| Author: | Pun, Suk-king |
| Title: | Dimensions of environmentalism : a study of policies and good practices in the hotel industry in Hong Kong |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2009 |
| Subject: | Hotels -- Environmental aspects. Hotel management -- Environmental aspects. Hotel management -- China -- Hong Kong. Environmental management. Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | School of Hotel and Tourism Management |
| Pages: | 141 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | In view of the need to preserve the worldwide natural environment, which is deteriorating at an alarming rate, proactive actions by all concerned, including the hotel industry, have been called for in many countries in the world. This exploratory study is conducted in response to this need. The approach adopted in this study was qualitative, using research methods mainly based on in-depth interviews and case studies. Content analysis was used in the data analysis. In-depth interviews with the Directors of Engineering and Environmental Management System (EMS) Managers of a number of leading hotels in Hong Kong as well as on-site inspections were carried out with a view to ascertaining the extent of environmental protection measures that has been implemented in these local hotels on their "green" management. The interviews provided insights into the extent of the efforts made in local hotels in the different areas of environmentalism. According to the Hong Kong Hotels Association, examination of the available websites of hotels in Hong Kong and confirmation from the hotels, a total of eight hotels in Hong Kong have obtained international certification in environmental protection. Five of these hotels were awarded the ISO 14001 and three of them were awarded the Green Globe. There are also eight hotel winners of 2008 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence. Results from in-depth interviews indicate that the leadership of green policies formulated by the hotels' headquarters or senior management is the key factor for success when launching environmental policies. Concluded from this study, the five dimensions of environmentalism in the Hong Kong hotel industry include energy efficiency, water conservation, water pollution control, waste management and indoor air quality. For an EMS to be implemented successfully, the organisation's short- and long-term green strategies are crucial, and they need to be executed by a competent team leader with appropriate resources and funding. Building design, green purchasing, staff training and communication with guests are the competent cores to enforce the policies and good practices. Finally, this paper explores the implications from the findings and makes recommendations for reference by the hotel industry to contribute to the effective sustainability of our planet and the success of their businesses. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b24580594.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 1.31 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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