CEI Asia conducted a survey of the business events industry in November 2008 to better understand the types of sustainability initiatives and corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices being conducted across the region.

Our research revealed there are ten categories of environmental sustainability being implemented by organisations in Asia. The most popular of these are recycling, resource conservation and minimisation, and procurement strategies.

 

RECYCLING INITIATIVES
In Asia, paper is the most popular material for recycling, with 32 per cent of participants implementing recycling schemes. Paper is followed closely by composting food scraps (28 per cent of participants) and recycling water (28 per cent of participants).

For example, Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur recycles 12 different products. One of these is wet food waste that is turned into organic fertiliser. This is then used by the city council to maintain garden nutrients and to protect the soil from becoming dehydrated.

RESOURCE CONSERVATION
The most popular minimisation strategy in the report focuses on energy, with 20 per cent of participants changing to LED globes and installing sensors for lighting and other power needs. Other energy conservation strategies included window films, air-conditioning sensors and changes in staff behaviour.

The RACV Royal Pines Golf Resort and Spa in Australia has reduced its overall power consumption by nine per cent in the last 12 months. “This has been achieved through the introduction of energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamp fittings in guestrooms and thoroughfares, hallways and entrances,” says Emanuel Lovriha, the hotel’s director of property operations and engineering.

“We also use band controlled air-conditioning systems. Gas-fired boilers generate all the hot water used in guestrooms, the convention centre and food and beverage outlets. Kitchens throughout the hotel are all gas-powered in order to reduce power consumption.”

PROCUREMENT STRATEGIES
The main focus of procurement strategies was chemicals, with 20 per cent of participants focusing on water soluble and biodegradable
purchases, including everything from soaps and shampoos for guestrooms, to insert management and pool treatments.



Suntec Singapore ensures that only environmentally friendly brands of toilet paper, hand napkins and hand soaps are used in its amenities. The centre also uses 100 per cent biodegradable cleaning agents for all laundry and dishwashing processes.

WATER USAGE
Water usage followed energy in the minimisation category, with 16 per cent of participants implementing strategies. These measures focused on the installation of equipment that would minimise water use. 

Conrad Jupiters in Australia has been recognised as a ‘conservation champion’. The facility implemented its own water treatment hotel in 2003, achieving enormous savings through the use of recycled water – around 106 megalitres per year with plans to reduce this by a further 84 megalitres.

After refining the recycled water through six filters, ultraviolet lights and sterilisation processes, the recycled water is used for public gardens, recreational areas and restrooms.

The venue is also moving forward with rainwater ‘harvesting’, which collects rainwater from rooftops for its swimming pools and spas via a newly installed pipeline. 

Additional plans include the use of treated water through the air-conditioning cooling towers, compactor, bin washdowns and laundry processes.



ACCREDITATION ISSUES
Many organisations in Asia are seeking independent accreditation with the most popular rating being the Green Globe (20 per cent of participants), specially designed for tourism organisations.

Recent research shows that almost two-thirds of travellers will be influenced in their accommodation choices based on a property’s environment practices and accreditation, such as Green Globe.

Therefore accreditation is set to become the next ‘must have’ for all hotels and resorts.


CSR PROGRAMMES
Corporate social responsibility is much more established than sustainability practices with 36 per cent of organisations taking part in some type of activity that benefits the broader community in which their businesses operate.

Anantara Resort Golden Triangle is located on 65 hectares of natural habitat in the Golden Triangle region of northern Thailand. The site is used as a nature reserve for all residing species and as a natural home to the Elephant Camp’s rescued elephants.

The entire elephant population living at the camp has been rescued from the streets of Thailand’s largest cities.

Street rescue missions for elephants are regularly carried out and where possible, the elephant’s handler and their families are invited to join the Anantara Elephant Camp.

To date, 15 elephants have been rescued. These elephants, their handlers and their families are all well cared for with housing, food, health care and insurance being provided – even the elephants receive health insurance.

Three solar panels have been installed at Anantara Elephant Camp, which provide 180 litres of hot water for the entire camp.

This has entirely removed the need for electricity to be used to heat the camp’s water, meaning it has been able to remove the electrical pump and heater.