Sustainability is Good for Business OFFICE STAFF

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

Offices – Energy Reduction –Enable energy saving features on all computers and electronic equipment –Shut down computers, photocopiers etc. overnight –Invest in energy efficient lamps – CFLS and LEDs in place of tungsten –Only turn on lights when natural light levels are insufficient –When purchasing new IT equipment, investigate low energy alternatives. –A higher cost price is often quickly offset by lower running costs

Offices – Water Reduction –All bathroom areas should have flow restrictors / aerators on the taps –Toilets should have a dual flush mechanism or have the cistern volume reduced. –Don’t leave taps running excessively –Report any malfunctioning toilets, excessive water flow, leaking plugs to maintenance immediately for prompt repairs

Offices – Waste Minimisation –Only print what you need –If you must print something, do it double sided –Reuse paper that has only been printed on one side for notes or for informal printing –Avoid using plastic liners in office bins –Avoid purchasing single-use disposable items –Take longevity into account when making purchasing decisions

Case Study - Caribbean Divi Southwinds, Barbados –Actions –GM and Environmental manager have implemented a policy meaning all office staff are obliged to turn off lights and a/c when they leave their offices for lunch / meetings etc. –Impacts –Lighting and a/c use in all offices is reduced by at least one hour per day, often considerably more. –This policy has contributed towards the 300,000kWh that the hotel saved in 2010

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…