1800 words
Corporate Sustainability
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About the Company
Huntingdon Manor Hotel
Pendray Inn and Tea House
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The Bowen Island Lodge
Built in the 1960’s Corporate Retreats
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Steps Towards Sustainability
Professional Advice – Sustainability Manager
Assessment of property, buildings, practices, and company culture
Action Plan and Budget
-Sustainability very new to the discussion in hospitality in Victoria, collaboratively – although most properties are taking their own steps and recognizing the need for improvement in regards to carbon footprints in the tourism/travel/hospitality sector, as an industry, it’s not yet part of our regular agenda items.
Impact Conference – second year, which is great – discussions are starting, committees are forming. 5 years ago…when I first came on to HM, was not in our agenda, in fact, it was only by chance that I was connected with a student of the RRU Sustainability program, who happened to have a strong back ground in sales and marketing. Because I wanted her and she came highly recommended, I created a role within the company to allow for her to pursue her passion.
From there, things grew fast, probably due to the fact that Julia had previous experience in hotels, and because I trusted her.
Slide
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Tools… Accountability vs Impact
We use two important tools at our company
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Green Key Global Sustainable Certification
Eco-Rating Program
Comprehensive Assessment Tools
Onsite Audits
Globally Recognized (20+ Countries)
Cost Savings and Increased Occupancy
Reduced Carbon Footprint
GC Global is an international certification body which uses a 5 key system to measure sustainability
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Green Key Continued…
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Ecostay Carbon Off-Set Program
$2.00 Per room per night
25% back to the company for green-investments
Dark Wood Reforestation Project
Initial challenges and pushback
Applicable to other outlets?
Concept applicable to other industry?
Ecostay by LiveCLean is our impact – our off-set, and our road towards becoming a carbon neutral property
A 3rd party Carbon-Offset Program that supports Huntingdon Manor Hotel in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.
Strong marketing support to help guests understand the purpose and importance of the Ecofee
Guests pay a $2.00 Ecofee for each night stayed at the hotel.
75% of this fee goes to the Ecostay Reforestation project to offset carbon emissions generated during that guest’s stay.
25% of the fee goes back to the hotel to fund specific “green” projects.
Installation of EV chargers
Installation of Motion Sensors in guestrooms, public bathrooms and Housekeeping closets
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Ecostay Carbon Off-Set Program
Since we joined in June 2018:
10,623 guests have participated in the Ecostay Program at the Hotel
589.8 tons of carbon emissions have be off-set which is the equivalent of 5,898 trees planted
$5,322.61 has been raised for Huntingdon Manor to fund its EV charging stations and motion sensors projects
Will begin with EcoDine in 2019
Dark Wood Reforestation Project
Initial challenges and pushback
Applicable to other outlets?
Concept applicable to other industry?
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Some of Our Key Initiatives
Reduce water consumption and energy usage
Thorough recycling and composting program
Hosting of local honey bee hives
Reduction of excess and single-use packaging
Local & ethical sourcing when possible
Carbon offset program
Ongoing community support
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Reduce Water & Energy Consumption
Water
Installation of low-flow aerators in all guestrooms, washrooms, and kitchen.
Installation of low-flow showerheads in all guestrooms
Switch to high efficiency toilets as renovations move forward
Complete upgrade of laundry facilities with high efficiency equipment
Energy
Switch to LED lighting
Training and action plan step to minimize heat loss and excess lighting
Installation of double-glazed windows to prevent heat loss
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Recycling & Composting Program
Composting program in restaurants, kitchens and guestrooms
Onsite composting from kitchen scraps to use in gardens
Designated recycling centre including soft plastics, electronics and Styrofoam
Recycling and composting guide in all guestrooms
Limiting food waste by integrating unsold food into staff meals
Furniture, mattresses and household items donated to Habitat for Humanity
Unused soaps donated to Disaster Canada’s Soap for Hope
Revenue generated from Bottle Depot is re-invested into Green Projects
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Packaging and Waste Policies
Policy implemented to reduce use of excess and single-use packaging:
Elimination of bottled water in rooms; replaced with reusable water bottle
Elimination of paper cups in rooms; replaced with glasses and mugs
Elimination of garbage bags in rooms; replace efficient cleaning procedure by Housekeeping
Switch to bulk condiments in all restaurants
Adopted “paperless” operation at Front Desk and offices to reduce unnecessary paper usage
Actively work with providers to reduce excess packaging. E.g. Oughtred Coffee
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Ethical Purchasing and Local Sourcing
Work with providers that share same ethical and ecological beliefs as Huntingdon Manor Hotel
When possible, purchasing of products that are certified by a 3rd party such as Oceanwise, FSC, Ecologo and Fairtrade
Seafood is 100% Oceanwise Certified
Local sourcing whenever possible. Majority of items for our Afternoon Teas at Pendray Tea House are locally sourced.
Edible garden
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Staff Training & Engagement
Mandatory sustainability orientation training for all new employees
Annual training updates for all departments
Staff recognition who are going above and beyond
Green board and suggestion box in Staff room for staff feedback and latest updates on green initiatives
Volunteer program
Green Events and opportunities organized throughout the year; Earth Day, Plastic Free July, Staff Carbon footprint assessment, etc.
Sustainability Committee representing all departments
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Mission Statement and Philosophy
Our mission is to provide comfortable accommodations in a relaxed and inviting setting. We recognise the importance of our employees in achieving this and we will provide a positive working environment which encourages their loyalty, commitment and hard work.
We will strive to operate a hotel that is socially and environmentally responsible to our community and our planet. Through authenticity, warmth and genuine care, we create memorable experiences.
The Huntingdon Manor Hotel is committed to lead the industry by minimizing its impact on the planet and applying the triple bottom line principle within all levels of its operation.
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Our Community Organizations We Support
Victoria Women Transition House Society
Soap for Hope by Disaster Aid Canada
Habitat for Humanity
Canadian Diabetes Society
Our Place Society
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Monthly meetings of Sustainability Committee with a representative of each department, directed by Sustainability Manager
Two-year Action Plan that is reviewed on a quarterly basis and updated annually
Monthly measurements of our GHG emissions, waste and energy with Green Keys GHG Emission calculator and Greenview Portal
Work with specialized 3rd party enterprises for specific assessments and/or projects
Thinking outside of the box for creative approaches to obstacles
Triple Bottom Line is at the core of our values and business philosophy.
How We Plan
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Achievements
Earned a 4 Green-Key Certification in 2018
Reduced energy consumption by 10% when compared to 2017
Reduced overall waste by 15% with an additional 30% diverted from the landfill when compared to last year.
Guests satisfaction improved; many commenting and appreciating our green efforts
More appealing to new markets, and opportunities for growth
Competitive staffing opportunities
Pendray Tea House Green Certified VIGB
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