Authored article by Varun Sahani, VP, Operations, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, Kamat Hotels India Ltd

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai is a trailblazer when it comes to sustainable and eco-conscious operations in the hospitality industry. As the first Ecologically sustainable hotel in Asia, the hotel has set the bar high for other hotels to follow. At the heart of the hotel’s ethos is the vision of its Chairman, Dr. Vithal Kamat, who made it his mission to prioritize eco-friendly practices in all hotel operations.

The hotel’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in a range of practices, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and community involvement. The Orchid Mumbai is the first hotel to have an in-house Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which helps conserve water. The hotel also uses LED motion sensor lights, water-saving nozzles, and waterless urinals to conserve electricity and water. The use of plastic bottles is avoided, and the hotel serves filtered water through its state-of-the-art in-house RO plant. All leftover food and vegetable waste is composted into manure at the hotel’s vermicompost plant, making it a zero waste hotel.

Guests have responded positively to the hotel’s eco-friendly initiatives. The Green Team at the hotel organizes eco-friendly activities like planting trees, promoting eco-friendly Ganesha statues during Ganesha festivities, and inviting guests to participate in World Earth Day and World Environment Day activities. The response from guests has been overwhelming, indicating a growing societal consciousness towards environmental issues.

Hotels and the hospitality industry play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the environment. As a leading hotel in this space, the Orchid Mumbai sets an excellent example for others to follow. By investing in organic waste converters, making use of natural sunlight, and going zero plastic waste to landfills, hotels can reduce their impact on the environment. Green Building Certifications can be made necessary for all upcoming hotels to ensure that sustainability is prioritized in the hospitality industry.

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai plans to continue to innovate and improve upon its eco-conscious practices in the future. The Green Team is actively engaged in dialogues with other hotels, schools, and colleagues to exchange ideas and receive feedback on current practices. By seeking the vision, mission, and dharma of its Chairman, the hotel remains committed to prioritizing eco-friendly practices in all hotel operations.

To other hotels or hospitality brands looking to adopt more sustainable practices and become more eco-conscious, a consortium of like-minded industry leaders is required to brainstorm and develop new ideas. Green Building Certifications can be made mandatory for all new hotel constructions. In addition, hotels can prioritize practices like water conservation, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and community involvement. By doing so, the hospitality industry can contribute towards a sustainable future for all.

In conclusion, the Orchid Hotel Mumbai’s commitment to sustainability and eco-consciousness is commendable. Through its innovative practices, the hotel has set an example for the hospitality industry to follow. The hotel’s continued commitment to sustainability, coupled with active dialogue and feedback, ensures that it remains at the forefront of eco-friendly hospitality in India.

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