CHAPTER 17:
ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT IN
TOURISM AND
HOSPITALITY
A. INTRODUCTION
a. What is environmental management?
Environmental management involves planning,
controlling, and implementing strategies to reduce the
environmental impact of business activities. It aims to balance
ecological sustainability with economic growth.
b. Importance of the environment to the hospitality
industry
The environment is critical to the hospitality industry as it
provides the natural landscapes, clean air, water, and
resources that attract tourists and sustain operations.
c. Importance of environmental management to business
sustainability
Environmental management ensures long-term business
viability by minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste,
and meeting the growing demand for sustainable practices.
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION
Environmental action refers to the policies, efforts, and
programs implemented to address environmental challenges and
promote sustainability in business operations. It can be seen in
the following:
a. Various policies, efforts, and programs for sustainability
Efforts include:
• waste reduction programs,
• renewable energy adoption,
• water conservation initiatives,
• eco-certification schemes, and
• sustainable sourcing of materials.
b. Corporate responsibility and sustainable development
Corporate responsibility refers to a company's ethical obligation to make decisions
that contribute to economic, social, and environmental well-being.
Corporate responsibility increasingly focuses on adopting the following:
• sustainable practices - This means companies take steps to minimize their carbon
footprint, use renewable energy, reduce waste, and source materials responsibly.
• addressing environmental concerns – This is about mitigating environmental
impacts due to factors like climate change, deforestation, and pollution.
• contributing positively to global sustainability goals - Many companies align their
CR efforts with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals,
which range from eradicating poverty to promoting gender equality and fostering clean
water and sanitation, provide a global framework for responsible business. Companies
often choose specific SDGs to focus on, embedding these into their mission and practices.
c. There are Five main drivers towards
sustainable development
1. Regulatory compliance: Meeting legal and regulatory
environmental standards to avoid penalties.
2. Cost savings: Reducing expenses through efficient resource
use and waste minimization.
3. Market demand for green practices: Responding to consumer
preferences for environmentally responsible businesses.
4. Risk management: Mitigating environmental risks that could
harm operations or reputation.
5. Corporate image and brand reputation: Enhancing public
perception and trust by demonstrating commitment to
sustainability.
d. Three stages of development for companies in
approaching environmental management
1. Reactive: Addressing issues as they arise.
2. Proactive: Implementing planned environmental initiatives.
3. Sustainable: Integrating environmental strategies into core
business models.
C. ENVIRONMENTAL ACCREDITATION
formal recognition of an organization's
commitment to environmentally responsible
practices, typically awarded by independent
bodies or industry standards.
a. Sources of influence for
environmental accreditation
Environmental accreditation is influenced by
regulatory bodies, industry standards,
customer expectations, and global
sustainability frameworks.
b. ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard & its core elements
1. Environmental policy - A small coffee shop creates a simple policy to reduce its impact on the environment. It
promises to use less plastic, save energy, and recycle more.
2. Planning- The cofee shop looks at its activities, like baking and packaging. It decides to reduce electricity use
by turning off coffee maker when not in use and to switch to eco-friendly packaging.
3. Implementation and operation - The coffee shop buys energy-efficient light bulbs and starts using paper bags
instead of plastic. Staff are trained on how to properly recycle and save energy.
4. Checking and corrective actions - Every month, the coffee shop checks its electricity bill to make sure it is
saving energy. If they notice that energy usage is still high, they find ways to improve, like adjusting the oven
temperature.
5. Management review- The coffee shop owner meets with the team every year to talk about how well they are
doing with their environmental goals, like reducing plastic use and saving energy. They make new plans for the
upcoming year based on what worked or didn’t work.
D. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
a. EMS - Environmental Management System
b. Planning and designing “green” buildings
c. EMS characteristics
d. Key components of EMS
i. Environmental policy and mission statements
ii. Environmental audit
E. ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Energy management involves monitoring and
reducing energy use to improve efficiency, cut
costs, and minimize environmental impact. An
energy management program includes regular
audits, energy-saving technologies, and staff
training.
F. MATERIALS AND WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Effective materials and waste management reduce
resource consumption, promote recycling, and
minimize landfill contribution. Hospitality businesses
can achieve this through proper inventory control,
composting, and partnerships with recycling
organizations.
F. MATERIALS AND WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Effective materials and waste management
reduce resource consumption, promote recycling,
and minimize landfill contribution. Hospitality
businesses can achieve this through proper
inventory control, composting, and partnerships
with recycling organizations.
G. MATERIALS AND WASTE
MANAGEMENT
There are Four (4) Specific factors in indoor
environment management
Air quality, having good air quality improves health and
reduces complaints about odors or allergens.
Noise, noise management enhances comfort by reducing
disruptions from external and internal sources.
Light, and proper lighting improves energy efficiency and
enhances guest experiences.
Non-ionizing radiation, minimizing exposure to radiation
from electronic devices ensures safety and guest comfort.
H. WATER MANAGEMENT
Water management involves using resources efficiently to
conserve supplies and reduce costs.
Key factors in water management
01/
Water Quality
Be sustainable
Ensuring clean, safe water improves guest satisfaction and protects health.
02/
Control of water consumption
Reduce waste
Techniques such as low-flow fixtures and regular maintenance help reduce water
use and operational costs.
GREEN
MARKETING
Green Marketing
Green marketing promotes eco-friendly practices and
products to attract environmentally conscious
customers. Highlighting sustainable initiatives can
differentiate businesses in a competitive market. It is also
known as environmental marketing or eco-marketing,
focuses on promoting products, services, or brands that
are environmentally friendly or have a positive impact on
the planet.
73 %
Advantages of Green
Marketing
1. Demonstrating commitment to
social and environmental
responsibility.
2. Enhancing brand trustworthiness
and reputation.
3. Reducing energy use and
greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Attracting environmentally
conscious consumers.
5. Providing long-term prospects
for sustainable growth
Here are some real-world
examples of green marketing in
the hospitality industry:
1. Hilton Hotels
2. Marriott International
3. Airbnb
4. Club Med
5. AccorHotels
J. ENVIRONMENTAL
MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND
TRENDS
Current trends include adopting
renewable energy, investing in
carbon offset programs, and
integrating
circular economy principles.
Hospitality businesses must stay
agile to address emerging issues
like climate change and resource
scarcity.
K. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Environmental management is essential for the hospitality
industry to maintain ecological balance and
ensure long-term sustainability. By adopting responsible
practices, businesses can meet regulatory
requirements, enhance their brand, and contribute positively
to global sustainability efforts.
Borcelle University
THANK YOU
Alba Castro
