio, 1996).
Environmental Management Systems are mainly based on international reference models and
the most common one being the international ISO 14001 standard.
There are many benefits that hotels can get from implementing green certifications.
The EMS assists companies to identify, manage, monitor and control their operations in a
holistic way. There are several reasons why organizations have opted to develop strategies to
improve their environmental performance (Organization Internationale de Normalization,
n.d.). Implementation of ISO 14001 in hotel AVANI helps in demonstrating compliance with
current and future statutory and regulatory requirements. Another benefit of implementing
ISO 14001 is that it increases leadership involvement and employees’ engagement which is a
good practice for any reputable organization. When a company implements ISO 14001, it
increases its reputation and stakeholders’ confidence through strategic communication (Chan
& Wong, 2006). Hotel AVANI will also be able to attain strategic business objectives
through the incorporation of environmental issues into business management (Chan & Wong,
2006).
With the increasing need for environmental sustainability, there is a need for
businesses to adopt the green practices. The implementation of green certifications serves as a
basis for competition. Businesses that practice green strategies tend to be competitive in the

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 6
entire world (Darnall, Rigling Gallagher, Andrews & Amaral, 2000). AVANI will accrue the
benefits of having a competitive edge among the many companies in the hospitality sector as
consumers have also begun to be sensitive to matters regarding environmental conservation
(Corbett & Kirsch, 2001). AVANI will also benefit from its recognition as a company that
encourages the ecological performance of suppliers through the integration into the business
systems of the organisation (Chin, 1999).
Suggestions for Hoteliers to improve Environmental Impacts Management
The increasing need for sustainability has fuelled the proliferation of several strategies
to ensure business operations minimise their impact on the environment. One of the strategies
that AVANI and other hotels can apply is to apply energy-saving technologies. According to
Chin (1999), about 75% of the environmental impacts caused by the hotel are associated with
excessive consumption, especially energy. It is, therefore, essential for hoteliers to install
energy-efficient technologies such as lighting, appliances and cooling systems. This will
make a significant difference for the hotel’s bottom line. Another strategy that hoteliers can
apply to improve environmental impact management is to adopt recycling. Recycling is
regarded as one of the key initiatives that can result in long-term differences.
Hotels can also reduce environmental impact by supporting the locals and practising
sustainable business. The hoteliers should make smart choices. AVANI and other hotels
should ensure that they only purchase products that are environmentally friendly. Local
purchases are also another strategy .that would substantially minimize the impact on the
mankind. Alternative sources of energy are another recommendation that hoteliers should
embrace. Switching to least portions of energy usage to alternative sources is likely going to
yield great results. The alternative sources of energy include solar energy which is used for
water heating and signage. Water is the most crucial natural resource in the world. Hotels use
a lot of water for laundry, cooking and other uses. It is vital for businesses to save water by

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 7
adopting various water-saving initiatives. Some of these initiatives include waterless laundry
machines, installation of toilet tank fill diverters in older toilets which can significantly save
water per flush.
Conclusion
Environmental management systems are processes that every business and individual
should implement. There are various advantages that a business will enjoy as a result of
implementing this project. The entire hotel industry is currently concerned about the
environment, and this has motivated many players in the industry. The implementation of the
strategies outlined will substantially minimise environmental impacts.

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 8
References
Anatara Hotels. (2017). Anatara and Avani hotels resorts to end the use of plastic straws.
Press Release. Retrieved from https://www.anantara.com/en/press-releases/anantara-
and-avani-hotels-resorts-to-end-the-use-of-plastic-straws
Bohdanowicz, P., Zientara, P., & Novotna, E. (2011). International hotel chains and
environmental protection: an analysis of Hilton's we care! programme (Europe, 2006–
2008). Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 19(7), 797-816.
Chan, E. S., & Wong, S. C. (2006). Motivations for ISO 14001 in the hotel industry. Tourism
Management, 27(3), 481-492.
Chin, K. S. (1999). Factors influencing ISO 14000 implementation in printed circuit board
manufacturing industry in Hong Kong. Journal of Environmental Planning and
Management, 42(1), 123-134.
Corbett, C. J., & Kirsch, D. A. (2001). International diffusion of ISO 14000
certification. Production and operations management, 10(3), 327-342.
Darnall, N., Rigling Gallagher, D., Andrews, R. N., & Amaral, D. (2000). Environmental
management systems: Opportunities for improved environmental and business
strategy?. Environmental Quality Management, 9(3), 1-9.
Graci, S. (2009). Examining the factors that impede sustainability in China's tourism
accommodation industry: A case study of Sanya, Hainan, China. Journal of
Hospitality Marketing & Management, 19(1), 38-55.
Han, H., Hsu, L. T. J., & Sheu, C. (2010). Application of the theory of planned behavior to
green hotel choice: Testing the effect of environmental friendly activities. Tourism
management, 31(3), 325-334.

HOTEL & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT 9
Heras, I., Arana, G., & Molina-Azorín, J. F. (2009, August). Motivations and benefits for
implementing the green global standard. In International conference Quality and
Service Sciences, 12th QMOD and Toulon-Verona Conference (pp. 27-29).
Hsieh, Y. C. (2012). Hotel companies' environmental policies and practices: a content
analysis of their web pages. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality
Management, 24(1), 97-121.
Mbasera, M., Du Plessis, E., Saayman, M., & Kruger, M. (2016). Environmentally-friendly
practices in hotels. Acta Commercii, 16(1), 1-8.
Miller, R. Z., Watts, A. J., Winslow, B. O., Galloway, T. S., & Barrows, A. P. (2017).
Mountains to the sea: river study of plastic and non-plastic microfiber pollution in the
northeast USA. Marine pollution bulletin, 124(1), 245-251.
Minor Hotels. (N.d.). AVANI. Retrieved from
https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability/avani
Organization Internationale de Normalization (n.d.). ISO 14001 Key Benefits. Retrieved from
https://www.iso.org/files/live/sites/isoorg/files/archive/pdf/en/iso_14001_-
_key_benefits.pdf
Ottenbacher, M., Harrington, R., & Parsa, H. G. (2009). Defining the hospitality discipline: A
discussion of pedagogical and research implications. Journal of Hospitality &
Tourism Research, 33(3), 263-283.
Rogerson, J. M., & Sims, S. R. (2012, September). The greening of urban hotels in South
Africa: Evidence from Gauteng. In Urban Forum (Vol. 23, No. 3, pp. 391-407).
Springer Netherlands.
Timothy, D. J., & Teye, V. B. (2009). Tourism & lodging sector UK-Oxford Elsevier INC,
Tourism, 2 (1): 1-11. DOI, 1495901001, 485689.