A Study: Environmental Issues Impacting Whitbread Hotel Performance

This report examines the impact of environmental issues on the performance of Whitbread Hotel, a leading brand in the hotel and restaurant sector. The research explores the concept of environmental issues, including global warming, deforestation, and pollution, and their effects on businesses. It analyzes the background of Whitbread Hotel, its operations, and the rationale for studying environmental impacts. The report outlines research aims, questions, and objectives, providing a route map for the study. The literature review covers environmental issues such as waste disposal, pollution, water scarcity, and climate change, along with their impact on the hotel. The research methodology will detail the techniques used to collect and analyze data. The report also discusses the importance of resolving environmental issues, the strategies Whitbread Hotel can employ to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, and the overall impact on the hotel's performance. The study provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities related to environmental sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Research Skills & Consultation Planning

Table of Contents
TITLE:.............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Overview of research..................................................................................................................1
Background of research...............................................................................................................1
Rationale of research...................................................................................................................2
Research Aim:.............................................................................................................................2
Research questions......................................................................................................................2
Research Objectives:...................................................................................................................2
Route map...................................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
Concept of environmental issues................................................................................................4
Impact of environmental issues on performance of Whitbread Hotel........................................5
Importance of resolving environmental issues............................................................................6
Strategies of Whitbread Hotel through which environmental issues can be resolved................7
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................9
TIME AND COST FRAME..........................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................13

TITLE:
The Impact of Environmental issues on business performance. A study on Whitbread Hotel.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of research
Environmental issues refers to the ill- effect faced by earth due to imbalance in air, water
and soil due to inappropriate human activities. These days, this is the major issue which is faced
by society because people are using resources in unethical manner. People are not following
concept of sustainable tourism which focus on proper use of resources (Amores-Salvadó,
Martin-de Castro and Navas-López, 2015). There are many resources which are used by people
residing in society such as plants, air, etc. Environmental issues which arise in society are global
warming, deforestation, soil erosion, destruction of biodiversity, destruction of natural resources,
etc. There are different reasons due to which environment gets polluted such as over population,
use of transport facilities, attack of marine life, etc. These are the reasons due to which impact on
overall social development.
This research is based on Hotel Whitbread which is one of the leading brand in hotel and
restaurant sector. This association has headquarter in Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, United
Kingdom. Whitbread has different chains under their brand name such as Beefeater, Table Table,
Brewers Fayre, etc. In this research, there is discussion about impact of environmental issues on
performance of this association.
Background of research
Hotel Whitbread is the company which has different segment such as Hotel Premier Inn
so this association operates at international level which good brand name. There are many
consumers which come, stay or visit hotel for different purpose. They use different sources for
staying such as water, transport facility, etc. This affects environment of UK because of
improper use. It is important to communicate about environmental issues which society is faced
in order to over come (Cavaco and Crifo, 2014).
This research is based on environmental aspects which arise because of hospitality
activities. So there are some measures through which it is can be resolved and environmental can
be conserve and protected. Management of Hotel Whitbread is dealing with environmental issues
i.e. emission of more carbon and improper use of resources (Environmental impact, 2019). In
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this hotel, many consumers arrive, so they do not use resources and optimal manner and in peak
season, sometimes employees also perform activities through which business activities gets
affected. Hence this give negative impact on environmental prospects of society. It is important
to analyse changes which are taking place in external market. So in this research discussion
about some strategies which helps to deal with environmental issues and getting positive impact.
Rationale of research
Reason behind conducting this research is to make clear understanding about
environmental concept and issues which arise because of business activities. This helps to make
clear study of approaches which are specific and relevant in context of making policies for
sustainable development. As environment impact on society is very vast and interesting topic, so
researcher can collect information about it which makes research authentic and more reliable.
Researcher have interest in sustainable concept, so they are able to understand it more deeply and
understand strategies which can followed. As per reader's point of view this research is effective
because it makes clear understanding about factors which assist in dealing with environmental
issues. So this gives positive impact on activities of individuals to get positive impact on
development of society (Chan and et. al., 2016).
Research Aim:
“To study the impact of environmental issues on performance of organisation and
strategies framed to reduce energy use and carbon emission.” A study on Whitbread Hotel.
