As we enter a period of significant technological advancement and economic growth, it’s important to acknowledge the crucial role that environmental sustainability plays in shaping a prosperous future. The concept of sustainability, particularly environmental sustainability, is now firmly embedded in our consciousness as a necessity. Ensuring that our actions today do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs is a responsibility we all share, and both informs and drives our business goals and practices at Greengage.
Defining environmental sustainability: What it means for our planet
Environmental sustainability refers to the practice of using natural resources in a way that maintains the health and viability of ecosystems for future generations. It encompasses a holistic approach to managing the planet’s resources, ensuring that we meet our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This involves preserving biodiversity, maintaining the quality of air and water, and reducing waste and pollution. By embracing sustainability, we commit to protecting the delicate balance of our natural world, thereby ensuring the long-term health and prosperity of our planet.
Understanding the ecological footprint and its impact
The ecological footprint is a measure of the demand humans place on Earth’s ecosystems, compared to the planet’s ability to regenerate these resources. It includes factors such as the consumption of food, water, and energy, as well as waste production. An oversized ecological footprint means we are using resources faster than they can be replenished, leading to resource depletion, habitat destruction, and increased carbon emissions. Understanding and reducing our ecological footprint is crucial for minimising our environmental impact, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that natural resources remain available for future generations.
Key principles of environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability is guided by several key principles aimed at maintaining the integrity of our natural world. These include the conservation of biodiversity, ensuring the equitable use of resources, and adopting a precautionary approach to environmental management. Additionally, sustainability emphasises the need for intergenerational equity, where today’s actions do not harm the prospects of future generations. These principles advocate for the responsible use of resources, pollution prevention, and the integration of environmental considerations into all aspects of decision-making processes, ensuring a balanced approach to development and environmental stewardship.
Renewable energy and sustainable resource management
Renewable energy and sustainable resource management are cornerstones of environmental sustainability. Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydro power reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change. Sustainable resource management involves the careful planning and use of natural resources to prevent depletion and maintain ecological balance. Practices such as recycling, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation are vital for ensuring that resources are available for future use. Embracing renewable energy and sustainable management practices not only protects the environment but also supports long-term economic and social well-being.
The role of environmental sustainability in protecting future generations
Environmental sustainability is crucial in safeguarding the well-being and quality of life for future generations. By committing to sustainable practices today, we ensure that essential resources such as clean water, fertile soil, and breathable air remain available for our children and grandchildren. Sustainable development mitigates the adverse effects of climate change, reduces pollution, and preserves biodiversity, all of which are vital for a stable and healthy environment. Protecting our planet through sustainable actions ensures that future generations inherit a world where they can thrive, innovate, and enjoy a high quality of life.
Sustainable agriculture and food security for the future
Sustainable agriculture is essential for achieving long-term food security and ensuring that future generations have access to nutritious and sufficient food. By employing practices such as crop rotation, organic farming, and efficient water use, sustainable agriculture maintains soil health, reduces dependency on the use of chemicals, and promotes biodiversity. These methods not only enhance the resilience of food systems to climate change but also improve yields and food quality. Emphasising sustainability in agriculture ensures that we can meet the growing food demands of an increasing global population without depleting the natural resources that future generations will depend on.
Economic benefits of adopting sustainable practices
Adopting sustainable practices offers significant economic benefits that contribute to long-term prosperity and resilience. Investing in renewable energy, for example, creates jobs, reduces energy costs, and lessens dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. Sustainable business practices, such as reducing waste and improving energy efficiency, can lead to substantial cost savings and enhance competitiveness. Furthermore, by preserving natural resources and mitigating environmental risks, sustainability helps avoid the economic losses associated with environmental degradation and health issues. In this way, sustainable practices not only protect the planet but also foster a robust and sustainable economy.
