Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Hotels are the concept originated in the form of inns. A Hotel can be defined
as “A hotel is an establishment that provides paid lodging, usually on a
short-term basis”. In India , the word may also refer to a restaurant since the
best restaurants were always situated next to a good hotel. The cost and
quality of hotels are usually indicative of the range and type of services
available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide during the last
decades of the 20th century, standards, especially those of smaller
establishments, have improved considerably. Hotels are independently
assessed in traditional systems and these rely heavily on the facilities
provided.
Thus we have stated above about the hotels but there are hotels which are
environment friendly and it doesn’t cause much harm to the environment
which are also known as Ecotel Hotels.Over here the Ecotel Hotels are
defined as “a hotel or accommodation that has made important
environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact
on the environment”. These hotels are also termed as Eco-Friendly hotels.
The purpose of learning about Ecotel is that in this age where global
warming has been a cause of concern in the world. This can be a
solution/measure taken up by hotel industry to come in terms with the
environment. Ecotel hotels are also said as hallmark of environment
sensitive hotels.“ ECOTEL is a great concept that any Hotel should be after.
Ecotel is a new concept in hospitality that claims to work for environment
protection and preservation. All eco-certified hotels must pass a detailed
inspection and satisfy stringent criteria designed by environmental experts.
The Ecotel certification process requires undercover inspections and staff
interviews. The first Ecotel certified hotel was hotel NEW YORK VISTA in
the year 1994. MR VITHAL KAMAT of KAMAT GROUP OF HOTELS
brought the concept of ecotel to INDIA through his hotel known as Hotel
Orchid. Hotel Orchid was the first Ecotel certified hotel not only in
MUMBAI and INDIA but also in ASIA.
This project report contains all the vital information about Ecotel hotel right
from its functioning to its contribution towards the environment. It tells us
about the hotels and the 5 globes the Ecotel hotel acquires and many more in
easy words a detail analysis regarding the Ecotel hotels. The data collected
was really very interesting. The primary data collection was really
interesting. A visit to Hotel Rodas was made regarding the project. Through
the G.M. of Rodas a detail research and analysis of working of Ecotel was
known more in depth. According to them Ecotel hotels give more emphasis
to customer satisfaction and concern for environment rather than profit
maximization. The hotel does earn a very good amount of profit but at he
same time show concern to the environment. The secondary data was
collected fro newspapers and magazines as well as Internet surfing. After
meeting the G.M of Rodas and collecting data, proper analysis was made
regarding the project.
Lot of hotels have turned into an Ecotel hotel and Ecotel drive would be
very much successful in years to come. These hotels right from the
construction to their waste disposal are formed in a way that they do not
cause any harm to the environment.
SR NO CONTENTS PAGE NO
2 What is a Hotel? 1
Defination
Classification
3 Introduction to the new concept of 2-4
Ecotel
Difference between Normal Hotels and
an Ecotel Hotel
4 Detail study of Ecotel Hotels 5-7
5 Introduction to Ecotel Hotels in Asia 8-20
In India
6 Analysis and Interpretation of Ecotel 21-41
hotels
Detail Analysis of Ecotel Hotels
7 Environment Management Systems 42-50
Case study on ORCHID-Mumbai
(Success through team work)
Benefits of cost reduction
Benefits of EMS implementation
Implementing ISO14001 –THE
CHALLENGE
8 Questainnaire section 51-71
Case study on rodas
Question analysis on rodas
9 Conclusion 72-74
10 Bibiliography 75
1) WHAT IS A HOTEL?
In India, the word may also refer to a restaurant since the best restaurants
were always situated next to a good hotel.
B) CLASSIFICATION OF HOTELS
The cost and quality of hotels are usually indicative of the range and type of
services available. Due to the enormous increase in tourism worldwide
during the last decades of the 20th century, standards, especially those of
smaller establishments, have improved considerably. For the sake of greater
comparability, rating systems have been introduced, with the one to five
stars classification being most common and with higher star ratings
indicating more luxury. Hotels are independently assessed in traditional
systems and these rely heavily on the facilities provided.
E.G The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai is one of India's most
famous and historic hotels followed by the Ritz Hotel in London, UK and
many other hotels known for its service and hospitality.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN :
MAIN AIM: The main aim of hotels The main aim of ecotel hotels is to
is profit maximization with customer build a healthier environment along
satisfaction. with profit maximization and
customer satisfaction . They give
more emphasis on environment
friendly aspects.
PRODUCTS USED: Hotels mostly Ecotel hotels use products that are
prefer branded products in order to environment friendly and cause
build their image. minimal harm to the environment
1. Energy conservation:
5. Environmental commitment:
Incidentally, the Five Globe Ecotel Certification Awards have been given to
a few select hotels the world over. In Asia, the first Five-Globe Certification
award went to the Orchid Hotel, Mumbai.
