Environmental Mission Statements: A List of Hotel Sustainability Policies

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courtland, matt, the natural strategyA mission statement can help an organization navigate difficult times. I wonder how many hoteliers used their mission statements to remind them what of mattered most to their company during the past 18 months. As is true with many sectors of the world economy, 2009 was the worst year in recent memory for the hospitality industry. Meeting planners and business travelers moved to online conferences whenever possible and overnight vacations became a luxury for many people. Despite these financial problems, hotels and their investors understand the importance of developing a sustainable product and have been investing in green technologies.

This is the first in a series of posts that will investigate environmental mission statements. The articles will focus on how to develop an environmental mission statement, which companies have them, how are they being used, and discussing whether environmental mission statements are necessary. I have started by compiling links to the environmental policies and statements of several well-known hotel organizations.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts - One of the first hotel companies to incorporate sustainability into their organization, Fairmont's Environmental Policy outlines their commitments to protecting the natural world. Mission Statement

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts - While it is not a true environmental mission statement, the "Supporting Sustainability" paragraph on their Corporate Values page summarizes Four Seasons' stance on being "green".

Hilton Worldwide - A Sustainability Statement and an Environmental Policy are both available on Hilton's Sustainability web page. Measurable goals are documented and ways to achieve them are noted. Mission Statement

InterContinental Hotels Group - Listing eight steps it will take to improve its relationship with the earth, IHG's Environmental Policy is clear and aggresive. Their Green Engage program is an industry leading environmental initiative and shows they are serious about their mission. Mission Statement

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurant Group, LLC - The foundations of the EarthCare program were set almost 30 years ago. Since then, Kimpton has dedicated itself to innovative "green" practices across all of its locations. Mission Statement

Marriott International, Inc. - Spirit to Preserve is the sustainable arm of Marriott' s Social Responsibility and Community Engagement program. In their Social Responsibility Report, J.D. Marriott says, "An integrated green strategy is a business imperative". While Marriott has several partnerships with international conservation organizations, I am unable to find an official environmental mission statement.

Omni Hotels and Resorts - Similar to other hotel companies, Omni Hotels does not have a specific environmental mission statement. Instead, they provide information on their Environmental Stewardship practices.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. - Their Environmental Sustainability Policy is clear and professional, outlining the five "green" areas on which they are focused. Mission Statement

Wyndham Worldwide Corporation - The Wyndham Green program is well defined on-line. Their Policy Statement defines their thoughts on the environment, provides local and global goals, and lists seven areas of focus. The site also provides links to their Green Scorecard and Core Initiatives. Mission Statement

Matt Courtland is founder and CEO of The Natural Strategy, a consulting firm based in Portsmouth, NH, that works with business leaders to incorporate environmental sustainability into the core strategy of their organizations. Matt uses The Natural Strategy’s Eco-Position Survey to assess the current relationship a business has with the environment and to understand its future sustainability goals. He then guides leaders through developing an environmental mission statement, creating a strategic plan that will carry out the sustainability objectives of the company, and educating employees on how to be “green” in the workplace.

Environment + Energy Leader