Qualmark's list of New Zealand tourism's top environmental
performers hit the 100 mark this week.
The 100th Enviro-Gold Award is an important milestone,
highlighting the success of the Qualmark Green programme, according
to Qualmark Chief Executive, Geoff Penrose.
"What we are seeing from these businesses is a long-term view of
sustainability and the value of caring for the environment and
their community," says Geoff Penrose.
Despite launching Qualmark Green at a time when many tourism
businesses were struggling due to the global economic downturm,
commitment to the programme is clearly evident, with over 470
businesses now recognised with Enviro-Gold, Silver or Bronze
awards.
Ascot Park Hotel, which scooped the 100th Enviro-Gold award, is
one of many good examples of businesses showing vision and
leadership, says Geoff Penrose.
Ascot Park Hotel Manager, Peter Ridsdale, says the hotel has
travelled a long way in two years and will continue working towards
a sustainable business.
"I'm very pleased we started this journey and the team and I are
proud of what we have achieved so far," says Peter Ridsdale.
With potential savings of up to NZD17,000 per annum identified
through an energy audit and about six tonnes of waste now recycled
monthly, rather than going to landfill, there are clear benefits
for both the business and the environment, he says.
Since August 2008, the environmental performance of all tourism
businesses participating in the Qualmark programme has been
considered as part of on-site quality assessments.
Businesses performing well in reducing environmental impact in
five key action areas (energy efficiency, waste management, water
conservation, community activities and conservation initiatives)
are eligible to apply for an Enviro-Gold, Enviro-Silver or
Enviro-Bronze Award.
The initiative, referred to as Qualmark Green, was unveiled to
the tourism industry by the Minister of Tourism on 27 May 2008. The
introduction of criteria used to assess environmental performance
marked a 'world first', with New Zealand being the first country
with a fully integrated quality and environmental performance
tourism assurance system.
The Enviro logo is a useful guide for the increasing number of
travellers wishing to limit the environmental impact of their
tourism experiences.
Source: Qualmark
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