1. Miraval, Arizona (this was the first certified 5 globe Ecotel in the world.
Its re-certification is pending)
2. Hilton Tokyo Bay, Japan
3. The Orchid, Mumbai
4. The Benjamin, USA
5. Arco Iris, Costa Rica
6. Lapo Rios, Costa Rica
The 51 international awards and the recent ISO 14001 certification reiterate
the efforts of The Orchid of being a pioneer amongst environment friendly
hotels.
Our clientele form the who's who of the discerning international corporate.
We, just like our discerning clientele believe in sustainable development and
have created an experience where:
" Deluxe need not disturb, Comfort need not compromise and
Enjoyment need not be insensitive."
ECOTEL HOTELS IN INDIA:
1 IN MUMBAI:
HOTEL RODAS:
Rodas Hotel a 3 STAR HOTEL, in India is among India's largest luxury
hotels located in Mumbai, Hotel Rodas 3 star is now offering
Accommodation at special internet discounts for deluxe hotel rooms in
India. Accommodation at Rodas Hotel Mumbai has an instant hotel online
reservation system with discount, for reservations made on the internet. For
bookings fill in your details and we will get back to you with our best hotel
discount offer for this Month's Specials anywhere in Mumbai , thus ensuring
guests unrivalled levels of service and luxurious accomodation near
domestic airport, hotel in Mumbai India. This online hotel is located in the
heart of Mumbai, at Hiranandani Gardens, adjacent to the beautiful Powai
Lake, only 15 minutes away from the International airport. It has well
appointed twin and double bed rooms, each equipped with T.V., direct dial
telephone, internet connectivity, channel music, mini bar, tea/coffee maker,
electronic safe and individual temperature controls, to ensure that the guest
is comfortable.
UPPAL’S ORCHID:
Uppal's Orchid is one of the most innovative and eco-friendly hotel in the
Capital city of India. Here you live with nature and Enjoy a luxurious stay
along with the great satisfaction that you have acted as conscientious citizen
of the world contributing your mite in preserving the delicate ecological
balance. Come to one of the Best hotel in New Delhi, the Capital of India
and enjoy the warmth and traditional Indian hospitality with all the modern
world-class comforts and luxury. Uppal Orchids is a class in itself and
maintains a distinct edge over other hotels in terms of hospitality,
environment and dining facilities. Set near the international airport, it's the
most easily accessible place to feel at home once you reach India or Delhi
from outside. This hotel has a beautiful exterior in contemporary style and a
very charming interior decorated in style and artistic taste. Here you will
come across a sophisticated cosmopolitan culture along with a dedicated
service to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Its exquisite ambience
and beauty will enthrall you and make your tour to India one of the most
memorable experiences of your life. You can also taste authentic Indian
delicacies in comfortable setting or choose from a wide range of Indian,
Mughlai, continental and Chinese dishes and a good variety of drinks. It is
not just a great place to stay, but equally great place to eat, drink and have
loads of funs. The hotel has good business and banquet halls facilities and a
fine arrangement of recreation for the guests.
3 IN KERALA
HARITHAGIRI
4 IN CHENNAI
South
India's
first
Five-
Star
Ecotel
Hotel.
The
5 IN KOLKATTA
FLOATEL HOTEL:
The Hotel, a 4 star world class urban resort, floats on the River Hooghly
only a hundred yards from the shore.The Hooghly river is a center-point of
Indian history and the Floatel on the Hooghly today, between the two
Howrah Bridges, brings back that history in its splendor, a time when
Calcutta was in her finest glory.
The 61 room Floating Hotel is based on the concept of combining the best
qualities of a luxury cruise ship with the beauty of a world-class hotel
permanently anchored in the City Centre of Calcutta. The land along the
Floating Hotel consists of a promenade walkway by the river (the only one
of its kind in the city), a beautifully landscaped garden, centrally air-
conditioned reception areas, open air banquet halls (ideal for weddings,
book-launches, music concerts or business parties), a promenade deck (ideal
for parties, events, celebrations, meetings). All in all, The Floatel is the only
City Centre Urban Resort in India. The Floatel is one of the properties of
Manor Floatel Limited, Calcutta.
India's only Floating Hotel has been conceived, designed, constructed and
built in Calcutta by Mr. Manab Pal, Managing Director, Manor Floatel
Limited who worked tirelessly for many years and against huge odds to
create an exquisite unique river-front environment in Calcutta because he
strongly believed that a city as progressive in its ideas as Calcutta, needed a
hotel as unique and spectacular as The Floatel.
Facilities at the Floating Hotel complex conforms to the criteria laid down
by Department of Tourism for a 4-star category accreditation.
The design of the Floatel has been made with the following criteria :
Fully loaded draft not exceeding 6 ft. (about 100% cushion over the lowest
draft available at the location)
A tested anchoring and mooring system, which is to be able to withstand all
kinds of tidal currents and bore times.
