DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE

School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

Research (RSEARCH)
First Term AY 2019-2020

Case Study: Analysis of Green Practices in Conrad Manila Hotel to Develop a Conceptual
Framework for Green Hotels

A Research Paper
Submitted to the Faculty of the
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree
Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management
Hospitality Management Track

BUENAVENTURA, PJ Pedro A.
CAMACHO, Vince Alan C.
EMBUSCADO, Andrea Isabel M.
MALTO, Gerrickson C.
HMB22A
February 2020
 Abstract

The main objective of this research is to study the sustainability practices of Conrad
Manila and identify the methods that can be used in creating a proposed green conceptual
framework for other hotels to use as a basis to develop their own green practices. The general
problem faced by the researchers was to identify the unique sustainability practices of Conrad
Manila through a brief interview with one of the managers of the hotel to attain a concrete,
concise and in-depth explanation of the green practices of the hotel.
To conduct this research, the proponents made use of a Qualitative design wherein the
data they have gathered will be attained through non-numerical input from the interview they
have conducted. The research reveals that the green practices of Conrad Manila Hotel recognized
are: (1) Meet with Purpose, (2) Soap 4 Hope, (3) Good Food Grocer, (4) Clean Your Plate and
(5) Good Food Grocers which have all been recognized by ASEAN and led to the achievement
of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award. Having identified the unique green practices that Conrad
Manila was noted for, it was used to develop a conceptual framework that can help guide other
hotels to the legacy of Conrad Manila. By having a unique set of varying green practices that
take into consideration the standards of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award, there is a high
probability that if other hotels implement this in their day-to-day operations, they may be able to
achieve feats same as Conrad Manila.
 Table of Cont​ents

Abstract ​x
Table of Contents xi

Introduction ​1
Background of the Study 2
Review of Related Literature
Operational Definition 3
Theoretical Framework 5
Objectives of the Study 7
Statement of the Problem 7
Significance of the Study 7
Scope and Delimitations 8

Chapter III: Methodology

Research Design
Research Locale
Population of Study
Instrumentation
Data Gathering
Chapter IV: Results & Discussion
Chapter V: Summary, Conclusion & Recommendations
Conclusion
Green Conceptual Framework
Recommendation
Bibliography
Appendices
Letter of Permission to Conduct Study
Interview Guide and Respondents Response
 Chapter I: Introduction

Green Hospitality is the application of green practices within the hospitality industry,
such as the protection and preservation of natural resources. Through green hospitality, it also
helps lessen the increase of unwanted byproducts such as pollution and greenhouse gases.
Practicing green hospitality has been an exercise way back and is of great importance, especially
in today’s generation. Many consumers around the globe have become more environmentally
conscious to be able to save and protect their surroundings (Bradley, 2019).
Groups such as the ​World Travel & Tourism Council, the World Tourism Organization,
and the Earth Council have developed an action plan in 1996 named as “Agenda 21 for the
Travel and Tourism Industry: Towards Environmentally Sustainable Development”, wherein it
seeks to be able to inculcate sustainability in all the practices of sectors within the Travel and
Tourism industry. They had also created a program wherein they award hotels the title of the
“Green Globe” for being able to meet the standards of the previously mentioned action plan. The
‘Green Globe’ certified groups have helped in attending to major environmental problems such
as greenhouse effects, energy preservation, maintenance of freshwater sources, wastewater
management, solid waste management and many more (“How Hospitality is Going Green”,
2016).
The start of these actions has given birth to the plans of other organizations wherein they
have developed their own standards for certifying the ‘greenness’ and eco-friendliness of a
certain establishment. An example would be the ASEAN Green Hotel, wherein it is a
certification program for Southeast Asian countries whose hotels have met the standards of
ASEAN to consider themselves as ‘green hotels’, may also vary in level depending on how
much of the criteria they meet (“ASEAN Green Hotel Standard”, 2012). In the Philippines, there
is a notable ASEAN Green Hotel awardee, the Conrad Manila Hotel and by studying the green
practices this renowned hospitality establishment it gives the stakeholders the chance to be able
to use this as a means of their own criteria in developing a proposal of a green conceptual
framework that helps strengthen the green practices in the system of other hotels.
Background of the Study

The Philippines has many lodging establishments that have started the practice of
sustainability inside the organization. One of the most notable lodging establishments would be
Conrad Manila, an ASEAN Green Hotel awardee.
Conrad Manila is a part of a multinational company called Hilton worldwide (Conrad
Hotel, n.d). It is located at the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay City, a destination marked as a
shopping, leisure and business center which made its debut in the Philippines in June 2016
(“Conrad Manila Hotel Opens in the Philippines”, 2016). The hotel features ​347 well-appointed
guest rooms and suites with luxurious facilities complemented by the famous view of the Manila
Bay, a few minutes away from domestic and international airports through NAIA Expressway.
Conrad hotels are inspired by their own unique philosophy, believing that staying is a journey,
not a destination. This has helped them deliver a more stimulating experience to their guests
leading to various collective awards throughout the years (Conrad Hotel, n.d). Before its opening
date, the awards that they’ve received are: (1) ​Best in Hotel Development, (2) Best Hotel
Architectural Design, (3) Best in Hotel Interior Design at the fourth annual Philippines Property
Awards in April 2016 (“Conrad Manila Hotel Opens in the Philippines”, 2016), and recently
they’ve been recognized by the ASEAN as one of the hotels in the Philippines to be the winner
for ASEAN Green Hotel and MICE Hotel in 2018 (“Conrad Manila recognized as one of the best
hotels in the world”, 2019).
To achieve recognition from ASEAN, based on their Green Hotel Award there are major
criterias that must be met. These major criterias are (1) Standards for ensuring local guide quality
and expertise, (2) Use of green products, (3) Collaboration with the community local
organizations, (4) Human resource development, (5) Solid waste management, (6) Energy
efficiency, (7) Water efficiency and water quality, (8) Air quality management (indoor and
outdoor), (9) Noise pollution control, (10) Wastewater treatment and management, (11) Toxic
and chemical substance disposal management ("ASEAN Green Hotel Standard", 2016).
 All things considered, their consistency has made them credible and well recognized by
other hotels and organizations. Additionally, Conrad Manila is the lone awardee in Metro Manila
in 2018 which is an incredible feat considering the metropolis is comprised of various hotels that
are exceptional in terms of sustainability and quality.
Sustainability is the birth from the overuse of natural resources that are still available
today which has led to the destruction of the environment, pollution, lack of supply of water and
even the collapsing of the population of various species that rely on these resources to be able to
thrive (Jowit, 2008). According to the Global Resources Outlook of 2019 by UN Environment,
the annual ​extraction period of natural resources had grown from 27.1B tons in the 1970s to over
92B tons in 2017 and has an annual percentage increase of 2.6%.
By identifying the sustainability practices of an ASEAN Green Hotel awardee such as
Conrad Manila, the identified sustainability practices of this hotel can be used as a reference for
proposing a green conceptual framework that may help in improving the sustainability practices
of other hospitality establishments. By improving the overall sustainability practices of these
establishments, it may also assist in lessening the decline of the natural resources the world has
left, which may improve the statistics of the carbon footprint that has continued to rise over time.
 Review of Related Literature

