Presidente Inter-Continental Cancun, Mexico
Objective
'To identify ways to participate in local community action on the environment worldwide'
' It is our social responsibility to protect the environment within our customers, community and culture, for the better future of our children'
q
Waste Minimisation, reuse and recycling
- Recycle all glass, plastics, paper, card and aluminium
- Waste management plans with targets for reduction, re-use and recycling
- Organic waste recycled or composted
- Comprehensive reviews of type and quantity of waste produced
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Energy efficiency, conservation and management
- Implemented a refrigerant management plan to reduce leaks
- All equipment (chillers, air conditioning equipment, freezers, refrigerators) are monitored in their maintenance to identify breakdown
- New chillers train R 22,350 tons, efficiency of 0.6 kW/ton and a payback of ten years
- Targets set for reduced consumption
- Installation of sub-meters, and utility costs charged to departments to encourage efficency
- Energy efficient lighting used instead of incandescent
- Laundry equipment run at full load and shut down when idle
- Staff training to minimise waste of water in cleaning, catering, and training in correct use of appliances and efficient practices
Ø
Management of fresh water resources
- Relevant quality standards and codes identified and obtained
+
Hazardous substances
- Hazardous materials where used are identified and recorded
- Environmentally preferable alternatives identified
- Handling, storage, labelling and disposal procedures reviewed
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Involving staff, customers and communities in environmental issues
- Waste Paper workshops introduced as part of the training course
- Recycled wood waste used for puzzles
- Involved in local community activities and social awareness
- Involved with the International day for Beach clean-up
- Global warming awareness taught to community and staff
- Educated local school children on how to plant fine herbs in hotel botanical garden
- Participation in community fairs to teach schools
- Colouring book designed for guests to emphasise to children the importance of protecting nature
Y
' Partnerships for sustainable development
- Worked on World Environmental Day with UNO and Earth day
- Programme with UNO and UNEP to participate in global awareness (1999 Rescue Programme - for refugees from Mexico after the storms)
C
Protection of air quality
- Screening of air quality - actual and potential sources identified
- Pollution removed at source where possible and remedial measures taken where appropriate
O
Noise Control
- Wherever possible noise reduced at source
- Sound insulation levels improved as necessary
o Environmentally sensitive purchasing policy
- Regular purchases reviewed to assess environmental impact
- Preference given to products with eco-labels, items produced locally, products with minimal packaging, and in bulk purchase
'During the past years our key goals have been to gain and share the knowledge of responsible use of our resources and the business benefits from making savings in energy, water and waste. All Presidente Inter-Continental Cancun actions during 1999 backed up this philosophy'.
Presidente Inter-Continental Cancun