Research questions
 Do you understand the concept of environmental issues?
 What is the impact of environmental issues on performance of Whitbread Hotel?
 What is the importance of resolving environmental issues?
 What are the strategies of Whitbread Hotel through which environmental issues can be
resolved?
Research Objectives:
 To understand the concept of environmental issues.
 To analyse the impact of environmental issues on performance of Whitbread Hotel.
 To determine the importance of resolving environmental issues.
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 To ascertain the strategies of Whitbread Hotel through which environmental issues can be
resolved.
Route map
Route map is the frame work which is used to conduct research activities in better and
relevant manner. Research is the method through which in- depth investigation about research
topic can be done to collect and gather information in systematic manner. So there are different
activities which has to be considered such as introduction, setting aims and objectives, literature
review, etc. If thee activities are not done in appropriate manner, then this affects conclusions,
recommendations over it. In route brief discussion is about about different chapters which are
conducted in research. Hence route map of this research is discussed as under-
Chapter 1: Introduction- As per this chapter, overview and background of the research is
clear. This is the base through which brief knowledge about research topic can be collected. In
this research, impact of environmental issues on business performance are analysed (Chen and
et. al., 2015). So in introduction, problem faced by managers of organisation and strategies to
deal with it is discussed. In this chapter aims and objectives are also set which is the main
concept to conduct research.
Chapter 2: Literature review- This is the chapter in which there will discussion about
aims and objectives which are setted in introduction chapter. This is the base of secondary
information because literature review will be done from online sources. In this chapter
information will be collected from online sources, books, journals, etc.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology- This is the chapter in which tools and techniques
required to conduct research will be studied. With this chapter it is easy to understand which
technique is used and reason behind it. This makes investigation authentic and reliable.
Chapter 4: Data analysis and interpretation- This is important section of investigation
because under this data is collected through primary source from respondents. Hence this is base
of whole research. After collecting data, interpretation will be done. Interpretation is the gist of
collected information which is represented in the form of graphs and pictures.
Chapter 5: Conclusion, Recommendations and Reflection- In this chapter, researcher
will give conclusion over the collected data. Problem discussed in researcher will be be resolved
with providing recommendations. Reflection will be done by researcher about experience while
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conducting research (Cheng, Yang and Sheu, 2014). This section will provide individual's
experience with conducting research.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of environmental issues
Environment issue refers to the problem related to environment arise in current market.
These issues are arise because of human activity. They make improper use of resources so there
is adverse impact on environment of society. According to Megan ray nichols (2019) There are
different types of environment issues that are existing in the modern world. Some of them are
discussed as under-
Waste Disposal- Waste Disposal which comprises of disposal of waste material in two
places either in landfills or it ends up in environmental habitats and the ocean. It is a threat to not
only earth but to human as well. When it is disposed in the ocean the dwellers that exist in the
water mistake it as food or get tangled in it. On the other hand if the waste is disposed by burning
it result in emission of hazardous toxin in the air which will impact the human as it pollutes the
air in which this emitted gas exists. In order to solve this issue hotel staff can reduce the amount
of waste by choosing products that can be recycled instead of using non recyclable products. It
will help them to reduce the amount of waste generated in their premises (Dangelico and
Pontrandolfo, 2015).
Pollution- Along with it one of the major issue is pollution that comes in different types
of forms such as soil, air and water. It poses an major threat to people and environment in present
and in future as well. People cannot use contaminated water and polluted air can cause harm to
both ozone layer and it can cause major health problems. Where as contaminated soil destroys
habitats and irrigation. Pollution have an major impact on the human body as it affect the air that
human inhale and water that human drinks. It puts animals also in an critical condition that can
only be improved by humans. It is responsible for taking 100 million lives every single year. In
order to overcome this issue hotel members needs to carry ecosystems and have to make
sustainable choices. They also have to limit the number of resource that are being used by them
in order to recover from pollution. In order to eliminate pollution they can use practices such as
save water, plant trees and installing water saving techniques (Dechezleprêtre and Sato 2017).
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Along with instalment of water saving technique their usage and importance also needs to
communicated with the staff members so that they can use them efficiently.