There has been an ever-growing demand of tourists for lodging establishments, travel and
leisure that has directly affected the environment in its various aspects which can easily be
noticed. Particularly in the development of various lodging establishments, the decline of the
biome and the natural environment has been imminent. Due to the problems faced by the
environment, assuming the use of sustainable development, defined as meeting the necessities of
the community without having to jeopardize the capabilities of following generations, it can help
decrease the adverse effects of activities in the hospitality industry on the environment
(Prud’Homme and Raymond, 2016, as cited in WCED, 1987; Eligh et al., 2002; Middleton and
Hawkins, 1998; United Nations Organization, 1999). Lodging establishment industry requires
large amounts of resources and to be able to lessen their impact on the environment they must
institutionalize the use of green practices wherein we can now combine these practices with the
hospitality industry (Derman et al., 2017).
In the mid-1990s, Green hospitality was established which was inaugurated by allied
lodging establishments. It was established predominantly because of the modifying attitude of
consumers toward sustainability practices and financial compensation. Because of the
establishment of Green Hospitality, there has been a vast amount of studies relating to the topic
wherein they were able to uncover several advantages it brought about to establishments that it
has been applied to. Some of the advantages were financial advancement, the advantage over
competitors, loyalty among customers, acknowledgment, enhanced brand value and reduction in
employee turnover (Deraman et al., 2017 as cited in Melissen & Roevens, 2007; Bhat, 1999;
Wahab & Pigram, 1997; Dodds, 2008). With the development of Green Hospitality, it has, in
turn, created various lodging establishments that are now known as Green Hotels. They had also
expounded on the definition of the green hotel as an eco-friendly establishment whose
executives’ focus is to implement practices that aims to protect the environment (Deraman et al.,
2017 as cited in Teng, Wu, & Liu, 2015). What is most notable about green hospitality and green
hotels is the development of various practices known as “Green practices”.
 Green practices are strategies that encourage the proprietors of the industry to conserve
water, energy and diminish the production of solid waste which in turn will lessen operational
costs and help in preserving the Earth (Teng, Wu & Liu, 2015). In line with these green practices
was the development of Corporate Social Responsibility wherein it is the duty of the
establishment to be able to give back and develop a positive change to those who are directly and
indirectly affected by the business (Smith & Rhiney, 2020 as cited in Carroll, 1991; Dahlsrud,
2008).

Furthermore, the initiation of a greener movement in the hospitality industry has set-in
and has been practiced by large scale industries (i.e. international hotel enterprises) as studies
have shown its recurring environmental impact. Most notably, accommodation enterprises are
moving towards a paradigm shift of emerging awareness of consumers that may put the industry
in a highly competitive nature of the business drive towards a greener business strategy and
overall positive impact on the environment (Sumalyo, 2016). As the industry is being confronted
with several issues concerning environmental impact and degradation, the hospitality sector is
partaking in the trending global landscape on practicing sustainability since hotels are now using
eco-friendly alternatives to their services in order to signify their involvement in the practicing
sustainability efforts, thus embracing green practices is not only a cost-saving alternative but also
a wise utilization of the depleting resources while also being able reusing, recycling and reducing
such supplies (Edralin & Castillo, 2015). In addition, in the study of Alipour et al. (2019), the
research explains that while consumers are demanding green services and green products, the
hotel accommodation sector has been a leader in responding to green consumers’ demand in
which the green hotel concept in the context of sustainable tourism has gained recognition as a
business strategy, as well as, gaining a competitive edge in the market. Studies revealed that “one
of the most important reasons for going green is the customer, often praised as the central
stakeholder in driving hotels to be environmentally friendly; indeed, a growing consumer base
exists who are attracted by the ecological appeal of lodging facilities” (Rahman & Reynolds,
2016). The accommodation sector such as hotels, in particular, are challenged by changing
markets internationally and domestically in which the supply and demand dimensions are highly
dynamic as the host community and travelers have different and sometimes similar concerns
about the nature of processes of production and consumption (Sumalyo 2016). This is mostly
relevant to the hotels’ environmentally friendly services, green supply chain, and overall
sustainable practices (Alipour et al., 2019). ​Many lodging establishments have begun their own
Corporate Social Responsibility practices and enabling social initiatives. Considering the lodging
industry has triggered unfavorable effects on the environment, they believe that it is right to be
able to give back to the environment (Deraman et al., 2017 as cited in Tzschentke, Kirk, &
Lynch, 2008)​. Despite the efforts of establishments to develop green practices and create their
own Corporate Social Responsibility goals, these are not always fulfilled as there may be
difficulties that appear during their implementation.
One of the hurdles in making use of Sustainability Development practices point toward the
insufficient knowledge and competence, scarce financial and human resources, lack of
infrastructures that have been evident in small to medium-sized hotel establishments
(Prud’Homme and Raymond, 2016, as cited in Sloan et al., 2004; Eldemerdash and Mohamed,
2013). With this being said, upscale hotels have a better chance of implementing green
management practices which enables the establishment to regularly engage in sustainability
practices (Kim, Park, & Wen, 2014).
Another aspect that affects the implementation of green management in lodging
establishments are the discernment of managers and their values on the said topic. Based on
previous hospitality researches, lodging establishment managers have viewed the green
environment as a means of an opportunity for the hospitality industry to become engaged in
environmental practices (Kim et al., as cited in El dief and Font, 2012; López-Gamero et al.,
2011; Park et al., 2014). According to Park and Kim (2014), those of higher positions in the
lodging industry who have a brighter outlook on the embracing of environmental practices have
helped their establishment to be more participative in green management.
Another factor that affects the implementation of green practices are the employees, as
they play key roles to ensure the success of implementation. To be ecologically sound
employees, they must be trained, taught and be directly involved in conserving the environment.
Their enlightenment can start with basic rules such as shutting down any gadgets or appliances
that are not currently being used to be able to preserve energy as much as they can. Most
executives incidentally encourage eco-friendly behavior among the staff through buying
environmentally-friendly appliances and apply it in the daily operations of the establishment
(Deraman, F., Ismail, N., Arifin, A. I. M., & Mostafa, M. I. A., 2017).
During the adaptation of sustainability practices in lodging establishments, it warrants
supplementary work for the staff (Chen, 2016 as cited in Chan, Hon, Chan, & Okumus, 2014). In
line with this, it is necessary for the staff to be correctly trained in correspondence with the
changes in the establishment (Renwick et al., 2013).
According to Chen (2016), it is fundamental that the development of the staff’s
environmental understanding is prioritized in comparison to the development of environmental
awareness and skills. However, if there is a lack of environmental awareness it may affect the
green ability of the lodging establishment when they lack the necessary knowledge to analyze
events correctly.
The Hilton Worldwide, which Conrad Hotel is a part of, has their way of practicing
sustainability. They’ve implemented a corporate strategy called ​Travel With Purpose Action
Grant to their company which is given to the team members of the company that propose
innovative ways to contribute and improve the environment and lives of the local communities
just where they operate and manage while exerting value for their hotels. In the sight of the
General Manager of Conrad Bali Justkowiak, he emphasized the ​Travel With Purpose Action
Grant i​ n Conrad Bali saying, “​We hope this cause will inspire our Team Members to show their
creativity and passion of giving back to their own communities" ​(Justkowiak, N.D, cited in
Conrad Bali announces completion of newly-rejuvenated deluxe rooms, 2019​).
In relating sustainability with the local communities, Hilton Hotel Bali and Hilton Hotel
Africa franchise are the prime examples that involve green implementation in local communities.
In Hilton Hotel Bali franchise, they ​continue to establish passion and dedication for developing
creative and effective solutions for their surrounding community including the locals from their
Travel With Purpose Action Grant b​ y supporting the non-profit organization Bye Bye Plastic
Bags (BBPB) in the manufacturing of linen-based, recycled material bags as an eco-friendly
alternative to plastic bags. The funds are directed to building facilities and providing essential
equipment and electricity where women will create reusable bags from rejected linens from the
hotels that can be resold by the local communities to form a basis for their livelihood (Conrad
bali announces completion of newly-rejuvenated deluxe rooms, 2019). Furthermore, they also
applied the same principle in Hilton Hotel Africa franchise where they buy from local producers
focused on sustainable agriculture and according to Chris Nassetta Hilton (2018), “The hotels
also created on-property gardens that supplement their supply of fresh produce, and collectively,
source over 80% of their vegetables.” Moreover, in order for Hilton Hotel Africa franchise to
lessen their waste, Hilton partnered with Diversey which turns used soap into something useful
again, providing livelihood to the local community by recycling and processing soap (Hilton
launches 'big five' for sustainable travel and tourism across Africa, 2018).