Maximum wind velocities at the location and impact of the same on the air
draft of the Floatel.
GB Marine Pte Ltd. (GBMPL), Singapore made the detailed design of the
Floatel calculating the mooring forces with the parameters indicated by
M/s.Geo Hull Ltd., and further prepared the "Estimated Intact Stability" for
the Floatel. The anchoring system was designed consisting of 4 numbers of
1.5 ton LWT Danforth anchors for extra safe anchoring purposes and
mooring to the shore with 62 mm chains.*
Based on the design made by GBMPL, the Floatel was built by M/s.Lian Yi
Ship-building and Construction Co. Ltd. (LYSCL) at Singapore. The
anchoring and mooring system were also fabricated by LYSCL at Singapore.
The entire fabrication and construction work was carried out under the
supervision of GBMPL.
The entire hull of the Floatel was tested and certified by M/s. Bureau
Veritas, Paris, at Singapore on the basis of data of Kraufkramer Ultrasonic
Thickness Gauge Tests undertaken by M/s. Scantech NDT & Inspection Pte.
Ltd., Singapore.
The proof load test for the anchors was undertaken by M/s. ABS Marine
Services Inc, USA in Singapore. The anchor chains were tested and
approved by Lloyds Register of Shipping at Singapore.
Construction of rooms, service areas and other finishing work on the Floatel,
the detailed design and drawings were made by GBMPL. While the facilities
were being designed, MFL engaged the services of an architectural firm M/s.
Ghosh, Bose and Associates Pvt. Ltd. (GBAPL), to advise GBMPL on the
norms required for obtaining approval of various Indian authorities,
including Kolkata Municipal development Corporation, Ministry of
Tourism, Govt. of India etc. GBMPL is one of the reputed architectural
firms in Kolkata, having associated with construction of several prestigious
buildings including multi-storied office buildings, industrial complexes,
airports, hotels etc.
YOGAMAGIC CANVAS:
Yogamagic Canvas Ecotel Goa is tucked at the edge of a Goan village and is
an eco-chic retreat, Yogamagic Canvas Ecotel Goa where you spend the
quiet of the day in Vedic inspired tents and some healing reiki sesions.
An eco-chic retreat, Yogamagic Canvas Ecotel Goa is two kms form the
north Goa beaches and teeters on the edge of a rural village surrounded by
golden rice paddy fields with perfect views of the sunrise and sunset. Seven
tents, each individual and spacious in white canvas, lined with hand block
rinted cotton in the seven different colours of the chakras (energy centres) in
the human body (according to ancient Vedic tradition) become your haven
for the duration of your sojourn here.
The property was originally rented in 2003 with a 12- year plan in mind to
build and develop a unique eco-hotel combining luxury and alternative
technology with nature to create a nurturing environment for the practice and
teaching of yoga whilst providing an ideal platform for rest recovery,
healing and well being. The 6000 square metres of land is, almost an island,
surrounded on two sides by a creek with paddy fields beyond, more paddy
fields to the west and a coconut grove to the north. THe land was wild and
barren save for a dozen mature (50 years plus) coconut trees and an old well
by the remaining plinth of a house long gone. The first two seasons were
spent developing the eco hotel designing and erecting luxurious Rajasthani
hunting tents, sourcing panels to provide solar power for the lighting in each
tent and the pathways, experimenting and perfecting the eco-waste
management system for the natureal composting toilets.
Yoga magic Canvas Ecotel Goa is a place that has a return factor with guests
enjoying the peace and tranquillity in rustic Goa within comfortable
environs and we leave with an assurance to return again to the quietude that
is Yoga magic Canvas Ecotel Goa.
Yoga magic Canvas Ecotel Goa is a sense of calm, swaying palm trees and
rajasthani silk flags fluttering high in the sky. surrounded by paddy fields
and a water creek home to abundant tropical birdlife, Yoga magic Canvas
Emote Goa is an oasis of peace, just two kilometres from the beach in north
goa.
Yoga magic Canvas Ecotel Goa tents feature solar halogen lighting, natural
composting toilets and waste management using EM (effective micro
organisms).
The hot showers get their heat directly from the sun. where possible
buildings are constructed from locally sustainable materials such as mud,
clay, stone, bamboo, jute, wood, palm leafs and cow dung.
Yoga magic Canvas Ecotel Goa food is imaginative, unique and healthy
using the finest spices, fresh coconuts and lots of love. organic vegetables,
healing plants, herbs, fruits, nuts and spices are all grown in and around
Yoga magic Canvas Emote Goa. Indian cooking lessons available by
arrangement.