Implementing sustainable practices: Steps individuals and communities can take
Implementing sustainable practices at both individual and community levels is essential for fostering a greener and healthier planet. Individuals can contribute by adopting habits such as reducing waste, recycling, conserving water, and using energy-efficient appliances. Communities can organise initiatives like community gardens, local recycling programs, and clean-up campaigns to promote collective environmental stewardship. Supporting local businesses and products, using public transportation, and participating in environmental advocacy further amplify these efforts. By taking these steps, individuals and communities not only reduce their ecological footprint but also set a powerful example that encourages broader societal change towards sustainability.
Education and awareness: Cultivating a sustainability mindset
At Greengage we believe that education and awareness are critical for cultivating a sustainability mindset that drives long-term change. Our commitment to sustainability in the British hospitality and events industry extends far beyond our flagship ECOsmart sustainability certification – we foster a community of change-makers dedicated to making a positive impact on the planet. We are commited to redefining what it means to be environmentally responsible and setting new standards in sustainable progression for hotels, meeting venues, serviced apartments and travel and event agencies. We provide guidance and share best practice through our workshops and seminars, highlighting the importance of sustainability and demonstrating practical ways to incorporate it into daily business practices.
What type of features and standards should every sustainable hotel and conference venue have?
Greengage’s ECOsmart certification looks at many categories when assessing the sustainability of a hotel and conference venue, including these key areas:
Energy and CO2
A good example is Central Hall Westminster which has five grand chandeliers. Each chandelier houses sixty light bulbs and each light bulb was halogen 240w, which equalled 14400w used per chandelier when the lights were on. The light bulbs were replaced with 60w light bulbs reducing usage from 14400w to 2400w per chandelier when the lights were on. For the total five chandeliers the old usage was 72,000w and the new usage came to 12,000w which equates to six times less wattage used when the lights are on.
Other things to consider are choosing a venue where meeting rooms have windows, a venue that has good AV equipment to save on transport and a venue that can measure carbon emissions of an event.
Waste and recycling
A shocking 20% of the food prepared for events finds its way into the waste stream. From salads to bread, desserts to vegetable side dishes, the impact of such waste from events and exhibitions cannot be overlooked. Plus vast carpets in exhibition halls used once are then discarded.
In response to this environmental challenge, the concept of zero waste to landfill has emerged as a beacon of sustainability. The principle is straightforward: leave no waste behind. Methods for diverting waste include reuse, recycling, composting and anaerobic digestion, and even repurposing as animal feed.
ECOsmart Platinum certified Wyboston Lakes is committed to sending zero waste to landfill, 100% of the time. At BMA House, leftover food finds new life as biofuel and fertiliser, contributing to a circular economy. Meanwhile, Kia Oval in London harnesses the power of the ORCA digester, processing an impressive 20,000 kilos of waste, with CO2 and methane by-products diverted away.
Innovative practices extend beyond waste diversion to encompass resourceful materials and design. At 15 Hatfields in London, chairs are crafted from recycled seat belts salvaged from EasyJet aircraft, while the Belfry Hotel & Resort, Sutton Coldfield boasts a dance floor ingeniously fashioned from recycled Coca-Cola bottles.
No plastic
In the UK alone, a staggering 13 billion plastic bottles are consumed annually, with 50% of these bottles being used for water. Half of these bottles end up in landfills or littered across the landscape. This disposal of plastic contributes significantly to marine pollution, with one third of marine plastic pollution stemming from such waste.
The imperative to eliminate plastic bottles from our consumption habits is clear. Across the hospitality industry, inspiring examples of action are emerging such as at Wyboston Lakes, the ‘Plastic Sucks’ initiative drives home the message of reducing plastic consumption. BMA House champions plastic-free events, showcasing the feasibility and impact of such practices. 15Hatfields sets an exemplary standard by completely eliminating single-use plastic from their operations.
Water Conservation
Water, essential for life, is a finite resource with vast implications for our planet’s sustainability. While 97% of Earth’s water is held in its oceans, only 1% is readily available for drinking, with the remainder locked in glaciers. Despite this seemingly abundant supply, the amount of available water has remained relatively constant over the past 40 years, even as the global population has doubled. By 2030, experts predict that demand for water will outstrip supply by 40%, exacerbating water shortages brought about by climate change in regions like the UK. It’s therefore imperative that we recognise the value of water and take proactive steps to conserve it for future generations.