Definition of Terms
The following terms are the operational terms used by the proponents in the study.

Accordance. The relation and granting access in the natural agreement of the society
(Accordance, n.d.).

Action Plan. ​A plan containing a specific goal, through noting down the steps which help
in achieving the said goal through its objectives (Spacey, 2017).

Boom. It is an increase in commercial activity either in business, market, industry, which

is marked by GDP growth (Investopedia, 2019).

Byproduct. It is a substance or an object that results from the production process which
may have a corresponding impact on the environment or stakeholders (European
Commision, 2019).

Carbon footprint. ​It is an amount of carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gasses that
are emitted by mankind, which extends to the atmosphere for emission (Takepart, n.d.).
Collapsing. To fall or shrink together completely, an example would be the mishandling
of the business with economical conflict and the lack of strategy and resources which
caused it to fail (Merriam Webster, n.d.) (Collapsing, n.d.).

Depletion. It is the rundown of environmental and economical reserves, caused by the

intensification of mining, man-made pollution, and overexploitation of resources
(Environmental depletion, n.d.).

Eco-friendly. ​It focuses on creating safe and sustainable practices that do not harm the
environment.

Environmental Degradation. It is the overuse of the natural resources by humans found

on Earth, which results in the depletion of these resources (El-Haggar, 2007).

Green Conceptual Framework. ​It entails that the conceptual framework will help in
developing a process for the hospitality industry based on unique green practices to create
a standard for all lodging establishments whose main goal is to protect, conserve and
develop the environment.

Green Hospitality. It is a hotel accommodation that has set a priority in administering

environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the
natural environment. It strongly focuses on reducing carbon emission, water usage and
electricity usage (Xotel, n.d.).

Green Hotel. ​Green Hotel is a lodging establishment that has implemented various green
practices in its day-to-day operations.

Green Practices. ​Also known as Sustainability Practices wherein the actions of the
stakeholders take into account the effect of their actions on the environment. This is often
used to lessen the impact of their day-to-day operations on the environment.
Inculcate. ​Through teaching repetitively to a person or a group it entails a change in their
lifestyle by applying what they have learned in their daily lives (Merriam Webster, n.d.)
(Cambridge, n.d.).

Natural Resources. ​Are useful materials that we get from the Earth, it occurs naturally
and humans may also be considered part of natural resources (What Are Natural
Resources? - Definition & Types, 2015).

Renowned. Defined as being known and famous in an establishment because of its

impact on society and the economy (Collins, n.d.) (Cambridge, n.d.).

Stakeholder. These are the investors or those directly affected either positively or
negatively, by the study, plan or project (Chen, 2019).

Stimulating Experience. Enjoyably exciting and energy gainer to the mind of the person
to clinically urge themselves to do something relevant and revolutionary for a problem
that is tasked to be done (Butta, 2018).

Sustainability. ​It is an act of preservation of natural resources, which can make the
environment free from pollution and diseases ​(​Environmental Science, 2020).
Theoretical Framework of the Study

Figure 1. Hypothetical Conceptual Framework

This is a general Hypothetical Conceptual Framework proposed by Vivek Kumar Verma

and Bibhas Chandra (2017). The framework deals with what variables the hotel considers to be
able to implement green practices in its management and how these variables are able to
correlate with one another. The variables mentioned in the framework are (1) Cost
Considerations, (2) Environmental Legislations, (3) Top Management Attitude Towards
Environment, (4) Environmental Concern and (5) Customers Attitude Towards Environment. By
noting these variables, the hotel will be able to strategically adopt new practices that the
proponents will be able to use as a guideline for the standards the hotel that they will be
observing.

Research Objectives
The aim of the proponents in conducting this study are the following:
1. To identify the current sustainability practices of Conrad Manila that is in line with the
standards of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award.
2. To know the level of implementation of sustainability practices in Conrad Manila.
 3. To propose a green conceptual framework that other Hotels in Metro Manila which is
based on the Analysis of Green practices in Conrad Manila Hotel that had transpired
throughout their operations, with the consideration that the said hotel is one of the
awarded ASEAN Green Hotels in the Philippines.