At Yoga magic Canvas Emote Goa you can dine under the stars by
candlelight, breakfast by the Pool on low tables amid colourful saris draping
the palm fringed roofs or eat in the tower restaurant overlooking the creek
with eagles circling overhead and buffalo grazing in the distance
“The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind
young.”- Henry Ford
Around eight new hotels, including three resorts, across the country are
slated to get their Emote certification in the next one and a half years. This
would be a refreshing change as the existing Ecotels in India are mostly
managed by Concept Hospitality or owned by Kamat Hotels. The properties
in Mahabaleshwar, Lonavla, two in Goa and Pune, Hyderabad and
Bangalore, are all upcoming hotels in different stages of construction and are
in the process of getting certified.
Speaking to Express Hospitality, Harinakshi Nair, senior associate, Emote
certification, from HVS International, said, "Hotel Gautham in
Mahabaleshwar will be the first to get its certification next month. Only the
properties in Hyderabad and Pune will be managed by Concept Hospitality,
while the others are new, individual groups in the industry."
In an effort to include more hotels in Emote collection, HVS International
also plans to certify properties in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan and other
neighbouring countries in the next five years. Nair emphasised, "We do not
want to have a large number of hotels as Ecotels, as we want to maintain the
exclusivity attached to this concept and want to certify only the best."
CONCEPT HOSPITALITY
CHL has had a presence in India for over 10 years and so understands and
has adapted its systems and management to the values and culture of India.
CHL does not believe in the total imposition of western systems and
management concepts, but an integration of these with the prevailing culture
to maximize both employee productivity and guest satisfaction to achieve
the highest possible returns for the property owner.
Our Mission:
To create a group of Corporate Hotels, which are efficient and friendly and
also environmentally sensitive.
Our Strategies:
We have developed strategies to help hoteliers/entrepreneurs increase the
value of their investments and this has paid rich dividends as more and more
travellers are becoming conscious and choose to patronize our group of
hotels, which are environmentally friendly and most of them certified as
Emote Hotels. Environmentally sensitive travellers are the fastest growing
segment in the Travel Industry.
CHL MANAGEMENT
Operational Structure :
The Chairman & Managing Director Mr. Param Kannampilly, who is an
experienced Hotelier, a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, London and
also a Fellow of the World Academy of Productivity Sciences, heads the
Company.
HOTEL MANAGEMENT:
CHL BRANDS
VITS
Guest Rest Best
VITS is an innovative "mixed use" four star luxury business hotel brand,
with the prime market being mid market business / leisure travelers.
Presently Located in Mumbai, the hotels offer quality accommodation, both
for the transient guest and long staying guests, a part of the available
accommodation can also be pre-sold on time-share basis.
LOTUS RESORTS
Relax, Peace & Tranquil
Leisure Resorts, with three - four star facility, which breathe an ambience of
fun, frolic and excitement, be it beachside, valley or hillside.
RODAS
Boutique Hotels
Three star Boutique Hotels with well appointed guest rooms, food &
beverage outlets and state of the art conferencing facility.
MARKETING:
Apart from dedicated sales team for each hotel, we also have Sales &
Marketing Offices in the Metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai,
Ahmedabad, Pune and Bangalore. We have already tied up for a sales
offices in Singapore and would shortly be opening one in Doha, Qatar
“The unexamined life is not worth living”.-
Socrates
1. HOTEL ORCHID
ADVANTAGE:
Strategic location:
Close to the Domestic and International Airport
Near the Industrial and Commercial districts
Easy access to theatres, entertainment and shopping.
Courtesy Coach / Car Pick up to and from the airport for arrivals and
departures.
Interactive Television State of the art television systems are installed in
every room. These interactive televisions allow you the facility of checking
your room bills, placing room service orders, and checking your messages.
The interactive television also allows our guest the convenience of checking-
out from the comfort of his room as part of the express check-out facility
offered by The Orchid.
Express Check out
Free Cable T.V
Business Lounge
Room Internet Service The service, provided by Worldroom
Connect allows the business travelers using a LAN-equipped laptop
computer to simply plug in and start working. There is no dial-up access
required and no reconfiguration of the laptop computer or printers.
EVERGREEN CLUB:
As part of the program the guests who become members of the program earn
points for all eligible spends in the hotel. Once they earn the points they can
redeem the same for rewards like a holiday package to Goa, watches, etc. Or
donate the points earned by them to the "Green Account". The points so
donated will be used for promoting the eco-friendly causes supported by The
Orchid. As part of the same program we have contacted some NGO's to
support us and lend credibility to the drive.
Ask not what the Environment can do for us but what we can do for the
Environment."
What is ALM ?
Advance Locality Management
Advance Locality Management
(ALM) as the name suggests is a
concept to manage the locality and
its sorroundings. Undertaking
projects to beautify the city is doing
the same. As a first step towards it,
the garbage and filth of the area is
segregated and removed with the active participation of local authorities and
citizens. Subsequently various projects such as building a vermiculture
plant, tree plantation drive and other beautification projects are undertaken.
