The Environmental Management - Essay Example

The need for environmental management and being socially responsible is sinking into the thinking heads of many Organizations around the world (ISO Standards, Environmental Management 2009). It is becoming increasingly important for organisations to work towards International Standards (ISO Standards, Environmental Management 2009). One of the pioneers in setting the standards for environmental management is ISO. ISO technical committee ISO/TC 207 is the development and maintaining authority of ISO 14000 family of standards. ISO 14001 is the world’s most well acknowledged structure for environmental management systems (EMS) – which helps organizations to better manage the impact of their operational activities on the environment leading to demonstration of sound environmental management. The major moot point of why environmental education is essential especially among the hospitality industry is to inculcate a sense of accountability which can be brought about by including a touch of environmental awareness amongst hotel operations (Hanekom, 2003). Tourism industry especially hotels, typically utilize large amounts of water, energy and chemicals and also generate lots of solid as well as liquid waste. If these wastes can be efficiently managed, it can lead to large cost saving and environmental performance improvement (Caribbean Environmental Investment Study, 2001). The use of resources (e.g. water, energy, materials, chemicals, etc.) and pollution generation produce the main environmental impacts of the hotel industry (Meade & Monaco, 2000). The study of Environmental management is therefore necessary so as to find feasible and workable solution to energy, water and money squandering and thereby reduce negative impact through a systematic approach. (Caribbean Environmental Investment Study, 2001). A lot of studies have now established that it is imperative to include a study of environmental management in Hotel in order to improve resource utilization efficiency, reduce daily operational costs (thus improving profitability too), enhancing involvement of staff and tourist awareness, and also to obtain international recognition in the travel and tourism marketplace (Meade & Pringle, 2006). A classic example of remarkable improvements in environmental performance and accompanying cost savings through implementing environmental management systems is that of hotels like Negril Cabins, Swept Away, and Sea Splash (Journal of Quality Assurance in Hospitality and Tourism, 2001). The study of environmental management through extension and adoption of a novel culture throughout the organisation and amongst the hotel guests, immediate community and local vendors constitutes one of the crucial elements towards becoming an environment friendly hotel (Meade & Monaco, 1999). For the hotel industry to embark upon the path of dedicating itself to environmental standards can reap ample benefits. It is time tested technique to save money, get recognition for being an environmental leader and also protect and conserve destinations. Most hotels can expeditiously achieve substantial cost savings along with a modest investment. This has been ascertained in the final results from executing an environmental program at Sea Splash Resort, a 15-suite property in Jamaica which resulted in reduction of energy consumption by approx. 34% on an average, with a saving of approx. US$20,000 per year. The study of such techniques and their success is highly effective step towards modelling the same success story as Sea Splash achieved through modest investment in simple, low-cost technologies and practices (Caribbean Environmental Investment Study, 2001). Understanding environmental best practices helps compete in the market and also provides recognition for the commitment towards environmental management which can in turn enhance the market image of an organisation and features water, energy, material and waste management (Kirk, 1996). It is imperative to undertake decisive steps to obtain optimum benefits but not threatening the financial viability of the hotel. Prominent award programs are International Hotel and Restaurant Association - Environmental Award, Green Globe 21 Award, British Airways - Tourism for Tomorrow Award, Caribbean Hotel Association / American Express - Environmental Awards, Islands Magazine - Ecotourism Awards, Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) - Green Leaf Awards, and Conservation International - Ecotourism Excellence Award (Caribbean Environmental Investment Study, 2001). Also imperative is that environmental management in hotels help preserve tourist destinations and improve business sustainability. It has been revealed that tourists visit the various destinations to experience the intrinsic social and cultural riches that the region has to offer. The hospitality industry, while a critical engine for economic growth, also puts a tremendous strain on the natural "assets" such as beaches, reefs, rivers, and forests. A recent poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveller revealed that: 91% of the respondents were concerned about the environmental conditions at their chosen destination, 50% claimed that the environment had become a factor in their travel planning over the last ten years, 25% have changed travel plans because of what they perceived to be an environmental issue at their chosen destination, Protecting the attractions that bring visitors to your destination helps ensure the long-term sustainability of your business (Meade & Pringle, 2006). Several other international environmental initiatives and eco-labels for the hotel industry have been introduced from time to time indicating the importance of environmental initiatives in hotel management. The information on best practices in the hotel industry can be gathered from a number of sources (ISO Standards, Environmental Management 2009). An Environmental Management System (EMS) is a structured setup for integration of environment management and management of organization's activities, products, and services. A critical step in any organization’s adoption of an EMS is the identifying those aspects of operations (e.g., use of chemicals in landscaping) and introducing changes in facilities and practices that minimize the impact of the organization on the natural and social environment. The study of determining levels of environmental performance apart from specific technology and environmental performance standards is thus crucial (ISO Standards, Environmental Management 2009). This study will therefore aid a structured process and management system which can reap significant benefits in hotel management. As expected, the properties tended to focus on fixing leaks, changes in staff practices (e.g., towel and linen reuse programs) and water conserving devises that pay back in a matter of days or months. After realisation of some savings, the techniques to achieve higher cost measures are to be introduced such as high efficiency lighting or water saving filters. Knowledge of the above also facilitates further efficiency improvements in the form of day to day water and electricity monitoring can be an effective way to save erroneous utility bills for several hotels. A study of EMS is important because an EMS program with strengthening elements will encourage properties to enter and be retained in the program. The EMS design without a detailed property assessment makes it difficult for the property to establish realistic targets for improvement and to determine the applicability of “best practices”. On same lines, organizational perspectives and training are more sensible when drawn from an EMS that documents job responsibilities, training program, and monitoring program (ISO Standards, Environmental Management 2009). The study of environmental management in hotels thus becomes very crucial given the electricity costs in this industry is one of the highest and that hotels utilize substantial amount of energy in an inefficient manner. Lack of awareness and education her is the root cause because otherwise energy conservation measures are often the easiest, quickest and cheapest manner in order to be environmentally proactive. This way an emphasis to ‘low cost options’ as well as ‘good investment options’ are given an opportunity (Environmental Management Guide, 1996). It is also seen that in cases of implementation of such radical and novel steps such as environment cognizance, the leadership and the staff of the organization matter a lot. The top leadership line can become the “environmental champion so as to take on additional responsibilities. A culture of this cadre will culminate into a culture of following the “best Practices” with the benchmark being set by the organizations initiating this change. Because of the similar nature of hotel and resort operations, international organizations have published guidebooks assisting hotel owners and managers determine the appropriate equipment, supplies and changes in staff activities that constitute “best practices” (Environmental Management for Hotels, 1993). Ways can be found to appreciate staff for their inclusion in their environmental programs. Also, several of the line staff will eventually indicate that they have begun initiating and getting involved in some of the same practices. In the end, with commercialization swaying in head-on, visitors perception of an clean and environment friendly environment is the underpinning of the tourism industry and hence the protection of the environment is one of the biggest challenges that tourism industry now faces and also one in which it can play a significant role. Thus, the government as well as tourism operators are to be aware sound environmental management underlies the key towards sustainability and that a partnership will be required to achieve the same (Environmental Management Guide, 1996). Some of the instant benefits that are readily visible would be reduced level of consumption with increased efficiency resulting in reduced costs and saving money. Customer loyalty is a direct advantage. The public image of an enriched environmental profile is a positive indirect outcome improving competitive position too and a motivated workmen staff. Read More