Green hotels - fact or fiction?

Posted by: Jan Peter Bergkvist
10 Nov 2011
I guess this is what we see throughout society at last, the shift of paradigm needed - let's just hope it isn't too late.

Posted by: Marina & Watersports Manager
13 Nov 2011
Dear Louise, Great article and I really do hope that the MENA region looks towards more accreditation and compliance, but, and unfortunately I have to add a really BIG BUT, there is a significant lack of understanding in the Gulf region of what it all means and more to the point what it all Costs. The overwhelming benefits of sustainability and adopting "green" business models is a very very long way off in the Gulf region and I can say this having had hands on experience. The long term costs saving and revenue generation opportunities are repeatedly missed. For an example I use a beach area that chose to use blue hydrochloric acid containers to mark out the swimming area in the sea :( An emphasis being placed on "noone ever swims in the sea so it doesnt matter!) Not only does this extend to "visible" sustainability but also to the "non visible" environmental factors that effect the Gulf. I use as an example fishing trips. It is a known fact that the Gulf is over fished and not much fish life remains. Once again I have seen undersized fish caught and landed. Rather than returned to the sea. What is the end result? Unless there is significant management across the Gulf coupled with voluntary and mandatory practices imposed it is unlikely that many of the practices that I have first hand experience of will be sustainable - mainly because the primary point is repeatedly being missed: That being that Customers, Visitors, Clients, Guests are wiser, more knowledgeable, have travelled internationally and seen what is going on and expect to see and experience an Environmentally Sustainable experience. If the Gulf region does not adopt mandatory and voluntary practices then I am afraid that evidence shows there will not be much left in the very very very near future. I am suitably qualified and experienced to make these comments and I am able to provide a wealth of free information and guidance based on European and international green business practices. Its not easy being Green but theres loads of money to be made from it!

Posted by: Carol
15 Nov 2011
Hi Louise It is of course good that we are seeing a sift to being more environmentally intuitive but we in the Gulf are still so far behind the rest of the world. It seem to be always some one else's problem that governments and industries need to be following green policies. We deal with LED lighting and it is a constant disappointment that a number of GM and Operations Managers still have not switched to more energy saving solutions. The normal excuse is budget but we have products that have a 5 year warranty so if you look at the maintenance and energy saving costs these options should be seen in a more favourable light, excuse the pun.We know that LED are more expensive but the range of products are vast and quality if you go to the right supplier is excellent. I am hoping that with 2012, heading our way the New Year Resolution in the hospitality and fm industry will be to make massive changes to be Green inside and out and putting it bluntly stop talking about it and start doing it. Carol Prince RWN Trading