Apart from reducing the pressure on BMC to pick the garbage, it also adds
up as a means of earning for the said ALM . The concept of Advance
Locality Management (ALM) is existing in the city for quite sometime.
Infact, it was in the year 1997 that it was first implemented at Joshi Lane,
Ghatkopar. The idea behind ALM is to promote a partnership between the
citizens and the municipal corporation. As on today there are over 500
ALMs in the city. Though the ALMs have been working for sometime, there
is no coordination between the various ALMs. With the The Orchid ALM
trust coming into being, a new dimension would be given to the whole
concept of locality management.
With the government endorsing the trust and the OSD of ALM, Shrikrishna
Shripad Bhagwat actively participating in it, the trust is going to act as a
platform for the BMC, police and citizens. Apart from this various seminars
and other projects would be conducted by the trust to educate the citizens..
Moreover a team led by the environment officer of the Orchid would
conduct surprise checks on the ALMs and would award prizes for various
projects undertaken by them.
1 LOTUS SUITES
WELLNESS CLUB
Obesity causes arthritis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high
blood sugar that can lead to hypertension and diabetes. Inactivity and
overeating are the major causes amongst others like metabolism, genetics
and fat cell development. It's no secret that any one of these result in
shortening the life span.
Research has shown that losing as little as 5% of your body weight can
greatly improve your health. The more you lose, the more you gain.
It’s just that body weight, and even body fat for that matter, do not tell us as
much about our health as lifestyle factors, such as exercise and the foods we
eat. The important thing is to exercise regularly.
It will help you cut down the fats and make you fit.
And needless to add, healthy.
You won't repent it.
The next time you have to squeeze into the old top from college days.
Or when you want to slip into those old colourful bangles.
Or enjoy a romantic walk under an umbrella with your lover.
Strategic Location:
Close to the Domestic and International Airports
Accessible to Commercial hub like Bandra-Kurla Complex, MIDC , SPEEZ,
NSE Exhibition Centers.
Easy access to theatres, entertainment and shopping.
Internet Service :
Internet is become very essential facility for the valuable guest to check the
e-mail, for down load the presentation and for many important reasons in
Lotus Suites. Wireless Internet service is powered by
Swimming Pool
ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY:
VERMICULTURE
The Lotus Suites practices waste segregation at all levels of waste output.
Thus we are able to segregate the dry waste from the wet. The wet garbage
is then compost at source. Onsite composting pits ensure that we are able to
degrade our wet waste and reuse the compost as organic manure
Further we have also initiated the Nirmalya Composting. All our team
members bring their Nirmalya (flowers offered to deities) which is collected
and composted in a special pit. The Nirmalya that is commonly thrown into
the seas, is composted onsite thus not adding onto the existing water
pollution.
IN ALL TOGETHER WE HAVE - 7 PITS
ROUND PEBBLES
PRE - WASHED COARSE RIVER SAND
SOIL MIXED WITH PROCESSED COWDUNG
DRY SUGAR CANE BAGASSE
PROCESSED SOIL WITH VERMICASTING
AGAIN DRY SUGAR CANE BAGASSE
PROCESSED SOIL WITH VERMICASTING & LOTS OF PRODUCTIVE
EARTHWORMS.
THE ABOVE BEDS ARE STRUCTURED FOR THE PROPER
FACILITATION OF VERMICULTURE PROCESS.
TIPS
Oxygen:
Worms are aerobic digesters. They require oxygen just as we do. It diffuses
through their skin and they exhale carbon dioxide by the same process. If
their environment becomes anaerobic, they will seek more favorable
conditions. The louvered vents in The Worm Farm bin provide enough
oxygen for the worms to survive, but it is recommend that you periodically
fluff the bedding with a garden fork or trowel to help aerate it.
Temperature:
Redworms( Eisenia Foetida ) are most active at room temperature. However,
they will tolerate
a range of +40°F to +85°F. If the worms freeze, they will die. The
Vermiculture Pits are kept out of direct sunlight.
pH:
This is the single most important condition to monitor regularly.Extremes in
either direction may damage or kill worms. A pH between 7 & 8 is ideal for
Redworms.High pH (alkaline): Adjust by adding a mixture of three (3) parts
water to one (1) part white vinegar. Low pH (acid):adjust by adding crushed
egg shells, oyster shell fluff, powdered limestone (not hydrated lime), or
even baking soda. Egg shells work best or you can use athletic field lime.
Excessive quantities of coffee grounds, orange, lemon or other citrus peels
are acidic and can contribute to low pH conditions.
Light:
Although worms have no eyes, the sensory receptors in their skin are
sensitive to light, particularly light of mixed wavelengths. When exposed,
they will bury themselves in their bedding and will stay there until it is dark
again.
