Exercise #1 - Sustainability

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School

Seneca College *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

110

Subject

Management

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

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5

Uploaded by CaptainRiver13868

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Sustainability in Companies
Research five leading green certification organizations in the hospitality and tourism industry. List them here and elaborate on each 1. LEED Certification Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognized green building certification system. It was created by USGBC as a leadership standard defining best practices for healthy, high-performing green buildings. LEED for Hospitality specifically targets sustainability in hotel construction and operations. (U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). (n.d.). LEED . https://www.usgbc.org/leed ). 2. EarthCheck Widely recognized certification program for the travel and tourism industry, focusing on sustainability practices. It assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of businesses. (EarthCheck. (n.d.). About EarthCheck . https://earthcheck.org/about-earthcheck/ ). 3. Green Key International eco-label awarded to hospitality businesses committed to sustainable practices. It emphasizes environmental management and guest involvement. (Green Key International. (n.d.). The Green Key Programme . https://www.greenkey.global/programme ). 4. GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Criteria Provides a set of criteria and guidelines for sustainable tourism, applicable to hotels, tour operators, and destinations. It aims to standardize sustainability practices across the tourism sector. (Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). (n.d.). The GSTC Criteria . https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc-criteria/ ). 5. Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations International sustainability certification program for hotels and accommodations. It offers a step- by-step approach to sustainable management and certifications. (Travelife. (n.d.). Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations . https://www.travelife.org/for-hotels-accommodations ). Share 5 benefits of having your hospitality/tourism business certified by a green organization 1. Improve a business's reputation among environmentally aware customers by highlighting their commitment to sustainability, which can lead to increased trust and a positive brand image. (World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2020). Global Report on the Role of Certification in Sustainable Tourism . https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284422366 ). 2. Help reduce costs in your business. For example, using energy-efficient lighting can lower energy expenses, conserving water can decrease water bills, and recycling and composting can reduce waste management costs. (Cultivating Capital. (n.d.). Top 10 Best Benefits of Green Business Certification . https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/benefits-green-business-certification/ ). 3. Collaborative sustainable efforts foster teamwork and innovation. By engaging employees and communicating the importance of changes, businesses can positively influence their culture and
reduce waste. (Lagas, 2015. Five Benefits of Embracing Sustainability and Green Manufacturing . https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/five-benefits-embracing- sustainability-and-green-manufacturing ). 4. Incorporating sustainable practices can have a positive impact on the guest experience, leading to increased levels of satisfaction and loyalty. When businesses prioritize environmental sustainability and social responsibility, guests tend to appreciate it, which can result in repeat visits and positive reviews. (Travelife. (n.d.). Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations. https://www.travelife.org/for-hotels-accommodations ). 5. Green certification in the hospitality industry sets businesses apart from their competitors by attracting eco-conscious travelers, offering a competitive edge in the market. (Green Key International. (n.d.). The Green Key Programme . https://www.greenkey.global/programme ). Compare and contrast two of the five organizations by briefly discussing three similarities and three differences between them as it relates to sustainability. Please present this information in a simple table LEED EarthCheck Similarities Focus on sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the built environment, including hotels and resorts Rely on independent auditors or assessors to evaluate the environmental performance of businesses seeking certification Recognized globally, allowing certified businesses to appeal to environmentally conscious travelers worldwide Differences Focused on the built environment, encompassing energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Extends beyond buildings to include entire destinations, covering areas such as community engagement, cultural heritage, and natural resource management Places significant emphasis on energy efficiency, green building materials, and indoor air quality, with a focus on reducing environmental impact throughout the building lifecycle Prioritizes sustainable tourism through waste management, community involvement, and conservation to reduce ecological impact. Widely adopted across various sectors, including commercial buildings, residential developments, and healthcare facilities Specifically tailored to the tourism and hospitality industry, addressing the unique sustainability challenges faced by hotels, resorts, and tour operators
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Explain how investing in sustainability can help an organization in enhancing customer relationships Businesses can connect with socially conscious consumers by demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility. Implementing energy-efficient practices and waste-reduction strategies can build trust and credibility with customers. Embracing sustainability can differentiate a business in a competitive market and improve brand reputation. Engaging customers through educational campaigns, community initiatives, or eco-friendly products creates a bond between the organization and its customers by fostering shared values and involvement.
References Cultivating Capital. (n.d.). Top 10 Best Benefits of Green Business Certification . https://www.cultivatingcapital.com/benefits-green-business-certification/ EarthCheck. (n.d.). About EarthCheck . EarthCheck . https://earthcheck.org/about-earthcheck/ Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). (n.d.). The GSTC Criteria . https://www.gstcouncil.org/gstc- criteria/ Green Key International. (n.d.). The Green Key Programme . https://www.greenkey.global/programme Lagas, B. (2015, September 10). Five Benefits of Embracing Sustainability and Green Manufacturing . https://www.nist.gov/blogs/manufacturing-innovation-blog/five-benefits-embracing-sustainability-and- green-manufacturing Travelife. (n.d.). Travelife for Hotels and Accommodations . https://www.travelife.org/for-hotels- accommodations U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). (n.d.). LEED . https://www.usgbc.org/leed World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). (2020). Global Report on the Role of Certification in Sustainable Tourism . https://www.e-unwto.org/doi/pdf/10.18111/9789284422366