Statement of the Problem(s)

The research aims to answer the following questions:
General Problem:
● What sustainability practices of Conrad Manila can be used as a standard for
creating a proposal of a green conceptual framework for other hotels?
Sub-Problem:
● Do these sustainability practices pass the standards of the ASEAN Green Hotel
Award?
● What level of implementation of the green strategic plan for other hotels to be
considered a ‘green hotel’?

Significance of the Study

This study aims to provide an analysis and evaluation of the sustainability practices of the
Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. It also aims to promote an eco-friendly environment and provide
information on how the establishment is able to achieve feats that have recognized them as one
of the contributors in promoting environmentally friendly practices in the field of lodging and
hospitality. The benefactors of this conducted study are the following:

The Hotel Owners/Managers. To influence the respective establishment in reducing energy

consumption, water usage, waste disposal, and carbon emission since the study would benefit the
latter as to set an example in order to contribute to a greener future while becoming a potential
candidate in obtaining the prestigious title of being included as an ASEAN Green Hotel.
Local Government. This study will help in formulating national regulations regarding the
importance of practicing green hospitality in order to promote sustainable development through
environmental practices of the lodging and accommodation industry.
Community. ​This study will help to create a deeper sense of awareness regarding green
hospitality and its long term positive effects on society and its implication regarding the dangers
of impractical sustainability.
Corporate Branding. This study will help in adopting a sustainable corporate culture in which it
can provide a distinct advantage in terms of attracting potential hotel guests due to the awareness
and practices in efforts of sustainability.
Future Researchers. ​This study would serve as reference or baseline data for conducting similar
studies regarding green hospitality with regards to lodging and accommodation.
Students. This study will help students to develop a sense of awareness on how to protect the
environment and to contribute to the conservation and preservation of the Earth. Furthermore, it
will also educate and form a better understanding of the importance of sustainability within the
field of hospitality.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will primarily focus on the analysis of the environmental practices of Conrad
Hotel Manila, Pasay City and their approach to how the establishment had been able to achieve
recognition as one of the titleholders of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award. The identification of
the green practices of Conrad Manila would be the standard used in creating a proposed green
conceptual framework to influence different hotels into practicing sustainability efforts to attain
the Green Hotel award. Employees of the establishment will serve as the primary respondents of
the study and will be verbally interviewed for the purposes of attaining credible information and
firsthand experiences with regards to the environmental practices done by the hotel. The
researchers will only limit the study to the specified hotel and will not be branching out to other
ASEAN Green Hotel Awardees other than the aforementioned Conrad Hotel Manila, Pasay City.
 Methodology

The aim of this study i​s to gather data that will analyze the Green Practices of Conrad
Manila Hotel that could influence Hotels in Metro Manila. The researchers also discuss the
methods used to examine the data. Together with discussing the Research Design that was
chosen for the purpose of this study and the reasons for this choice. Research Locale, Population
of the Study, Interview Questions and Data Gathering are also discussed under this chapter.

Research Design

The research method that is being used to conduct this study will be the qualitative method, a
research design that gathers descriptive data and uses it to interpret the result (Crossman, 2020).
There are several types of qualitative research designs, however, the proponents will specifically
tackle the case study.

Case studies is a technique that focuses on explaining the establishment, entity or event being
tackled, in this case, green hospitality in Conrad Manila. It seeks to have a deeper understanding
of the event of green hospitality through an in-depth interview (Sauro, 2015).

Research Locale

The study was conducted at Conrad Manila Hotel. A property that is managed by Hilton
Worldwide. The hotel sits in the middle of infrastructures, retail complex, and conventions
adjoined to SM Mall of Asia (Tan, 2016).

The hotel was selected for knowing the quality and awards that it possesses and its
consistency throughout the years. One of the awards that helped the hotel to be acknowledged is
the ASEAN Green Hotel Award which made it the best hotel in Manila to have preeminent
practices in sustainability.
Population of the Study
This study will be focusing on the population of Conrad Manila Hotel. The individuals
who are currently working in the aforementioned hotel are expected to have first-hand
experience with regards to the hotel’s green practices. While there exist a plethora of ASEAN
Green Hotel awardees, the research will primarily focus on Conrad Hotel, Pasay due to the
groups contacted.

Instrumentation
The instrumentation that the proponents will use for this research will be through an
in-depth interview. The researcher will prepare a list of questions that will tackle the problem of
the statement of the research as well as the objectives of the researchers.
The researchers will reach out to one of the managers of Conrad Manila to ask
permission to conduct the interview through email. The respondents will ask further questions
through email for a less time-consuming method of attaining the answers to their questions.

Data Gathering
The method which will be used to gather data will be through an in-depth interview, online
research through the use of WorldCat Benilde and books from the Benilde library.
The researchers will prepare a set of questions that gives focus on green hospitality practices
of Conrad Manila and after which is approved will then be used in conducting the in-depth
interview.

Results and Discussion

May we know your work experience and current designation here in Conrad Manila?
The respondent of the interview is Ms. Angelica Restrivera who is the current
marketing and communication executive and Travel with Purpose (TWP) Champion of
Conrad Manila. The Travel with Purpose (TWP) is the Corporate Social Responsibility of
Hilton whose goal is to create eco-friendly & sustainable travel and tourism. In their daily
operations, one of their objectives is to one of their main objectives is to help the Earth to
 be a better living environment by implementing positive social and sustainable changes in
their operations, chain of supply and their communities. To be a responsible social and
environmental hostess is part of their culture, it will always be a part of who they are and
will be ingrained in their lifestyle.

Travel with Purpose’ (TWP) objectives are three key components to make certain that
they persist in being a local business that makes use of their passion to create a lifelong impact
on the world. The three key components are: “(1) creating opportunities for individuals to reach
their full potential, (2) strengthening local communities and managing our impacts on the
environment through the measurement and (3) analysis and improvement of our use of natural
resources” (Travel with Purpose Corporate Responsibility Report, 2015).

Are you familiar with the ASEAN Green Hotel Award?

It was directly stated by the respondent that she is familiar with the ASEAN Green Hotel
Award.

Are you aware that you are an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?
According to Ms. Angelica Restrivera, she was completely aware that Conrad
Manila is an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee.