Reproductions:
Redworms reproduce quickly and frequently. You will discover small, oval
shaped cocoons throughout the bedding. Each cocoon contains one to
several baby worms and will take several weeks to hatch. Baby worms look
like tiny, white threads. An egg-shell is added to the bedding because worms
requires some calcium to reproduce. The worm population is controlled by
the limitations of their environment, so you don't have to worry about being
overrun by worms.
Vibration:
Redworms will try to leave their home if it is located on or near a source of
vibration (e.g. on top or next to a refrigerator).
“You can learn new things at any time in your life
if you're willing to be a beginner. If you actually
learn to like being a beginner, the whole world
opens up to you”. - Barbara Sher
6) ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- A Tool for Greening the Hotel Industry
An effective EMS can help a hotel assure its guests of its commitment to
environmental management as partners in programs such as recycling, linen
and towel reuse, etc. It can set specific and realistic performance objectives
and targets, and allows the hotel to monitor whether the objectives and
targets are being met or not.
The Indian hotel industry is positioned to reinvent itself in a way that
improves profitability, enhances guest relations, builds bridges into the local
communities, and preserves the natural environment. Over the past two
years, this trend has been translated into results in India in the form of
implementing the Environmental Management System-ISO 14001 in hotel
industry. This article presents a case study of three hotels, demonstrating the
power of becoming an environment-friendly hotel by adoption of environ-
mental management system (EMS), a comprehensive organisational
approach designed to achieve environ-mental care in all aspects of
operations. Partnering environmental protection with cost-saving
environmental improvements and best practices, these units represent a
model for the hotels in India and South Asia for environmental assessments
and actions, as well as voluntary environmental audits that can lead to ISO
14001 certification.
The detailed process flow analysis for each and every utility and function of
engineering department was done as part of the initial environmental review.
This helped in understanding the operational efficiency (performance) of
utility and the related environmental impact caused by the operation. Among
all the identified environmental impacts, the significant ones (resource
conservation possibilities) were identified to take appropriate action, such
that adverse environmental impacts could be reduced. The actions are
designed as detailed environmental management programmes and related
operational control procedures. Some of the initiatives taken in conservation
of resources are mentioned in Table-1. The payback period for all the
initiatives taken was less than eight months. The total energy saving
(including electricity and all other fuels used) achieved in the year 2001-
2002, as compared to that of last year was 11.83% — amounting to a saving
of over one crore rupees.
Buildings go green
Chief minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has gone on record to say that vertical
development is the only panacea to the city’s infrastructure ills. In that case,
it becomes imperative to question whether fast-depleting resources like
power, water and fuel can keep Out of the 17 LEED — Leadership in
pace with this rampant growth. It Energy and Environmental Design
is here that energy efficient certified buildings in the country,
buildings can play a role. Several Chennai alone is home to eight of
city based organisations and them. This accounts for 67.3 per cent
builders however, have realised of the total green building space in
the potential of energy efficient India.
structures commonly known as Kolkata is second only to Chennai
‘green buildings’ and the huge with 15.7 per cent share of the total
savings in resources that would green building space, even though it
accrue in the long run. has only one green building, the
Ecotel Hotels which owns Orchid Technopolis.
and Rodas hotels in the city, is Kolkata is closely followed by the
one of the first hotel chains in the National Capital Region in the ranking
country to market itself as an with a 8.7 per cent share in the total
environment friendly hotel and area spread over three projects.
Mumbai comes fourth with only one
project and a share of 2.9 per cent.
Other cities where certified green
buildings have been built are Kochi,
Hyderabad and Gulbarga.
has made considerable savings by its efforts. “We save close to 15-20 per
cent of electricity costs each year. Everything - from interiors, architecture,
plumbing and electronic devices of the hotel - are designed to cut down on
energy usage and wastage of resources,” says Daniel Chatterton, front office
manager with Rodas Hotel at Powai.
At Rodas, the building design itself is unique; a four feet deep swimming
pool is located on the roof of the building insulating the structure from heat
while double layered walls reduce surface radiation. Water, which is also a
scarce commodity in the city, is meticulously conserved by recycling.
Hundreds of gallons of sewage water is recycled within the hotel premises
itself. This water is then used for gardening and air-conditioning.
However, what’s really amazing about Ecotel is that it gives guests a chance
to contribute to the energy saving effort by pressing what is called a ‘green
switch’. A guest who feels comfortable in his room can press a green button
on his bedside panel to raise the temperature of the room by 2 degrees
Celsius thereby reducing a proportionate amount of electricity consumed by
air-conditioning. “Many of our guests prefer to stay with us specifically
because of our environment friendly credentials,” adds Chatterton.
British Gas, which has its administrative building at Powai, has got the
platinum rating, the highest rating given to a green building certified by the
international LEED (Leaders in Energy Efficient Design) ratings. “Since 30-
40 per cent of energy costs are saved, this building is the most energy
efficient structure in the city. Even water is economically used by mixing air
with water to give it sufficient pressure,” says Birju Patel, designer
associated with Hafeez Contactor architects who worked on the project.