Innovative solutions are emerging across Greengage ECOsmart certified venues:
– The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London demonstrates the potential of rain and wastewater usage by irrigating plants and flowers in the Faraday Garden while also providing in-house bottled water.
– Initiatives like those at Ashorne Hill encourage water conservation by implementing four-minute shower timers, recognising that reducing shower time can save significant amounts of water.
– Efforts extend to restroom facilities as well, with venues like Church House, London showcasing water-saving measures equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool every year.
– BMA House stands as a shining example of water conservation, having saved an impressive 5.4 million litres of water through its initiatives.
Food and Beverage
Embracing locally sourced, healthy and seasonal options has become the norm in event planning. Whether the preference is for traditional or vegan (plant-based) fare, the emphasis is on sustainability and health. It’s essential to cut down on beef consumption, given its significant environmental impact; for instance, at one event, beef accounted for 50% of onsite CO2 emissions.
Notable examples include Friends House in London’s Euston which sources apples from a Kent farm where staff work during the summer and QE11, which avoids food ingredients transported by air, shares excess ingredients with other locations, and offers imaginative vegetarian and vegan options. Chewton Glen, New Milton boasts homegrown fruits and vegetables, including fresh rhubarb and honey from on-site beehives. Kia Oval offers reduced-price chef’s choices, while BMA House and 15Hatfields have taken a stand against serving beef and using palm oil, respectively.
Guest rooms
Simple steps can lead to significant impacts. For example, at Pan Pacific, amenities include recyclable aluminium, Diptyque shower gel dispensers, bamboo toothbrushes, wooden razors, corn starch bathing caps, and Cheeky Panda tissues, along with Fairtrade tea and coffee. Excess soaps and shampoos find new life through recycling at Clean Conscience.
Guest participation
Engaging guests in sustainability efforts cultivates a sense of involvement and contributes to the feel-good factor. Encouraging simple actions like changing towels only when placed in the bath and offering a selection of healthy food options to cater to diverse preferences. ECOsmart certified Wyboston Lake has created a “It all starts in the bedroom,” initiative that allows guests to opt out of room cleaning; for every guest who elects not to have their room cleaned, a tree is planted on-site, resulting in 23,000 trees being planted in 2023.
Social and environment
Sustainability encompasses more than just the environment – it’s about People, Planet, and Prosperity. Beyond minimising environmental impact, sustainability initiatives now extend to social and economic realms, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to ethical practices. This shift underscores the importance of initiatives like paying staff the National Living Wage, providing sustainable training programs, and appointing Green Champions like Silverstone.
Additionally, fostering community involvement and charitable initiatives, such as redistributing surplus food, demonstrate an organisation’s dedication to broader societal well-being. These efforts encapsulate the essence of true sustainability, reflecting a balanced and inclusive approach towards a better future for all.
The way forward: Policy and innovation in environmental sustainability
The way forward in sustainability relies heavily on progressive policies and innovative solutions. Governments and policymakers must implement regulations and incentives that promote sustainable practices, such as carbon pricing, renewable energy subsidies, and stringent environmental protection laws. Innovation in technology and business models, such as the development of clean energy technologies, sustainable agriculture practices, and circular economy strategies, can drive significant progress. Collaboration between public and private sectors, as well as international cooperation, is crucial for addressing global environmental challenges. By prioritising policy and innovation, we can create a framework that supports sustainable development and paves the way for a greener future.
Conclusion
The importance of environmental sustainability cannot be overstated. It is the foundation upon which the health, prosperity, and survival of future generations depend. By making conscious choices today, we can ensure that we leave a legacy of a thriving, vibrant planet for those who come after us. The time to act is now, and every effort counts. Together, we can build a sustainable future.