If yes, what are the green practices that you have implemented that were recognized by ASEAN
for you to become an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?
The notable practices that helped recognize Conrad Manila as an ASEAN Green Hotel
Awardee focuses on 5 specific sustainability practices: (1) Meet with Purpose, (2) Soap 4
Hope, (3) Good Food Grocer, (4) Clean Your Plate and (5) Good Food Grocers.
‘Meet with Purpose’ deals with how the business conducts meetings with
sustainability in mind, one of its aims is to help align the meetings with the corporate
responsibility goals of the clients. It is based on the global corporate social responsibility
strategy of the Hilton Brand known as ‘travel with purpose’. It is centered on three
pillars, (1) mindful eating, (2) mindful meeting and (3) mindful being. Mindful eating
gives focus on providing a balanced meal, in line with the current dietary trend, that
highlights local and seasonal ingredients that are sourced sustainably and responsibly
from the Philippines. Mindful meeting asserts business people hold more sustainable
events that make use of practices that lessen the use of resources such as the use of newly
developed technology that reduces the use of paper to turning off electrical powered
devices while not in use. Some of the practices used in hotels may be the avoidance of
use of stationery, the use of refillable carafes and serving of dried fruits as alternatives to
plastic-wrapped candies. Mindful being gives focus on the welfare and experiences of the
stakeholders which helps in boosting productivity, it includes the overall health and
fitness of the person.
‘Soap 4 Hope’ is a practice by Conrad Manila wherein they donate used soap by
guests to their partner community, Diversey Philippines and Rise Against Hunger
Philippines. Their goal is to provide a supplementary source of livelihood for their
partners while helping to disseminate information on proper sanitation and hygiene.
‘Good Food Grocer’ deals with donating bread to a Philippine non-profit food
bank who is also in partnership with Rise Against Hunger.
As for ‘Clean your Plate’, its goal is to advocate an active lifestyle change,
gaining awareness in sustainability and the abstention of wasting food. Separate from
Clean your Plate, the Hotel launched a program called ‘No Waste Wednesdays’ where
employees are encouraged not to have any leftovers when they have their meals.
‘Good Food Farm’ is a commitment of the hotel to Good Food Farm with Bayer
Philippines along with Rise Against Hunger who is in alliance with local government
units. The Good Food Farm is a natural metropolitan community farm whose goal is to
reduce hunger by practicing sustainable agriculture. They are foreseen to boost food
security, address hunger and minimize the problem of undernutrition while giving the
hotel a sustainable source, extend jobs to native residents and resolving wastage of food
through composting of food.
Are all of your employees aware of your green practices and do they consciously follow these
practices?
The employees of Conrad Manila are fully aware of the green practices they have
in the establishment. By setting goals for the establishments such as setting a specific
reduction in the use of energy and waste and water reduction they are able to base their
work and activities to ensure that these goals are met. To help spread awareness of these
practices, the committee in charge of setting these goals conducts a meeting with the
department heads to discuss any issues happening in the establishment and to find a
solution for these problems. Examples would be meeting with the Food and Beverage
department wherein the goal of the company was to cease the use of plastic straws, here
they were able to collaborate with the said department to find a creative solution for the
problem.
By setting these goals within the organization, it ensures that the employees and
the team members are able to follow through with the sustainability practices that are
being applied inside the establishment.

Staff are key components in the successful implementation of sustainability practices in

the lodging industry. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the environmental understanding and
concern to face the unforeseen situations when administering environmental practices (Chen,
2016 as cited in Chan, Hon, Chan, & Okumus, 2014).

During the adaptation of sustainability practices in lodging establishments, it warrants

supplementary work for the staff (Chen, 2016 as cited in Chan, Hon, Chan, & Okumus, 2014). In
line with this, it is necessary for the staff to be correctly trained in correspondence with the
changes in the establishment (Renwick et al., 2013).

According to Chen (2016), it is fundamental that the development of the staff’s

environmental understanding is prioritized in comparison to the development of environmental
awareness and skills. However, if there is a lack of environmental awareness it may affect the
green ability of the lodging establishment when they lack the necessary knowledge to analyze
events correctly.

It is understood that there are certain standards that must be met in the hotel, how do you
implement it to your team or employees to achieve that goal?
According to Angelica Restrivera of Conrad Manila Hotel, Hilton has set the CSR
standards for the hotel as they are under the Hilton Brand which they used to support the
environmental practices of their lodging establishment. Together with the “Travel with
Purpose (TWP) team, the members of Conrad are notified on the impacts that the hotel
has had on the environment through quarterly updates. Through the regular updates
created by the TWP team and the Marketing and Communications team, they help
encourage and increase awareness to the stakeholders of the current practices of the
establishment.
Through the standards set by the Hilton Brand and Conrad Manila to all of its
employees, the lodging establishment ensures that the business is able to maintain their
image of being environmentally conscious which indirectly influences the lifestyle of
their employees. By maintaining a certain image, it raises awareness for the guests and
the stakeholders of the establishment.

Many lodging establishments have begun their own Corporate Social Responsibility
practices and enabling social initiatives. Considering the lodging industry has triggered
unfavorable effects to the environment, they believe that it is right to be able to return the favor
to the environment (Deraman et al., 2017 as cited in Tzschentke, Kirk, & Lynch, 2008)
Workers have key roles to ensure the success of the implementation of green practices.
To be ecologically sound employees, they must be trained, taught and be directly involved in
conserving the environment. Their enlightenment can start with basic rules such as shutting
down any gadgets or appliances that are not currently being used to be able to preserve energy as
much as they can. Most executives incidentally encourage eco-friendly behavior among the staff
through buying environmentally-friendly appliances and apply it in the daily operations of the
establishment ​(Deraman, F., Ismail, N., Arifin, A. I. M., & Mostafa, M. I. A., 2017).

What do you think are the key factors in achieving green practices?
The respondent believes that there are 4 key factors to be able to achieve ‘green’
practices, namely: (1) Global Guidelines, (2) Top Management Commitment, (3) Team
member involvement and commitment and (4) Knowledge and awareness.
By having guidelines created by the Hilton Brand for the establishments under it,
they have created a specific standard for their name which is used to measure the
performance of each brand name under Hilton, in this case, Conrad Manila. Without
having these guidelines, each brand under Hilton would have set its own regulations that
may interfere with one of their CSR practices which would be to manage the impact of
their brand in the environment. The Top Management of Conrad Manila also plays a key
role in establishing successful green practices by constantly leading, supporting and
encouraging the members of Conrad Manila. Team members who are committed to
participating with the help of the management in carrying out the green practices of the
hotel. Another important key factor is to have the correct information and to be aware of
why it is necessary to practice and have these initiatives inside the establishment.

An aspect that affects the implementation of green management in lodging

establishments are the discernment of managers and their values on the said topic. Based on
previous hospitality researches, lodging establishment managers have viewed the green
environment as a means of an opportunity for the hospitality industry to become engaged in
environmental practices (Kim et al., as cited in El dief and Font, 2012; López-Gamero et al.,
2011; Park et al., 2014). According to Park and Kim (2014), those of higher positions in the
lodging industry who have a brighter outlook on the embracing of environmental practices have
helped their establishment to be more participative in green management.
According to Chen (2016), “It is, therefore, essential for management to provide
employees with sufficient information regarding their role and contributions in a hotel’s greening
process”. This states that it is necessary to have the compliance of all the members of the
establishment to be able to have a successful implementation of green practices.
Besides the importance of the perception of managers, hurdles in making use of
Sustainability Development practices point toward the insufficient knowledge and competence,
scarce financial and human resources, lack of infrastructures that have been evident in small to
medium-sized hotel establishments (Prud’Homme and Raymond, 2016, as cited in Sloan et al.,
2004; Eldemerdash and Mohamed, 2013). With this being said, upscale hotels have a better
chance of implementing green management practices which enables the establishment to
regularly engage in sustainability practices (Kim, Park, & Wen, 2014).

How do you maintain consistency in the hotel?

According to the respondent, inside their TWP committee, they have team
members from different departments to make sure that their policies and guidelines
match. They also have a proprietary platform where they measure, track and report their
goals and some of it are already connected with their Brand Standards and these are
regularly checked by their Quality Assurance teams.

The proprietary platform provides a distinctive perspective of the interrelationships

among consumer reviews, managerial response and hotel performance and also to make their
hotel’s info available to the consumers (​Xie et. al, 2016)​. To assist property-level sales and
managers, many companies have developed a proprietary tool or websites that use the past
performances of each hotel in the competitive context and to predict performance for each
competitor and set each property's initial revenue per available room targets. Corporate managers
and the general manager examines this probable target to agree on a final figure. For the system
to compute the expense portion of the budget, the revenue per available room target should be
settled. The outcome of all this implementation is a profit goal that provides a competitive return
for the owner based on historical operating assumptions and known inflation increase ​(Dub et. al,
1999).
Do you implement seminars or training programs that help your employees to uphold the green
practice that you have in your hotel?
In relation to her response, their staff are introduced to a ​Travel With Purpose
program from orientations. Occasionally they are being mentored to exercise the
importance of conservation and prevention of the environment through activities.

The Hilton Worldwide, which Conrad Hotel is a part of, has their way of practicing
sustainability. They’ve implemented a corporate strategy called ​Travel With Purpose Action
Grant to their company which is given to the team members of the company that propose
innovative ways to contribute and improve the lives and environments of the local communities
where they operate and manage while exerting value for their hotels. In the sight of the General
Manager of Conrad Bali Justkowiak, he emphasized the ​Travel With Purpose Action Grant ​in
Conrad Bali saying, “​We hope this cause will inspire our Team Members to show their creativity
and passion of giving back to their own communities" ​(Justkowiak, N.D, cited in ​Conrad Bali
announces completion of newly-rejuvenated deluxe rooms, 2019​).
In relating sustainability with the local communities, Hilton Hotel Bali and Hilton Hotel
Africa franchise are the prime examples that involve green implementation in local communities.
In Hilton Hotel Bali franchise, they ​continue to establish passion and dedication for developing
creative and effective solutions for their surrounding community including the locals from their
Travel With Purpose Action Grant b​ y supporting the non-profit organization Bye Bye Plastic
Bags (BBPB) in the manufacturing of linen-based, recycled material bags as an eco-friendly
alternative to plastic bags. The funds are directed to building facilities and providing essential
equipment and electricity where women will create reusable bags from rejected linens from the
hotels that can be resold by the local communities to form a basis for their livelihood (Conrad
Bali announces completion of newly-rejuvenated deluxe rooms: Launch of refurbished rooms tie
in with Hilton's, 2019). Furthermore, they also applied the same principle in Hilton Hotel Africa
franchise where they buy from local producers focused on sustainable agriculture and according
to Chris Nassetta Hilton (2018), “The hotels also created on-property gardens that supplement
their supply of fresh produce, and collectively, source over 80% of their vegetables.” Moreover,
in order for Hilton Hotel Africa franchise to lessen their waste, Hilton partnered with Diversey
which turns used soap into something useful again, providing livelihood to the local community
by recycling and processing soap (Hilton launches 'big five' for sustainable travel and tourism
across Africa, 2018).

Will you continue to develop your current practices? If yes, how?

Based on her feedback, the respondent knows how to maintain the consistency of
their hotel by setting their goals. She mentioned that the goals that they arranged are a
channel to obtain and refine sustainable travel and tourism, concentrating on what they
need to improve inspired by their hospitality.

What are the benefits of Conrad Manila Hotel in achieving these green practices and as an
ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?
To translate her response, having an ASEAN Green Hotel Award is a privilege
since their Business is living up to the expectations and standards of ASEAN when it
comes to being a sustainable hotel. It’s also a way to set a standard in the industry.

Do you consider your hotel as something that gives importance to sustainability?

The respondent had stated that their commitment and objective towards a greener future
through their ​Travel With Purpose Program has made a tremendous effort of counteracting the
issues of environmental concern and sustainability in which in its effect, has able to positively
influence its personnel while also practicing and integrating green hospitality in their everyday
processes. The hotel also wishes for their efforts and ideals to also inspire their guests who
check-in inside their establishment since green services are in contact with the guests themselves
since they are the primary benefactors of the hotel’s services, thus also being directly influenced
by the hotel’s process of serving its customers through ecological means.
Conrad Manila Hotel’s Travel with a Purpose has set their focus of efforts in four core
areas: creating opportunities, strengthening communities, celebrating cultures and living
sustainably. Within each focus area, the establishment is able to serve as an inspiration to their
staff, its guests, and the local community through Conrad Manila Hotel’s efforts of delivering
quality products, programs, and services while simultaneously reducing its negative
environmental impact. This is supported by the study of Alipour et al. (2019), as the research
explains that consumers are gearing more towards green services and green products, hotel
accommodation sector has been a leader in responding to green consumers’ demand in which the
green hotel concept in the context of sustainable tourism has gained recognition as a business
strategy for hotels and that Conrad Manila Hotel has been able to integrate sustainable practices
into their agendas and services for the betterment of the environment while being able to take
advantage of the trend of a green marketing strategy in order to procure tourists to revisit their
facilities since the presence of customers and they have become a segment in the tourism market.

What does Green Hospitality mean to you?

