Sustainable Development of West Bengal Tourism by Establishing Green Hotels

A Case Study on ITC Sonars Eco-Efficiency Initiatives

GOES ECO-FRIENDLY
With a projected growth rate of 4.1 % per year, tourism is the worlds largest industry, with sustainable tourism as a small part of it. Growing demand for Eco Tourism results in Eco sensitive tourism facilities. Growing concern for ecological issues and demand for eco-friendly services necessitates promotion of green exploitation in West Bengal Tourism. Establishment of green hotels - a careful way to sustainable development.

What It Is ?
The current crisis scenario of global warming calls for preservation of natural treasures. Eco-Tourism encourages both tourists and hospitality service providers to minimize the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the natural environment. Eco tourism or sustainable tourism protects the environmental and social benefits of tourism. Emphasizes recycling, reusing and reducing indiscriminate consumption of resources along with support to the local community.

The concept of Green Hotels

Eco-friendly or Green Hotel is a term used to describe A hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements in its structure. A hotel which has been certified Green by an independent third party or state. A hotel that adheres to at least two of the five globes of energy efficiency, water conservation, solid waste management, environmental commitment and employee education- community involvement.

WHY ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY HOTELS ?

The launch of the Hotels Environment Initiative by the Prince of Wales in 1993. Agreement between The Hotel Catering and Institutional Management Association (HCIMA) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) to cooperate in developing acceptance of environmental issues throughout the hotel industry. Development of the Green Globe strategy by WTTC to promote environmental management among hotel and travel companies.

 Environmentally friendly hotels save money for the owner/manager. Saves resources for the world along with enjoying what the planet has to offer, without humans having a negative footprint during their travels and stay. Inspires customers (guests) to do good things for the environment. Educates staff to provide green service without compromising on quality.

SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF GREEN HOTEL

Rain water harvesting Grey water recycling Water Conservation Energy Conservation Recycle Bins Green Supply Chain Use of Renewable Energy Sources Reduced Wastage Composting of Solid Wastes No-Smoking Room / Zone Serving Organic food Xeric gardens Towel and Sheet Re-use

ECO EFFICIENCY AND HOTELS

Eco-efficiency was first promoted by the World Business Council on Sustainable Development as a business concept.

Eco-efficiency is achieved by the delivery

of economically competitive services that satisfy customers needs and brings quality of life, while progressively reducing ecological impact and resource intensity throughout the life-cycle.

Steps to improve eco-efficiency of a hotel involve, for example,

adopting HVAC technology or dual flush water closets that reduces the amount of energy or water usage .

transformation of used or spilled oil into soaps to be used again by the laundry or kitchen section.

Case study: ITC Sonar Luxury with Sustainability

 A project that started in 2004 as a voluntary initiative aiming to introduce energy efficiency in both generation and demand, and thus reduce greenhouse gases emissions. ITC Sonar, Kolkata, is the first Indian hotel to successfully be part of carbon credit trading, under the aegis of UNFCCC. ITC Sonar has also been awarded the LEED Platinum Certification for conscious efforts towards demonstrating environmental stewardship.

THE JOURNEY TOWARDS GREENNESS

Energy studies and employment of a third party energy audit team. Identification of excess energy consumption and possible energy saving areas. Additional investment and the adoption of new energy saving technologies. Energy efficiency measures under CDM Project activity. Vision for a green world WelcomeEnviron. Guiding principle of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rethink.

LESSONS LEARNED
Energy Conservation : Green energy generated through self-owned wind farms. Approximately 25% of electrical energy demand met through renewable source i.e. Wind and Solar. Reduction in diesel / fossil fuel consumption through usage of Solar Thermal system for hot water and low pressure steam application. Adoption of HVAC system. Automatic, scene controlled lighting systems for optimized comfort and energy savings. Over all, 18-29 % less energy use than USGBCs national average for large size Luxury Hotels.

LESSONS LEARNED
Water Conservation: Use of Sensor operated and waterless urinals, dual flush, water closets. Reduced water demand in Cooling Tower. Water treatment and recycling aids sequestering approximately 13000 tonnes of CO2. Sharing excess treated recycled water with local municipal authorities and educational institutions. Rain water harvesting capacity of 64% of the peak rainfall. Water consumption reduced by 50% over the last five years.

 Material Conservation: 40% of the edible ingredients procured locally. More than 99% of the total solid waste is either reused or recycled or converted into manure by Organic Waste Converter. 50-60% of ongoing consumables (stationery in guests rooms and offices) used are either sourced locally or recycled. Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood is used for all refurbishments and renovations. Use of waste flowers to extract organic colors.

LESSONS LEARNED

LESSONS LEARNED
Indoor Environment Quality: Enhanced occupant thermal comfort. Automatic, scene controlled lighting systems. Use of only Green Seal certified Housekeeping chemicals and equipment. Green Education and Reward Program for Employees and Guests. Green Banquet

LESSONS LEARNED
Green Supply Chain: GSC initiative to educate SMEs. Inducing suppliers to adopt cleaner and greener production practices. The GSC link in the ITC website through its WelcomEnviron approach.

 Green Supply Chain Contd Raising the sustainable development bar of businesses by using the following formats: - Energy Management Questionnaire - Detailed Suppliers Questionnaire - Tips for Thermal Energy Conservation Domestic Help (DH) Value Addition Programme. WelcomEnviron eco-rating for schools - a self help toolkit. Environment Renewable energy - educational toolkit. Eco Educational Toolkit. Elegant, Eco Conscious Event Design. Introduction - Water And Energy Game.

ITCS WATER EFFICIENCY CONCEPT

ITCS WATER EFFICIENCY CONCEPT

ITCS WATER EFFICIENCY CONCEPT

ITCS ECO-EDUCATIONAL KIT

 Absence of proper models. Lack of understanding on environmental / sustainability issues in hotel business. Absence of clear cut policies on financial incentives or disincentives by the Govt. of India. Pursuing green objectives with a short term focus. Third world countries - dumping grounds for wastes and archaic technology.

CONCLUSION
Sustainable tourism costs less and fetches manifold profits, if properly perceived and religiously executed. Govt.s Role. Sustainable tourism - one of the major sources of income and employment generation. Retaining foreign currency earned from tourism for Green Development of West Bengal. Embracing sustainability in the practice of business ethos.

Subhojit Chakraborty, Tanusree Bhowmick, Prosenjit Chandra and Prasun Ghosal (Astt. Profs, Durgapur Society Of Management Science)