Sustainability is Good for Business HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT

Introduction –Our customers are looking for accommodation that is working to improve its sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact –The hotel is making efforts to reduce its water and energy consumption and to minimise the production of waste –All departments are able to contribute to this effort

Laundry – Energy Reduction –Line dry towels and linen whenever possible –Consider low temperature wash formulas –Sort towels and linens into different loads as they require different wash types and drying times –If dryers must be used –Clean lint trap on dryers at least once a day –Select drying time based on type of load –Operate flat irons at full capacity

Laundry – Water Reduction –Separate and pre-treat soiled or stained items to reduce need for re-washing –Sort towels and linens into different loads as they require different wash types and drying times –Ensure machines are fully loaded at rated capacity

Laundry – Waste Minimisation –Bulk purchase detergents in concentrated form to be diluted on site to avoid excessive size of packaging and transportation of heavier than necessary materials –Line drying reduces the wear on fabrics and therefore reduces the frequency that they have to be replaced.

Case Study: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka –Water from air conditioners is being re-used in the laundry for steam irons –This has reduced the need to purchase distilled water by 960 litres therefore reducing water wastage by the same amount and saving the hotel Rs.38,500 (approx €250) per annum –Linen is line dried on sunny days –From January 2010 to September 2010 (9 months) air drying of 12,465 kg of linen saved electricity worth Rs.107,500 (€700) and Gas worth Rs.121,500 (€800)

Action Planning –Discuss what options there are for reducing energy, water and waste in your operations –create a list of potential actions –who needs to be involved to ensure that these actions can take place? –how quickly do you anticipate these actions being put into place? –will any further training be required?

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE…