The Langham, Auckland has taken home the prestigious New Zealand Hotel Industry Environmental Initiative Award for the second year in a row.
The five-star hotel, which was the chosen venue for the recent Hotel Industry Awards, has been singled out again for its commitment to sustainable tourism and the environment after winning the inaugural title in 2015.
“I was absolutely delighted to accept the New Zealand Hotel Industry Environmental Initiative Award for the second year running. This level of recognition is important as it validates the extensive effort every one of my colleagues puts into the numerous small tasks we complete every day, whether it be turning computer screens off or recycling waste, tending to our rooftop beehives or ensuring we are purchasing from sustainable fisheries. Every small step contributes to a greater picture,” managing director Franz Mascarenhas said.
He is delighted the hotel has been acknowledged as a sustainable leader in New Zealand tourism.
“Having earnt Earthcheck Gold Certification for the last five years we eagerly anticipate our promotion to Platinum level next year, making us one of a select group of hotels worldwide to be at this level. We each have a part to play, whether it be in the hotel or the wider community, and we feel privileged to be shaping a more sustainable future for tourism in this country – and internationally.”
The judges for the NZ Hotel Industry Awards said environmental protection is a big focus for The Langham Auckland, which has successfully married sustainability and luxury. Significant improvements have already been achieved, and the appointment of a sustainability manager is helping keep the momentum going. Its environmental initiatives enabled the hotel to save a significant amount of energy in 2015 compared to 2014.
Sustainability is embedded into the culture of the hotel, and all levels of staff and management are engaged in the environmental action plan. There is also high engagement from suppliers.
The hotel began its journey to sustainability back in 2006, when it first partnered with EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the tourism and travel industry. Since then it has introduced a series of sustainability practices, which include measures to save water, lower energy consumption and reduce waste.
The Langham, Auckland also stands to receive the prestigious EarthCheck Platinum level of certification within the year if it passes the next audit process with EarthCheck.
ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVE
