Hotel's Social Responsibility

For the hotel industry, one that is spread throughout the entire world, their main issue today is sustainability. Hotels' building and operations can leave a huge mark on the planet. Millions and millions of gallons of water used in countless washing machines to clean all the supplies each hotel room needs such as towels and bedsheets. Toiletries are another utility that will most usually go underused. Guests will not use the whole soap bar that the hotel offers and another guest will not use the same bar of soap, therefore, the hotel has to throw it out. Not making full use of the utilities means that they will be dumped into the trash where it will eventually turn into pollution to the Earth.

Hotels have quickly reacted to the growing awareness of consumers of such factors as global warming to save their business. Large hotel companies have now issues a sustainability promise as well as a mission statement. Hilton, for example, issues this statement on its website: "For Hilton Worldwide, sustainability means continuous improvement and action. Our objective is to lead our industry with products and programs that not only deliver great guest experiences, but protect the world we live in. It's how we provide for today's needs while positively influencing tomorrow." Hilton has followed up with its sustainability promise by launching two "green" programs: From Commitment to Action and LightStay. The latter is Hilton's instrument to measure every one of its hotels' sustainability performance impact. And to assure its customers of LightStay's legitimacy Hilton Worldwide has hired an independent third party auditor, KEMA-Registered Quality, Inc, to verify their results. Hilton's other program From Commitment to Action is where Hilton outlines its means to achieve a more environmentally friendly company. Hilton uses a four-step cycle which its calls its Framework for Action. These four steps are:

1. Measuring: using LightStay.
2. Reporting: auditors confirm Hilton's measurement to benchmark their continuing sustainability.
3. Learning: they use their expertise to share the best practices of sustainability to all its hotels.
4. Continuous Improvement: keep finding new and better ways to run their business in an even more pleasing matter.

Honestly, I believe hotels must find ways to show their social responsibility towards the environment. People today are much more aware of the harm caused to the environment and unless the whole industry raises its bar companies, such as Hilton Worldwide, are going to have a strong competitive advantage over their rivals as they will be more appealing to consumers.

http://www.hiltonworldwide.com/aboutus/sustainability.htm

Mohammed Sadeq