Individual Consultancy Report on Sustainable Business Operations: A Case Study of Premier Inn Hotel

This report provides a case study of Premier Inn hotel, which is facing challenges related to reducing the use of single use plastics in its day to day operations. It discusses various sustainable business practices that the company can adopt to reduce its plastic waste and gain a competitive edge in the hospitality industry.

Assessment 1 Individual
Consultancy Report
Sustainability

Table of Contents
Introduction:.....................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................4
Discussing the background of sustainable business operations as well as new business models
adopted by company to meet sustainable responsibility:............................................................4
Explaining about the particular area of concern for the company and also explaining about the
impact of doing unsustainable operations on business:..............................................................5
Explaining about the various business practises in order to reduce the sustainable challenges: 7
Conclusion:......................................................................................................................................8
References:.......................................................................................................................................9

Introduction:
The sustainable practise refers to the performance of business tasks in the manner that
cause less harm to the natural as well as ecological environment. Many companies are lacking to
adopt suitable sustainable practises due to the they are putting the large amount of waste in the
form of plastics, pollution etc. In addition to this, these practises put negative impact on the
environmental elements. The adherence to sustainable business practises supports the company
in gaining favourable position in market. For this report Premier Inn hotel is taken into
consideration. The company is known as the largest hotel brand chain which is headquartered in
Dunstable, UK. The firm faces the big issue in terms of reducing the use of single use plastic in
their day to day operations. The proper recycling of plastic wastes is critical for the firm in
terms of reducing pressure on natural resources of environment. This report will cover the
understanding as well as background of sustainable business operations. In addition to this, the
report will also find ways in order to operate business in most sustainable manner. The report
will also highlight the concerns faced by company in order to meet with sustainable objectives.
Moreover, the report will also critically evaluate sustainable business activities that the firm can
undertake in order to reduce the usage of single use plastic in daily operations. Furthermore, the
report will also provide recommendations for reducing negative impact on environment by
reducing usage of single use plastic.
MAIN BODY
Discussing the background of sustainable business operations as well as new business models
adopted by company to meet sustainable responsibility:

Background information:
The sustainable business operations is considered as conducting business operations in
the most ethical as well as sustainable manner. The main aim of sustainable business activities is
to adopt sustainable practises in order to make less harm to the environment and society
members(Cop., Alola, and Alola., 2020). The business organisations who practises sustainable
practises supports the firm in increasing its position in terms of customer base and market share.
In addition to this, the business firms also favourably gain attention from the government and
legal bodies. Moreover, the sustainable business operations also assist the organisation to gain
competitive position in market as compared to businesses who are not following right sustainable
measures in their business operations. In context to Premier Inn hotel, the business adopts certain
sustainable measures which allow the company to make effective changes in its day to day
operational activities. The changes related to adopting sustainable practises assists the firm in
gaining competitive edge in the hospitality industry.
Current situation:
The following points demonstrates the sustainable practises of Premier Inn company:
Fostering usage of Solar Panels:

The usage of solar panels in powering day to day business operations is gaining the high
importance among many companies as this supports the firm to cut their extra cost on paying
electricity bills as well as also assists the firms to reduce carbon footprints in most effective
manner. In context to Premier Inn, the company pays great importance in adopting solar panels
to meet its daily electricity requirements in most cost effective manner. In addition to this, the
firm takes effective measures in order to reduce the intensity of carbon emissions by planning to
minimise carbon intensity around 80% by 2030. Moreover, the firm has able to reduce carbon
footprints by around 61% by covering 20% of its hotel with the usage of solar panels.
Furthermore, the organisation is also focused in attaining Net zero carbon emissions by the year
2040. The organisation is also taking effective measures in reducing carbon footprints by finding
new possible technologies in market which can support the firm in meeting sustainable
requirements in most appropriate manner(de Leaniz., Crespo, and López., 2020).
Eliminating single use plastic:
The usage of single use plastic is detrimental not only for the health of humans but also
for the nature or environment. The single use plastics is the most crucial challenges that many
business are experiencing especially the businesses under hospitality sector as the single use
plastics are used for packaging foods, drink or in laundry activities. In relation to Premier Inn,
the company is committed in order to eliminate the usage of single use plastics as it provides
negative impact on the flora and fauna of the environment(Dube, and Nhamo., 2021). The firm
practises great track record for minimising the use of single use plastics in most effective
manner. In relation to this, the company is also the first among other hotels to put complete
restrictions on the usage of plastic straws and stirrers. The Premier Inn organisation has also

never practised miniature shower products unlike other hotels that undertakes usage of it.
Moreover, the firm is on a mission to completely eliminate the use of single use plastics by the
year 2025. In order to achieve this commitment, the organisation is effectively coordinating with
its suppliers in order to make necessary innovational changes.
Reducing Food Waste:
The food wastage problem is also a main challenge towards the hotels and restaurants
business. The food waste problem can be threatening for the smooth operations of the company
as this may involve unnecessary wastage of food. In context to Premier Inn, the firm is facing a
high rise in the problems related to food wastage and management. The company takes effective
strategies with the aim of minimising food wastage in considerable manner. The organisation
takes as well as sponsors various charitable programs by delivering foods to the weaker sections
of the society(Han., and et. al., 2019). This measures allows the firm to reduce significant
pressure on the environment but also makes firm in fulfilling Corporate Social Responsibility in
most appropriate manner. It is also on a goal to effectively cut the high food wastage rate by
around 50% by the year 2030. In order to turn this into reality, the hotel is also planning to
undertake use of efficient technologies in order to identify as well as track food management in
most proper manner.

