Sustainable Practices Lead To Industry Award For Queenstown Hotel

A paperless check-in is just one of the many sustainable practices already being implemented at Crowne Plaza Queenstown, now proud recipients of Qualmark’s Enviro-Silver award.

The hotel has attained New Zealand tourism’s quality rating for its commitment to the environment and for being a responsible accommodation provider.

Brett Wilson, Crowne Plaza Queenstown General Manager, said the award acknowledged the range of excellent sustainable practices in every area of hotel operation.

“It’s taken a huge commitment from management and staff but we believe it’s important for our guests to know that we care about the impact we have on the environment, and that we’re doing everything we can right now to minimise it,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the Enviro-Silver rating would potentially be a big deciding factor for travellers looking at accommodation options, many of whom liked to support efforts to safeguard the environment.

“I think it’s really important for staff too, it makes them feel proud about their workplace and encourages them to extend some of the practices into their own homes,” he said.

Some of the hotel’s sustainable practices include using only biodegradable products in guest rooms, monitoring monthly energy in an effort to reduce output by 8% from the 2007 usage, maintaining minimum lighting levels, placing plants throughout the building to reduce carbon monoxide levels, and recycling glass, plastic and cardboard.

Future projects include offering a 100% organic section for the breakfast buffet, developing a sustainability committee to create and enforce green policies, and installing an Ozone machine in the laundry to significantly reduce water and gas consumption and chemical output.

Qualmark chief executive Geoff Penrose congratulated the hotel’s management and staff on their achievement. “Qualmark’s Enviro-Silver recognition is testament to the range of ‘responsible tourism’ initiatives and activities at Crowne Plaza Queenstown. It is great to see such sensible and efficient environmental practices under way and it is encouraging that this hotel has included further environmental improvements as part of their future planning. We wish them all the best in their efforts.”