CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE
With its slogan “Tomorrow needs today” and winner of an EMAS award, the Belgian hotel chain Martin’s Hotels intends to show the way to an increased sustainability and an implementation of the circular economy principles in the tourism sector in order to reduce its environmental impacts.
IMPACT
Following their environmental programme, Martin’s Hotels perform their own sustainability assessment which shows results such as a decrease of 24,6% in water consumption, 16,6% in electricity consumption, and an increase of 33,65% in waste recycling, between 2011 and 2018.
DESCRIPTION OF INITIATIVE
The chain applies EMAS and circular economy criteria to its purchasing, waste and renovation projects. Purchasing policy gives priority to local, natural, recycled/recyclable and seasonal products, encourages suppliers to adhere to the Code of Conduct. In addition, Martin’s Hotels uses 100 % green electricity, all sanitary products are eco-labeled, and all print paper is FSC-certified.
A life cycle approach applies to all purchasing decisions: buyers continually analyse the total cost of ownership (TCO) and favour leasing/rental contracts (for instance for fitness equipment, company cars, coffee machines, linen, etc.), as well as donations to charities. In terms of food for its restaurants, purchasing policy favours locally sourced food and water (bought within 300 km), and in bulk. In terms of waste stream, itis audited by an external supplier, and 67% of maintenance products are rechargeable, eco-labelled or in concentrated doses.
Staff training is provided on a regular basis for greater empowerment, involvement and awareness of environmental issues. Guests are also encouraged to reduce their environmental impact, through the Eco-Bon programme which rewards guests for responsibles actions.
QUICK FACTS
- Organisation: Martin’s Hotels
- City: Belgium
- Type of provider: Hotel
- Circular principle: Design out waste and pollution
- Focus: Rethink
- Keywords: #CircularEconomy #EMAS #PurchasingPolicy