Explaining about the particular area of concern for the company and also explaining about the
impact of doing unsustainable operations on business:
The sustainable issues are considered as the challenges that force the company in
adopting sustainable business operations. The business faces several issues related to practising
suitable measures in order to adopt sustainable practises in effective manner. In context to
Premier Inn, the company faces the challenge in completely eliminating the unnecessary usage of
single use plastics in its day to day operations. The organisation is unable to formulate effective
measures related to restricting the usage of single use of plastics. The reason is that the use of
single use plastics is deeply underpinned in daily habits of customers and other reason is that the
other options are costlier that can pose financial threats on operations of the firm. Thus, it will be
a challenge for the organisation in order to effectively implement the use of no plastic related
initiative(Kapoor., and et. al., 2022). However, the organisations such as TESCO and Marks and
Spencer are successful in reducing the volume of using single use plastics in day to day
operations. It is because they adopt innovative technologies which support them to effectively

track and manage the usage of single use plastic in most effective manner. The following points
represents the impact of doing unsustainable practises on the market position of Premier Inn
company:
Reduce profits:
The practise of sustainable practises can support the company in increasing its market
position by increasing its profit turnover. However, if the firm is not appropriately fulfilling its
responsibility towards meeting sustainable requirements then it can achieve low profit levels in
the market. In addition to this, the decrease in profit can also negatively impact the long term
operations of the organisation. Moreover, the firm who not coordinate itself with the sustainable
goals are likely to gain less competitive position in the marketplace(Kasavan., Mohamed, and
Halim., 2019).
Unfavourable image:
The firm can also loose its competitive edge by not following the conditions of doing
sustainable activities or practises. In addition to this, it can also negatively impact the future
operations of the organisation as non-adherence with sustainable measures will leads to bad
image towards the government and legal bodies. This can pose a various threats from the legal
bodies that can impair the financial position of the business in marketplace.
Reduced Sales:

The unsustainable practises can also result in low volume of sales of the products of
company. As the customers purchase more from the organisation who adopts effective
sustainable practises. Moreover, the firm can also lose its market value as well as goodwill that
can further negatively impact the sales of the organisation. Apart from this, the company may
become exposed to the pressures from government and legal agencies in order to adopt
sustainable practises which can further influence the sales of the business.
Lower customer retention:
The unsustainable business is less likely to retain more customers than the companies
who adopts sustainable business practises. In this globalised world, the customers are becoming
more and more interested to know about the sustainable business practises that causes less
damage to the various environmental factors(Kularatne., and et. al., 2019). In relation to this, the
company who does not lay their focus on adopting sustainable business practises can become
ineffective to retain its customers for a longer period of time. Hence, this can negatively
influence the customer base of the organisation.
Ineffective marketing strategies:
If the firm does not put focus on adopting sustainable practises then it may not be able to
attract large number of customers with its marketing strategies. This is because it can face
various restrictions from the legal as well as government bodies which can hamper sales and
promotional strategies of the company. This can negatively impact the customer base and market
position of the firm. In relation to this, the non adherence with sustainable practises can also pose
less impact on the minds of customer in order to make them ready to take experience of new
service or buy new products(Querol Guardiola., 2020).
Explaining about the various business practises in order to reduce the sustainable challenges:
In context to Premier Inn, the following are the strategies through which the company can
effectively reduce the use of single use plastics:

Options available:
The 4-Rs Principle:
The 4 R principle such as Reduce, Reuse, Replace as well as Recycle can support the
Premier Inn hotel in minimising and effectively managing the use of plastics. In this, first the
company needs to remove the single use items which are not necessary in its operations. Next,
the firm should consider the items that can be replaced with the reusable items or the items
which are more natural such as Wood, Bamboo or paper. Then, in the last step the firm needs to
procure only that plastic items that can be easily recycled with the suitable process. In addition to
this, the company should lay its importance on taking use of only that plastics which can be
recycled effectively. The adoption of the above measures will support the Premier Inn company
to make identify and control the usage of single use plastics items in appropriate manner.