The respondent had mentioned that Conrad Manila Hotel’s awareness and responsibility
with regards to sustainable practices are integrated into its everyday process. It takes
precautionary measures when it comes to its services, such as being able to source water and
energy responsibly since Water and Energy efficiency is one of the key strategies in ensuring a
low carbon footprint thus active improvements and use of renewable sources are not just an
opportunity to lower costs and the responsibility of the establishment as a business, but also an
opportunity to ensure that the impact on the environment is also reduced. Furthermore, being that
the hotel industry consumes a large consumer of water and energy, it is important to implement
reduction measures and drive efficiencies to sustain its operations over the long term (Teng, Wu
& Liu, 2015).
Conrad Manila Hotel’s efforts and practices have been towards a great cause of providing
an establishment that upholds and prioritizes counteractive measures that have a significant
positive impact on preserving the environment. While awareness of the negative impacts of
waste has increased, there are limited regulatory and financial incentives to drive large scale and
systematic changes. Waste reduction efforts are largely local, and most hotels rely heavily on
municipalities and external organizations for waste and recycling programs. Waste is heavily
driven by human behavior, so to make long-term and meaningful progress toward the goal of
reducing waste, Conrad Manila Hotel and its team members are engaged with the importance of
their respective efforts ​(Rahman & Reynolds, 2016)​. Furthermore, Living Sustainably campaigns
established by Hilton in order to educate Conrad Hotel employees on responsible energy
practices by providing examples developed by their colleagues from around the world for
improving their daily operations while also inspiring collective action since the campaigns
emphasize changes that drive performance on energy, water, and waste (Hilton Worldwide,
2015).

What green practices do you have in your hotel?

According to Edralin & Castillo (2015), as the industry is being confronted with several
issues concerning environmental impact and degradation, the hospitality sector is partaking in
the trending global landscape on practicing sustainability since hotels are now using eco-friendly
alternatives to their services in order to signify their involvement in the practicing sustainability
efforts, thus embracing green practices is not only a cost-saving alternative but also a wise
utilization of the depleting resources while also being able to practice reusing, recycling and
reducing such supplies. This is true for Conrad Hotel Manila since the use of sensors to subdue
the amount of energy and water consumed and the use of low volatile organic compounds makes
the establishment invested on the interest in reducing overall usage of electricity, water, and
hardware supplies in greater efficiencies through innovative ways since the consumption of such
resources in the hotel and to make simple operational changes to reduce the usage and identify
new ways of conserving and reusing in order to address the environmental challenges that the
establishment faces, it has made them become recognized as a LEED Gold certified building.
 Conclusion & Recommendations

Conclusion
The ever-growing demand of tourists for lodging establishments directly affects the
environment in various aspects. Due to the problem faced by the hospitality industry, Green
Hospitality was established and inaugurated by allied lodging establishments pursuing
sustainability by implementation and development of various Green practices which are now
used by most hotels. Green Hotels, such as Conrad Manila have already implemented such
practices that can make them a standard that other hotels can base their sustainability practices
in, considering they are an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee. In order for other lodging
establishments to attain such excellence and recognition, hotels should consider the influence or
inspiration of Conrad Manila’s sustainability practices, these include: (1) Meet with Purpose, (2)
Soap 4 Hope, (3) Good Food Grocer, (4) Clean Your Plate and (5) Good Food Grocers. These
sustainability practices were all recognized by the ASEAN Green Hotel Awards and can be used
as a standard for creating a proposal for a green conceptual framework for other hotels.
According to Ms. Restrivera, there are also 4 key factors that they’re able to achieve ‘green’
practices, namely: (1) Global Guidelines, (2) Top Management Commitment, (3) Team member
involvement and commitment and (4) Knowledge and awareness. In addition to this, hotels that
aspire to achieve the ASEAN Green Hotel Award should also take into consideration of the
materials and equipment used within the guest rooms and facilities as well, with such
sustainability practices by Conrad Manila Hotel as occupancy sensors, which automatically
switches off lights and reduces ventilation rates in unoccupied rooms; dual flush toilets and
low-flow plumbing and irrigation fixtures significantly reduce the amount of water used on a
daily basis; flooring products such as resilient tile and carpet meet strict emissions standards;
paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants are low volatile organic compounds have made the
establishment become front liners when it comes to sustainable hospitality and accommodation,
in which the preservation and overall waste reduction of its utilized resources have made Conrad
Manila Hotel be recognized as an establishment with principles of ​corporate social responsibility
due to its ​‘green’ practices while simultaneously setting itself as a standard and model when it
comes to sustainability in its field.

Green Conceptual Framework

Figure 2. Conrad Manila Green Practices Conceptual Framework

As shown in the figure above, there are seven notable green practices of Conrad Manila
that have been recognized in certain criteria of ASEAN Green Hotel Award. The seven notable
practices are Mindful Eating, Mindful Meeting, Mindful Being, No Waste Wednesdays, Soap 4
Hope, Good Food Grocer and Good Food Farm. These notable practices can be classified into 4
of the major criteria of the ASEAN Green Hotel Award namely: (1) Environmental policy and
action for hotel operations, (2) Energy Efficiency, (3) Solid Waste Management and (4)
Collaboration with the community local organizations. Among the criteria, Conrad Manila had
many more green practices that focused on them collaborating with community local
organizations wherein they focused on giving back to the community through donations and
sourcing their resources to help in giving a source of income for the locals.
Recommendation
For other lodging establishments to be able to attain the ASEAN Green Hotel Award they
must be able to apply most, if not, all, the green practices that Conrad Manila has applied in their
operations. Other lodging establishments must take into account the ASEAN Green Hotel
Standards and use them as a basis in developing their own unique green practices. It is
recommended for hotels to be able to use the information written in this paper to guide them in
their journey to becoming a Green Hotel. Lodging establishments are recommended to make use
of this information to be able to help in sustaining and protecting the environment for future
generations.
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2015-0290
Appendix A:Letter of Permission to Conduct Study
​DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management

February 16, 2020

Mr. Jon Pecbot

Information Technology Manager
Conrad Hotels

Dear Mr. Pecbot:

Greetings!

The undersigned is presently conducting their research study entitled ​"Analysis of Green
Practices in Conrad Manila Hotel to Influence Hotels in Metro Manila" ​at the De La
Salle-College of Saint Benilde in partial fulfillment of the requirements in Research in Tourism
and Hospitality (RSEARCH).

In this connection, we would like to ask permission from your good office to conduct the study
in your hotel, particularly in administering interviews with your resource personnel.
Rest assured that there will be no disruptions in your operations during the conduct of the said
study and the information gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and strictly for
research purposes only.

We look forward to your most favorable response. Thank you very much.

