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#BeatPlasticPollution –Chief Engineers shares Opinion on Initiatives taken on World Environment Day
This year the theme for World Environment day is #BeatPlasticPollution. Let’s see what are the initiatives taken by different hotel properties on this World Environment Day. Chief Engineers Viewpoint on the initiatives: Jawaid Ahmad Chief Engineer | Marriott Suites, Pune Responsible & Eco-Friendly Experience
This year the theme for World Environment day is #BeatPlasticPollution. Let’s see what are the initiatives taken by different hotel properties on this World Environment Day. Chief Engineers Viewpoint on the initiatives:
Jawaid Ahmad
Chief Engineer | Marriott Suites, Pune
Responsible & Eco-Friendly Experience at Marriott Suites
At Marriott Suites, we are committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. In line with this commitment, we have implemented several renewable energy initiatives. Our off-site power purchase agreement with Naulakkha Translines ensures that 75% of our energy consumption comes from solar and wind sources. This partnership allows us to support clean energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Additionally, we have installed and maintain a 120 kW on-site solar system in collaboration with PG Associates. This solar installation further contributes to our renewable energy efforts, providing 5% of our energy needs directly from the sun. By harnessing the power of solar energy, we are able to reduce our carbon footprint and promote a greener future.
To support the growing demand for electric vehicles, we have also established a 30 kW EV charging station on our premises. This facility enables our guests and visitors to conveniently charge their electric vehicles, promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation options and reducing emissions from conventional vehicles.
Water conservation is another priority for us at Marriott Suites. We have implemented a solar water heater system capable of heating 35,000 liters of water per day using renewable energy. This innovative solution significantly reduces our reliance on traditional water heating methods and minimizes energy consumption.
Furthermore, we have implemented a rain harvesting system to collect and store rainwater for various purposes within our establishment. By utilizing this natural resource, we can reduce our dependence on municipal water supplies and contribute to water conservation efforts.
In our commitment to sustainability, we have also established a water bottling plant capable of producing 500 liters of clean drinking water per hour. This initiative allows us to minimize the use of single-use plastic bottles and promote the use of reusable containers, reducing plastic waste and supporting a circular economy.
Lastly, we have implemented an OWC-60 (Organic Waste Compactor) system, which enables us to efficiently manage organic waste on-site. This compactor has a capacity of 60 kg per batch, allowing us to process and repurpose organic waste into compost or other usable materials. By diverting organic waste from landfills, we reduce methane emissions and contribute to a more sustainable waste management system.
At Marriott Suites, sustainability is at the core of our operations. Through our renewable energy initiatives, water conservation efforts, and waste management systems, we strive to provide our guests with a responsible and eco-friendly experience.
Sandeep Pednekar,
Head of Technical Services at ITC Maratha
ITC Maratha enlist the Sustainable Practices to Beat Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day
ITC hotels dedication to responsible Luxury and integrates global-magnificence green practices and sustainable model to deliver the great of luxury inside the greenest viable way.
ITC Maratha is India’s leading hospitality chain which has been recognized as a LEED Zero Carbon – certified luxury hotel by the US Green Building Council in the existing building category. ITC Hotels commitment to Responsible Luxury, an ethos that integrates world-class green practices with contemporary design elements to deliver the best of luxury in the greenest possible manner.
Initiatives taken by ITC Maratha for Beat Plastic Pollution
Substituting single use plastics – As a responsible luxury, pursuing the footprints of ITC Hotels and working towards the goal of operating in a single-use plastic free environment, with plastic free initiatives. Already, the business has reduced the use of single-use plastics from 150 touch points across hotel operations, which has helped eliminated, by a conservative estimate, 2.5 lakh kilograms of plastic per year, while offering unique hospitality experiences in harmony with planet and society
Sunya Aqua – The consumption plastic bottles are very high in the world, to exemplifying our ethos of Responsible Luxury. As a part of ITC Hotels initiative, ITC Maratha have introduced ‘Sunya Aqua’ replacing the plastic bottles with glass bottles to endeavour the sustainability practice in every sip of water. The bottles are reused by cleansing through the advance purification system makes the bottles ready to use in day to day.
SunyaAqua water is provided in all guest rooms, meeting rooms, restaurants and banquets, as an alternative to plastic water bottles. As a part of ITC Hotels chain which is known for providing luxury to its guests in a responsible and sustainable way, and this pioneering step towards eliminating the use of single-use plastics has been achieved through various means and efforts at ITC Maratha.
The initiative is to further minimises its carbon footprint, a zero-mile water crafted with a sophisticated in-house Water Purification System tends to enhance the wellness quotient of drinking water at ITC Maratha whilst ensuring a planet positive experience; with the sourcing the glass bottles and re-bottling takes place within the premises of the hotel.
Reduce, reuse, recycle: The plastic substitution efforts are built on the reduce, reuse, recycle policy, and include a special packaging made from Biodegradable material, replacing plastic water bottles with glass ones, trading plastic drinking straws and stirrers and other basic
amenities with paper and wooden alternatives. These mark the beginning of the contributions for making a single use plastic free India.
