NATIONAL REPORT—Through new initiatives and smart technologies, the hospitality industry is making steps toward supporting the environment.
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2020
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts revealed that by 2020, the brand will ban the use of single-use plastics at all of its all-inclusive properties in the Caribbean and Spain.
The hotel has committed to substituting disposable plastic cups for reusable cups and plastic straws for biodegradable ones. These changes are now in effect at Bahia Principe’s four properties in Riviera Maya, Mexico, and at a corporate level with all Grupo Piñero—the brand’s parent company—offices initiating a plan to reduce plastic usage in January, with the goal of banning all plastics by the end of the year.
The initiative is part of a greater corporate social responsibility plan the brand has taken under the direction of Grupo Piñero. Some milestones hit during the first four months of this year include the following:
- Reduced energy consumption per guest per stay by 8%
- Reduced water consumption per guest per stay by 2%
- Saved 40% more recyclable waste when compared to the same period in 2017
Bahia Principe’s guests also have the opportunity to take part in the brand’s conservation efforts via the Eco-Bahia Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at the environmental protection of the land where the brand operates. Through Eco-Bahia, travelers can participate in programs such as sea turtle rescues and Maya jungle preservation.
The Iberostar Group Implements Program to Reduce Plastic Waste
Over the course of 2018, and as part of its “Wave of Change” program, the Majorca-based tourism group Iberostar Group will be reducing the amount of plastic waste generated in its hotels by more than 200 tons. This is made possible thanks to a strategy to replace single-use plastic products such as bottles, bags and amenities with more eco-friendly alternatives.
This initiative designed in line with Goal 14 of the SDGs (United Nations Sustainable Development Goals), focused on three main areas: the reduction of plastic pollution, the promotion of sustainable fishing and the conservation and protection of marine ecosystems.
This past April, the company guaranteed all rooms in its 110 hotels around the world will be single-use plastic free in 2019.
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels Limited Moving Away From Plastic Straws
The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, Limited (HSH) will transition toward a ban on plastic straws by November in its operations around the world.
Plastic straws will be replaced with paper straws that meet sustainable paper considerations, and these will only be served upon request where possible. This is a first step in the company’s global approach to transition away from single-use plastics, including water bottles, packaging and bathroom amenities by 2020, through reduction, replacement with sustainable alternatives and increased recycling.
Telkonet and Sonifi Partner for Energy Savings
Sonifi Solutions has collaborated with Telkonet Inc. to make hotel rooms smarter and more connected, by combining energy-management solutions with in-room guest entertainment systems. Telkonet’s EcoSmart technology uses intelligent automation and communicates a room’s accurate occupancy status to thermostats, lights, signage and other integrated in-room devices. Other integrations currently being deployed include the ability for guests to change in-room environmental settings via Sonifi’s Stay Interactive Television interface.
“Sonifi aims to simplify technology for hoteliers with innovative and integrated solutions that make an impact without affecting their operational procedures or requiring a lot of staff attention,” said Kara Heermans, VP of user experience & product management. “Teaming up with Telkonet is a unique opportunity to offer our clients a simple and automated energy management option delivering sure savings.”