Water Scarcity- Water Scarcity is major issue as well it can result in lack of drinking
water in order to avoid water scarcity hotel staff needs to value the tap water and needs to stop
taking tap water for granted. In order to reduce the issue of water scarcity firstly the hotel needs
to admit to the issue and then starts adopting practices such as using new water conservation
techniques such as using the recycle waste water. They can also Enlighten their staff and guest
members about the appropriate use of water by adoption of certain practices such as turning the
water off while brushing or while showering. This will help them to use water in an appropriate
manner.
Climate change- Another major issue is climate change which is happening because of
the release of greenhouse gases that are effecting both human and environment. Due to this
which the global temperature is climbing and it is also effecting the sea level. The way through
which climate changes can be reduced is by building sustainability. In order to do so the hotel
can use renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar power which will assists them in
reducing the impact of climate change (Dechezleprêtre and Sato, 2017). They can also reduce the
level of waste generated by their activities along with controlling pollution this will help them to
assist in preserving the environment. In order to be more sustainable in the environment hotels
can adopt various other measure such as having guest reuse linens, equipping staff with eco-
friendly cleaning supplies, serving guest local and organic fruits and by installing eco-friendly
filters water dispensers. These changes will help the organisation to be sustainable and will help
to reduce the impact of their activities on the environment that are contributing to the climate
changes.
Impact of environmental issues on performance of Whitbread Hotel
According to Shah, A., (2015) There are different environmental issues and associated
concerns which results in having negative impact on living individuals. Environmental issues are
defined as those problems which are developed because of human's mistreatment with planet.
Different kinds of environmental issues are global warming, deforestation, over population, soil
erosion, littering, nuclear issues, oil spills, biodiversity destruction, air and water pollution, green
house effect etc. Every human activity results in bringing negative impact along with positive
outcomes. These impacts involves both physical and biological impact of environment. These
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problems and issues related with environment posses a considerable impact on the business
performance of organisations. These organisations get severely impacted due to different
environmental problems due to which their revenues also suffers.
There are some areas in which environmental issues can impact the working of
Whitbread hotel in a considerable manner. One of them is climate change, it is referred to the
building up of man made gases that traps the heat of sun that results in incremental in global
temperature. Due to environmental problems, whether can change at a fast pace due to which
damage to resources and property will be more, expenses in maintenance will increase, water and
power disruption will enhance. Due to these problems, customers may resist to visit the hotel.
This will impact revenues of hotel in negative way (Epstein, 2018). If the products and services
offered by the company will not be environment friendly then competitors can gain competitive
advantage with the introduction of energy efficient products. Due to pollution or over depletion
of resources, people can shift form one region to another, it will impact the business of
Whitbread hotel in negative manner as if people will displace to new place this will leads to less
bookings and reservations. Due to intense heat, people may avoid their trips and vacations. This
aspects will also leads towards loss of revenue for concerned company. People prefer to go near
beaches and sea side to enjoy their vacations, enhancement in water acidification due to increase
production of CO2 can change the mood of people regarding trips and vacation. If less people
will came for enjoying quality time with family then it will disrupts the business in a
disadvantageous manner.
Importance of resolving environmental issues
According to Gotschol, De Giovanni and Vinzi, 2014, Environment is an essential and
fundamental part of an individual's life. A proper management of environment is necessary in
companies for offering of a better livelihood and surroundings. Environment consists of various
kind of forces like intellectual, physical, political, social, cultural, emotional and moral. It is
important for companies to consider environmental issues and try to resolve them. This will
increase the reputation of the company in front of stakeholders. The companies can help in
maintaining environment by following various functions like consistently complying with
environment laws, improving overall environmental performance, addressing environmental
liability from current or past practices, maximising investment in environmental affairs,
integrating environmental objectives into overall mission and goals of business and providing a
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safe environment at workplace. In addition to this, there are several reasons for the cause of
environment pollution and issues. Organisations must control the level of pollution they are
causing to the environment in order to save earth. Some corporates are involved in protecting
environment and such activities are done under corporate social responsibility. These activities
develops a good will and reputation of the company. Stakeholders try to invest more in the
company. White bread Hotel is a British multinational corporation and it has over seven
hundred eighty five hotels in UK. As this is a big hotel chain, it is important to take care of
environment and spread awareness of environmental safety and importance to people. In this
hotel, the managers can use various eco-friendly products and help to reduce waste and plastic
usage. This hotel can install energy saving technologies and embrace recycling for helping
environment (Hsu and Zomer, 2014). This hotel establishes an environmental management
system for maintaining compliance with federal environmental regulations including clean air
act, toxic substance, control, etc. The considerations of company for environment issues will
develop a good image in public and customer will be impressed by seeing the actions of
Whitbread Hotel towards environment.