Very truly yours,

Vince Alan C. Camacho

Andrea Isabel M. Embuscado
PJ Buenaventura
Gerrickson Malto
Researchers

Noted:

Marygrace Ac-ac
Research Adviser
Appendix B: Interview Guide and Respondents Response

1. May we know your work experience and current designation here in Conrad
Manila?
I am Angelica Restrivera, Marketing and Communications Executive and Travel
with Purpose (TWP) Champion of Conrad Manila.
Travel with Purpose is Hilton’s corporate responsibility strategy to redefine and
advance sustainable travel and tourism globally. Every day we work to make the
world a better place, driving positive social and environmental change across our
operations, our supply chain and our communities. Being responsible social and
environmental stewards is engrained in our culture; it’s who we are and who we
always want to be.
2. Are you familiar with the ASEAN Green Hotel Award​? Yes.
3. Are you aware that you are an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?​ Yes.
4. If yes, what are the green practices that you have implemented that were recognized
by ASEAN for you to become an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?
Notable practices include the following:
● Meet With Purpose- ​Conrad Manila provides meeting professionals with
sustainable choices to incorporate into events that not only enhance the
experiences of attendees, but also align with many of the clients’ corporate
responsibility goals.
Inspired by its global corporate responsibility strategy, ​Travel with
Purpose​, Meet with Purpose program focuses on the following pillars:
 ➢ Mindful Eating​ is about offering a dining experience that supports a
balanced diet and includes local and seasonal ingredients, in line with
today’s dietary trends, and where possible the ingredients is sourced
locally, sustainably and responsibly.
➢ Mindful Meeting ​inspires professionals to host more sustainable events by
considering practices that are less resource-intensive. The solutions range
from making smart use of innovation and technology to save paper and
trees to turning off climate control when a meeting room is not in use.
Hotel efforts are as follows: Pads and pencils are kept to the side; water is
served in carafes infused with vitamin-rich fruits; instead of
plastic-wrapped candies, dried fruit are served as an alternative; succulents
are used as centerpieces.
➢ Mindful Being ​is about offering the delegates an experience that maintains
high energy levels, boosts their well-being, and drives productivity. This
includes fitness sessions and access to the Conrad Spa.

● Soap 4 Hope​- Conrad Manila donates all used soap from guestrooms to a
partner community in partnership with Diversey Philippines and Rise Against
Hunger Philippines. This donation provides a source of additional livelihood for
the community while helping raise awareness on proper sanitation and hygiene.

● Good Food Grocer​- ​Conrad Manila donates breads to a local, non-profit food
bank in partnership with Rise Against Hunger Philippines.

● No Waste Wednesdays​- To promote an active lifestyle change, awareness in

sustainability, and the avoidance food wastage, the Clean Your Plate program
was also launched called ‘No Waste Wednesdays’ where our team members are
encouraged to have no left overs during meals.
 ● Good Food Farm​- Conrad Manila has committed to support the Good Food
Farm along with Bayer Philippines in partnership with Rise Against Hunger in
collaboration with local government units. The Good Food Farm is an urban,
organic, community farm dedicated to alleviating hunger through sustainable
agriculture. The Good Food farm is envisioned to be an urban demonstration
farming project that will improve food security, address hunger and reduce
malnutrition at the same time providing the hotel a local sustainable resource,
providing jobs to locals and addressing food waste through food composting.

5. Are all of your employees aware of your green practices and do they consciously follow
these practices?
Yes. Every year, we set our reduction energy, waste and water reduction goals
and these are managed through our platform. We base our activities and focus on
efforts that work towards those goals. The committee also sits down with the
department heads and discuss relevant issues and try to work on a solution for
them. For example, in one of our discussions with F&B before when we audited
the operations was to eliminate plastic straws. We worked with their team identify
possible alternatives and form there we are now using rice straws. Another
example would be our soap recycling program. All members of the housekeeping
team are informed to collect all used soap and these are all stored and weighed
whenever needed.

6. It is understood that there are certain standards that must be met in the hotel, how
do you implement it to your team or employees to achieve that goal?
Globally, Hilton has set the standards on our CSR efforts that serves as the pillar
of our green practices. The TWP team joins quarterly town halls to update the
team members on our impact for the past quarter and sharing photos of our
activities to encourage/ increase awareness of our practices.
7. What do you think are the key factors in achieving green practices?
​ ilton has established guidelines and standards on sustainable
● Global Guidelines- H
hospitality. Periodic reports are submitted and audited to measure property
performance.
● Top Management Commitment​- More than the property champion, the top
management are actively leading, supporting and encouraging team members.
​ hrough the support of the
● Team member involvement and commitment- T
management, the team members and inspired and encouraged to volunteer and
implement green practices
● Knowledge and awareness- ​It is important for the team members to be educated
and understand why we are practicing these initiatives

8. How do you maintain consistency in the hotel?

The TWP committee comprises of team members from different departments that
ensure that the policies and guidelines are met. We also have a proprietary
platform where we measure, track and report our goals. Some of our goals are
already incorporated in the Brand Standards and these are checked by our Quality
Assurance teams as per the usual process.

9. Do you implement seminars or training programs that help your employees to

uphold the green practice that you have in your hotel?
Team members are introduced with Travel With Purpose upon orientation. From time
to time, we educate/remind our team members of the importance of conservation and
preservation of the environment through activities and exercises.

10. Will you continue to develop your current practices? If yes, how?
Yes, by setting goals. These goals are the natural next step in our journey in
redefining sustainable travel and tourism, focusing on the areas that are most material
 to our business. Our goals focus on areas where we have the most pressing need and
the biggest opportunity to use our hospitality as a force for good.

11. What are the benefits of Conrad Manila in achieving these green practices and as an
ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee?
Conrad Manila is proud to be an ASEAN Green Hotel Awardee because it means that
we have achieved the ASEAN standards of being a sustainable hotel. Being an
awardee also means that we are helping set the industry standard when it comes to
sustainable tourism.

12. Do you consider your hotel as something that gives importance to sustainability?
Yes, our commitment and dedication to our Travel With Purpose program and our
global objective creates a big impact not only on the environment but also influence
on our the team members. This hotel-wide commitment would hopefully serve as an
inspiration and motivation for everyone including our guests.

13. What does Green Hospitality mean to you?

Personally, green hospitality is all about awareness and responsibility. Being aware of
the short and long-term consequences of our actions and taking responsibility to
lessen our contribution in diminishing the state of our planet. We take precautionary
measures in addressing environmental issues through our responsible sourcing policy;
water and energy conservation through installation of systems and sensors and
tracking our consumption; recycling and reusing by engaging team members in
sustainable activities; awareness and education; as well as giving back to our
communities through our the Good Food Grocer and the Good Food Farm to name a
few.

14. What green practices do you have in your hotel?

Some of Conrad Manila’s energy-efficient and environment-friendly efforts include:
hotel guest rooms outfitted with occupancy sensors, which automatically switches off
lights and reduces ventilation rates in unoccupied rooms; dual flush toilets and
low-flow plumbing and irrigation fixtures significantly reduce the amount of water
used on a daily basis; flooring products such as resilient tile and carpet meet strict
emissions standards; paints, coatings, adhesives, and sealants are low volatile organic
compounds (VOC); among others, making Conrad Manila a LEED Gold certified
building.

Aside from the above mentioned, green practices that are followed at the back offices
are reusing of scratch papers, digital filing, recycling of grey water from functions,
activities such as contests that promote recycling/reusing of disposable items, and
encouragement in using reusable utensils and tumblers, among others.