Online version: PDF - DTIE
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UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS<br />
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Examples of Good Practice<br />
The Taj Group of Hotels, India, has developed an in-house environment ‘train the<br />
trainers’ programme. Department heads and all senior-level staff are trained for<br />
two days on conducting environment awareness, resource consumption, waste<br />
reduction and environment performance monitoring classes for all staff in their<br />
respective units. Resource consumption training includes water and energy<br />
auditing procedures, cost-benefit analysis, benchmarking against international<br />
standards, energy and water conservation strategies, and building employee<br />
awareness on water and energy conservation. Training in waste reduction is<br />
based on the ‘3 Rs’ – reduce, reuse, and recycle. The rationale of this programme<br />
is that increased environment awareness will raise commitment, enthusiasm,<br />
and participation in the EMS.<br />
Senior staff are encouraged to attend the environment leadership-training<br />
programme conducted by the Indian Institute of Hotel Management.<br />
The EcoTaj Environment Information Centre in Bangalore, India, has an EMS<br />
and conservation library and resource centre for the use of all employees. An<br />
in-house environment magazine is circulated to all units and employees.<br />
All new employees undergo an environment-training programme as part of their<br />
induction.<br />
COMMUNICATING ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCE TO GUESTS<br />
There is little point in implementing an excellent environment action plan if clients<br />
are not told about it. Guest communication is critical to optimise the business<br />
benefits of the EMS.<br />
The preliminary environment status review provides initial insight into the<br />
environment awareness and demands of clients. If a business works with travel<br />
agents and tour operators who have environment policies, and if competitors have<br />
begun to work on EMS, it is likely that visitors will be receptive to environmentally<br />
responsible services. But even when environment action is not widespread, a<br />
business can enhance its corporate image by becoming a pioneer in environment<br />
action.<br />
Suggestions for Environment Communication Methods<br />
• Hang a framed copy of the environment policy statement in reception;<br />
• Include the environment policy and information about the on-going<br />
environment management programme in brochures, guest information<br />
packages, and on the in-house television channel;<br />
• Place tent cards suggesting guests use towels and linen for longer;<br />
• Tell guests about the importance of saving water and energy, and<br />
reducing wastes;<br />
• Provide information on local environment issues;<br />
• Invite guests to participate in local conservation efforts;<br />
• Suggest how guests might participate in maintaining and improving<br />
environment quality, both during their stay and when they get home.