With the civic administration set to introduce a law making it mandatory for
all new constructions to be energy efficient, renowned city based builders
have already started moving in this direction. Builders like Kalpataru, Lodha
group and K. Raheja Group already have projects at various stages of
construction. “People have begun to realise the impracticality of limitless
power supply. Besides, leasing out office spaces in these green buildings
also fetch higher rental rates. Today all our commercial building projects are
energy efficient structures,” says Abhishek Lodha chairman of Lodha
Group, which is constructing an IT park at Kanjurmarg. Corporates like
Godrej and Reliance have also entered the fray. While Reliance is coming up
with a 650,000 sq.ft IT park at Santacruz, Godrej is coming up with an IT
park at Vikhroli.
“Although constructing a green building incurs costs of up to 15 per cent
higher than other buildings, they yield returns of up to 30 per cent in saved
energy costs. The trend of building energy efficient structures is slowly
catching up but a lot of research into fine tuning technology and design
remains to be done,” confirms Ahsan Ansari, proprietor of a city based
design firm PFA.
With the spectre of crippling power shortages haunting the city, green
buildings may just hold the key to Mumbai’s energy secure future.
In order to know more about the functioning of Ecotel hotel a field visit to
Hotel Rodas was done to know about the working of the Ecotel hotel in
detail. MR DANIEL CHATTERTON(FRONT OFFICE MANAGER/
GREAN TEAM LEADER) in RODAS assisted with the information of
functioning of with the help of following questionnaire given below:
RODAS Turned into an Ecotel in the year 2001 with 55 members working in
the hotel.
MISSION STATEMENT
ARCHITECTURE
(PASSIVE ENERGY CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN DESIGN)
1 THE FACADE
The building is positioned in such a manner that the center point of its
parabolic shape faces the NORTH-EAST, hence reducing the direct sunlight
thereby reducing electricity consumption, by way of less air conditioning
and lighting.
3 ROOF TOP
The rooftop is treated with 3 layers of coba (clay brick), which is a natural
resource. This acts as an insulator from heat and noise, thus reducing air
conditioning load.
4 CIVIL WORK
CEMENT
To start at the very beginning the cement that has gone into making RODAS
an ecofriendly Hotel is absolutely environment friendly. This cement, PPC
(Portland Pozzalana Cement) contains 15-20% fly ash, as compared to OPC
(Ordinary Portland Cement) and is used for finishing of the exterior plaster,
block masonery, tiling and flooring.
For concreting works the hotel has used cementitions products like fly ash,
GBFS (Granulated Blast Furnace Slag) etc, which help reduce the
atmosphere pollution. Fly ash is by-product of Electric power generation,
and 26% of the same is used in PPC. This also brings down the production
of cement, which results in reducing pollution.
5 PLUMBING
All taps contain special aerators, which increase the water’s force and reduce
outflow, saving water. Using these aerators saves up to 50% of water. In
addition in all public area toilets we have taps operating on sensors.
2 other ingenious water saving device are the Concealed Cistern which used
only 6 litres of water per flush as against 15-20 litres used in conventional
flushes.
A central chilled water system; purified using ultra violet rays ensure
sterilized water and removes the need for 8 water coolers in various outlets.
10 INTERIORS
RUBBER WOOD
Despite its natural timber look, the master control panel in the guestrooms
and shutters are made from Rubber wood. After producing rubber sap and
the tree is cut down, the same cannot be used for any constructive purpose,
as the wood acquired from the rubber tree is soft. The rubber wood then
derived is processed and upgraded wood, which has been vaccum,
impregnated using unleachable type of timber preservative chemicals and
kiln seasoned to ensure dimensional stability.
12 ELECTRICAL
At RODAS we have not only made efforts to reduce our solid waste and
conserve water but also have contributed in saving energy. To know more
about the energy saving at our hotel read on:
PL LAMPS/FLUORESCENT TUBES
At RODAS energy efficient PL lamps are used which provide as much light
as ordinary bulbs, yet consume substantially less energy. To cite an
example: using a 10 W PL lamp will give an equal amount of brightness as a
60 W incandescent bulb whereas the former (PL lamp) will have a power
consumption of 25% the latter will have a power consumption of 100%!
What’s more since your room lights come in only when your key card is
inserted there’s no chance that lights or the air conditioner remains on once
you leave the room.
MINIBARS
The mini bars used in the guestrooms by us save upto 40% energy, as it is
equipped with “fuzzy logic” which senses the load inside the refrigerator and
cools it accordingly. Also an added advantage is that these mini bars are
CFC free.