Proper Communication with staff members:
The sustainable strategies made by company cannot be successfully initiated with the
assistance from the critical stakeholders such as staff members and customers. The participation
of the employees as well as customers in the sustainable agenda of the organisation is critical in
order effectively meet the sustainable requirements(Raab., Baloglu, and Chen., 2018). In this, the
company can provide creative training sessions for its employees in order to make them aware of
the issues linked with the usage of single use plastics. The firm can also communicate the
various demits of using single use plastics on the health of human beings as well as on
environment. On the other hand, the firm can also communicate with their customers in order to
give them information about their sustainable goals. The company can tell them why they are
doing this and what will be the health and environmental benefits for not using single use
plastics. In relation to this, the organisation can also make an effective advertisement on TV and
radio channels which will assist the firm to effectively communicate with their potential
customers as well about the disadvantages linked with using single use plastics.
Engaging suppliers:
The engagement with its suppliers can also support the Premier Inn hotel in effectively
realising the objectives related to cut down plastic waste. In order to observe faster changes, the
firm can encourage its suppliers to use less plastic in packaging activities. In addition to this, the
company can also force them to adopt other ways of delivery in order to minimise the usage of
single use plastic. Moreover, the organisation can also procure raw materials in large quantities
from the suppliers as this will support them in achieving the sustainable objectives in the most

appropriate manner. Furthermore, the firm can also consult the issues with their suppliers which
will support the organisation to effectively accomplish its sustainable objectives and
targets(Rahman., 2018).
Connecting with waste collectors/ recycling stations:
The Premier Inn organisation can also communicate its plastic reducing strategy with the
waste recycling companies. This will support the company to know the information about which
plastic can be properly recycled and which not. In addition to this, it will also help the
organisation in gaining better ideas that can lead the firm in gaining effective solutions to its
single use plastic reducing challenges. This will allow the firm in receiving best results for its
plastic reducing strategy.

Conclusion and recommendation:
It has been concluded from the above report that sustainable business operations is
crucial for the company in order to attract the large number of customer towards its products and
services. It was also analysed that the sustainable operations can support the firm in gaining
competitive position in marketplace by gaining favourable response from the government as well
as legal bodies. This report has covered the concept of sustainable operations and also evaluated
the sustainable practises adopted by the organisation. In relation to this, the report has also
included the main sustainable issue of the firm as well as also explained about the impact of
non-sustainable operations for the business growth. Moreover, this report has also stated the
strategies through which the firm can effectively implement the plastic reducing strategies into
its operations. In order to meet sustainable practices, it is recommended that the firm should
make follow proper rules of 4 R'S such as Recycle, Reuse, Replace and Reduce. In addition to
this, it has been also recommended that the organisation should communicate with their
employees by providing effective training sessions in order to make workers skilful enough to
undertake sustainable practises in most effective manner. In addition to this, it has been also
recommended that the company should also make proper coordination with their other
stakeholders such as suppliers and customers by communicating the advantages for following
sustainable practises in day to day life.

References:
Books and Journal
Cop, S., Alola, U.V. and Alola, A.A., 2020. Perceived behavioral control as a mediator of hotels'
green training, environmental commitment, and organizational citizenship behavior: A
sustainable environmental practice. Business Strategy and the Environment, 29(8), pp.3495-
3508.
de Leaniz, P.M.G., Crespo, Á.H. and López, R.G., 2020. Customer responses to environmentally
certified hotels: The moderating effect of environmental consciousness on the formation
of behavioral intentions. Corporate Social Responsibility for Sustainable Tourism,
p.134.
Dube, K. and Nhamo, G., 2021. Greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability in Victoria Falls:
Focus on hotels, tour operators and related attractions. African Geographical
Review, 40(2), pp.125-140.
Han, H., and et. al., 2019. Impact of hotels’ sustainability practices on guest attitudinal loyalty:
Application of loyalty chain stages theory. Journal of Hospitality Marketing &
Management, 28(8), pp.905-925.
Kapoor, P.S., and et. al., 2022. Effectiveness of travel social media influencers: a case of eco-
friendly hotels. Journal of Travel Research, 61(5), pp.1138-1155.
Kasavan, S., Mohamed, A.F. and Halim, S.A., 2019. Drivers of food waste generation: Case
study of island-based hotels in Langkawi, Malaysia. Waste management, 91, pp.72-79.
Kularatne, T., and et. al., 2019. Do environmentally sustainable practices make hotels more
efficient? A study of major hotels in Sri Lanka. Tourism Management, 71, pp.213-225.
Querol Guardiola, C., 2020. Financial analysis of sustainable hotels in the province of Castellón.
Raab, C., Baloglu, S. and Chen, Y.S., 2018. Restaurant managers’ adoption of sustainable
practices: An application of institutional theory and theory of planned behavior. Journal
of foodservice business research, 21(2), pp.154-171.
Rahman, I., 2018. The interplay of product involvement and sustainable consumption: An
empirical analysis of behavioral intentions related to green hotels, organic wines and
green cars. Sustainable Development, 26(4), pp.399-414.
Teng, C.C., Lu, A.C.C. and Huang, T.T., 2018. Drivers of consumers’ behavioral intention
toward green hotels. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.