Mr Sandeep Pednekar, Head of Technical Services at ITC Maratha said that “ITC Maratha have always supported the initiatives for water positive, solid waste recycling positive and carbon positive. As we know, India is working hard for conserving the environment and to build sustainable future and as a responsible luxury we understand the criticality of the hour. we have taken every possible initiative like water harvesting, In-house biogas plant, renewable sources of energy through off-site wind mill farms for the sustainable practices and Sunya Aqua is one of them.”
“we believe in taking action today to make sure a better tomorrow for future generations, a concept we strive to embed in our everyday operations. We are committed to finding simple, effective approaches of being true to the planet. A foremost example: comprehensive plastic free initiatives by ITC Hotels”
SUSHANT AGARWAL
CHIEF ENGINEER, HOLIDAY INN NEW DELHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Introduction:
In recent years, the issue of plastic waste and its impact on the environment has gained increasing attention, particularly within the hospitality industry. Hotels, known for their high occupancy rates and numerous amenities, contribute significantly to the generation of plastic waste daily. However, there is a positive movement underway as more hotels recognize the importance of adopting sustainable practices to combat plastic pollution. The #BeatPlasticPollution movement is gaining momentum, urging hotels to act and find innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic in their operations. This article explores the significance of this movement and highlights various initiatives that hotels can undertake to contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Plastic Problem in the Hospitality Industry:
The hospitality industry has long relied on single-use plastic items such as water bottles, toiletries, and food containers, resulting in a substantial accumulation of plastic waste. Unfortunately, this waste often ends up in landfills or pollutes our oceans, causing severe harm to ecosystems and marine life. Recognizing this pressing issue, many hotels have embarked on a mission to address their plastic footprint.
Implementing Sustainable Alternatives:
To combat plastic waste, our hotel is taking proactive steps by replacing single-use plastic items with sustainable alternatives. For instance, we are planning to install an in-house glass water bottling plant, which can significantly reduce the number of plastic bottles used. Additionally, we have implemented refillable dispensers for toiletries (Bulk Amenities), leading to a reduction of up to 20,000 kg of plastic waste annually. Moreover, we have transitioned to biodegradable food containers and offer paper or bamboo straws as effective alternatives.
Engaging Guests in Sustainable Practices:
Hotels can actively involve their guests in sustainability efforts. By encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens during their stay, we reduce water and energy consumption while minimizing the use of plastic packaging for laundry services.
Collaborating with Suppliers:
In our commitment to sustainability, we collaborate with suppliers to source eco-friendly and sustainable products. This includes procuring bulk quantities of toiletries to reduce packaging waste, opting for biodegradable or recyclable amenities, and partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices in their manufacturing processes.
Educating and Empowering Staff:
The success of sustainable initiatives relies on educating and empowering hotel staff. Through our green engage and journey to tomorrow initiatives, inspired by IHG Hotels and Resorts, we conduct training programs to raise awareness about plastic pollution and sustainability practices. By equipping employees with the knowledge to implement and promote eco-friendly measures, we foster a culture of environmental responsibility within the hotel. We also encourage staff to suggest innovative solutions and recognize their contributions to sustainability efforts.
Community Engagement and Partnerships:
Our hotel extends its commitment to sustainability beyond its premises by engaging with the local community. Organizing neighbourhood clean-ups helps raise awareness about plastic pollution and establishes the hotel as a responsible corporate citizen.
Conclusion:
The #BeatPlasticPollution movement presents an opportunity for us to make a tangible difference in the fight against plastic pollution. By implementing sustainable alternatives, engaging guests, and staff, collaborating with suppliers, and fostering community partnerships, hotels can significantly reduce their plastic footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future. Embracing eco-friendly practices not only benefits the environment but also enhances a hotel’s reputation, attracts environmentally conscious guests, and sets an example for the entire hospitality industry. Let us join hands and #BeatPlasticPollution, one hotel at a time, to create a cleaner and greener world for generations to come.
MOHAMMED ISMAIL
Chief Engineer, HolidayInn Chennai OMR
As the world faces the serious consequences of plastic pollution, individuals and organisations around the globe are seeking ways to reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment.
To tackle this issue, the Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Motorway is adopting sustainable practices to reduce its plastic footprint. Here are some initiatives taken to reduce plastic pollution:
Plastic-free rooms: The hotel removed single-use plastic items from their guest rooms, such as plastic bags and straws. Instead, they are offering reusable items like paper straws and cloth bags. The hotel is also working to install an in-house bottling plant so that we can save plastic. presently, we are using 1000 guest bottles, resulting in an annually carbon footprint of 4544.2kg and plastic waste of 10950 kg, equal to 248.8 tree annual offset the carbon footprint. After that, hotels will be able to eradicate the use of plastic water bottles, and offer stainless steel glass water bottles.
In this respect, the hotel has planned to eliminate of minibar plastic bottles: Hotel has replaced plastic bottles in minibars with glass bottles, can bottles, or dispensers to reduce plastic waste. In addition to that, the hotel is also partnering with eco-friendly suppliers for their amenities, such as shampoo, conditioner, and soaps, to reduce plastic waste. In this regard, Muhammed Ismail (Chief Engineer of Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway) adds that by promoting sustainable practises, hotel is attracting environmentally conscious guests and building a positive image in the hospitality industry. It is high time for all hotels to join this initiative and take action to the beat plastic pollution.