13 MECHANICAL
AIR-CONDITIONING
HOT WATER
14 ELECTRONIC
15 OPERATIONAL PRACTICES
HANGERS
FRUITS
LAUNDRY
In our strive to reduce water we have reusable cloth laundry bags instead of
the standard paper or plastic bags as in other hotels, in which the guests
could send the clothes for laundering and the same will be delivered in
reusable cane baskets wrapped in muslin cloth. A laundry button is
incorporated in the master control panel, eliminating the use of laundry pick
up tent cards.
NEWSPAPER
PENS/PENCIL
To prove our commitment to the environment RODAS uses eco-friendly
pens and pencils. The eco-pens are made using recycled cardboard,
reprocessed plastic and scrap wood. The cardboard, which is used as barrel,
is free from chlorine usage in the manufacturing stage. The plastic as the
head and base is made from reprocessed ABS (a thermoplastic material that
can be recycled and/or remoulded). Scrap wood is obtained from discarded
cases used for packing purposes. The eco pencils are not made of wood but
of a non-toxic polymer with the use of natural fillers. Wood saver pencils are
made using a shaft, which is made of biodegradable materials such as talc,
gypsum and clay.
16 RECYCLING BINS
Separated recycling bin with a sticker for guest use is placed in all rooms.
Why use dead flowers to bring a room alive? At RODAS you’ll find cut
flowers cut to an absolute minimum instead living vibrant plants help bring
the beauty of nature indoors.
1 STATIONARY
With forests dwindling and the air we breathe under threat, every
contribution helps. Which is why you’ll find all paper products at RODAS
contains at least 25% recycled content.
2 SLIPPERS
To further show you how down to earth our eco sensitivity is, even the
stylish slippers in your room are hand crafted from natural reed for your
comfort.
The water flask in the guestrooms are left empty which are filled after asking
the guest for his preference of hot, cold or room temperature water as water
already filled and kept in the flask leads to guest perception of the water
being stale, which they promptly ask to be replaced.
The glasses too are turned on upside down and kept in the tray, thereby
doing away with having to wrap each glass in a plastic bag and consequently
generating more waste for the hotel.
This treatment has been recently introduced and is the first of it’s kind in
India to eradicate cockroaches. This herbal paste contains extracts from
herbs and the treatment is totally different than the conventional spray
treatment. By using this treatment there are no health hazards, as there is no
use of any poisonous chemicals. No cleaning is required after the treatment
is done hence there is no wastage of water, detergents etc.
This medicine is in the form of a paste and it is applied to all nooks and
corner in the form of small globules in the premises, which is to be treated.
This paste can also be applied in refrigerators, ovens, microwave mixers,
and computers as it is non-poisonous.
PAINTS
CLOTH MATS
To reduce the waste generated by our hotel we use cloth mats instead of
paper ones.
To add to the above, use of single serving items are done away with at
RODAS. Use of condiments like sugar cubes, jams, sauces, ketchup are
served in preserved pots and butter chiplets have been replaced by butter
curls.
Guest concurrence through the use of green button. Increase points in the
guestroom by couple of degrees.
Lighting in public areas like Restaurants etc. will be switched on/off based
on lux intensity meters depending on the time of day.
STAFF AMENITIES
GREEN BIN:
RECYCLABLE
GARBAGE
RESTAURANT BILLS,
KOT PADS,
NEWSPAPER,
CARDBOARD CARTONS,
PAPER NAPKIN,
STAPLER PIN&U PIN
CARBOARD BOX.
Papers are being recycled and then used again for office purposes and
recycling of papers is been given to the company named PUMBA
PANEL IN CHENNAI and is taken back and used. For e.g. small
pads, room bills , cash envelopes are all recycled and re-used.
Likewise even fruits are not wasted and given on guest request.
Non-recycle bin we can dispose plastic, oil etc whereas in recycle bin we
can dispose wet garbage and re-use the paper.
Lights and all electrical appliances are been switched off when not in use.
There are 36 rooms in the hotel and there are two glasses attached to
the windows and the windows are fully sound proof..
Thus we can see that more and more hotels are turning into an Ecotel hotels
and the project analysis gives us the clear idea of hotels turning green would
in a way contribute towards protection of environment and stop causing too
much harm to the environment.
It's all about saving and re-investing. Ploughing resources back into
the earth, as you would in a bank. Overdraw and you face
depletion. Ultimately in a world that's increasingly getting crunched
of precious resources, Hotels such as Uppals employing Ecotel
practices will succeed - Pushpinder Kumar
Vice President and
General Manager
Uppal's Orchid
10. BIBILIOGRAPHY
SITES
1. www.rodas.com
2. www.orchid.com
3. www.lotussuites.com
4. www.google.com
5. www.concepthospitality.com
6. www.raintreehotel.com
7. www.yogamagic.net
8. www.uppal’sorchid.com
9. www.harithagiri.com
10. www.ecotel.com
RESEARCH CONDUCTED AT
HOTEL RODAS