Strategies of Whitbread Hotel through which environmental issues can be resolved
According to Blackmon, F., 2018, Many environmental issues are man made that
originates due to improper disposal of harmful contents and emission of fossil fuels. There are
different renewable ways by which issues related with environment can be easily sorted out. In
case of Whitbread hotel that was facing issue related with sales and revenue due to
environmental concerns, there are some strategies that can be adopted. Company can switch its
hotel sites and related geographic location with renewable electric supply. Due to this, sufficient
amount of power can be generated without the use of fossil fuels and over utilisation of resources
(Kirchoff, Tate and Mollenkopf, 2016). Hotel Whitbread can also adopt the strategy of using
solar panels that will generate instant electricity in those regions where temperature remains high
due to extreme hot climate. This will helps in reducing the use of energy without compromising
with the comfort of customers. In order to reduce carbon emissions, company is going to adopt
the science based target strategy that will helps in cutting carbon emission intensity by 50
percent till 2025 and in 2050, carbon emission can be reduced up-to 88%, if this strategy will be
implemented in desired manner. In this regard, manager in Whitbread hotel can move towards
zero gas usage in their newly build hotel and visiting sites. Also, management can implement
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green gas across their operations instead of fossil fuels. Other than that, to reduce carbon
emission in shorter time span, concerned hotel can also shift its preference towards hybrid,
electric and other fuel vehicles while providing transporting services to its customers. Other than
that adopting, green and renewable energy is the best way by which big environmental issue i.e.
increased carbon emission can be resolved in a desired manner. There are some other strategies
that can be adopt by company. These strategies are start compositing as it can be widely used in
the form of organic fertiliser. Saving water is another important measure through which the
problems related with environment can be overcome by management in Whitbread hotel (Lee
and Min, 2015).
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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research refers to the process of in- depth , systematic collection of data for enhancing
knowledge about it. Research methodology is the frame work which contains, complete
information about tools and techniques which are required to acknowledge about sources which
are used to conduct research. “Research Onion” is the framework which is used to study research
methodology in appropriate manner (Phan and Baird, 2015).
Research philosophy- Research philosophy is the way to collect theoretical idea about
research topic. This makes clear understanding about research topic. Thee are three types of
research philosophy i.e. interpretivist, pragmatism, positivist. In this research, Pragmatist is used
because with this philosophy, core information related to environmental issues are analysed. This
helps to make this research more authentic and in- depth.
Research approach: Research approach is the path way through which information is
collected regarding step by step method to understand impact of environmental issues on
operations of organisation. There are two types of research approach i.e. deductive and inductive
approach. In this research deductive approach is used because this in this approach hypothesise
can be done properly with testing from various sources (Schaltegger and Wagner, 2017).
Research collection- IN order to make research authentic it is important to analyse views
of respondents which can be done when information is collected. There are two sources of
collecting information i.e. primary and secondary information.
Primary data refers to matter collected by investigator from individuals. In this
information is collected from candidates who have knowledge about environmental issues and
impact on operations of company. This method is best but time consuming because in this
interaction among individuals and then collecting their views.
Secondary data refers to the way through which information is collected through online
sources, newspaper, magazines, etc. In this method, overall information about environmental
issue is collected. This information is collected from someone else of possibilities of being
irrelevant arises. Hence online information is collected from authentic source and magazines are
used which are up to date. In this research, both the methods are used for collecting information.
Research method (Research setting)- Research is conducted under specified method,
way to make clear understanding about topic to reader (Lee, Cin and Lee, 2016). There are
possibilities that reader does not have any information about research. So there are two methods
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