Opportunities Today : September 2006 Issue

All about Ecotel Hotels

 

 
More and more industries are caring environment and ecology. Hospitality industry has also become eco-friendly and a new term for such hotels is “ecotel”. In 1997, India had only one Ecotel - The Orchid - the first one in Asia But later four more Ecotels have come up. In a years time India will have 13 certified Ecotels. Ecotel certification, is awarded by HVS International. It conveys the Hotel operations are eco-friendly. The hotels have to meet stringent standards to get Ecotel certifications.
 
Criteria for Ecotel certification
The Ecotel Certification is based on five areas of environmentalism, each of which is designated by a Globe award. These five areas are referred to as the ‘cornerstones of environmental responsibility’ or simply as ‘Globes’. These 5 Globes are:
 

1. Energy Conservation
Hotel has to be designed and constructed keeping in mind maximum energy conservation, e.g. using minimum lighting, involving guests as well as the employees in the conservation.


2. Water Conservation
There should be effective conservation of water in all departments at all levels. Water is to be recycled and utilized as an important resource. Guests and employees are also involved in the water conservation operations of the hotel.




3. Solid Waste Management
The hotel must effectively recycle and manage waste wherever generated. There should be proper systems for collection, recycling and disposal of these wastes. The employees of the hotel also should be trained in the waste management techniques.
 


4. Employee Environmental Education
The hotel should have training modules for employees at all levels to familarise them with the eco-friendly routines.
 
5. Environmental Commitment
The hotel must communicate its commitment to the environment. e.g. the mission statement of the hotel must include its environmental dedication. The hotel should put a senior member of management, to ensure that all departments are fulfilling environmental commitment.