Sustainability is Good for Business HOTEL MANAGEMENT Rebecca Keens – Student Volunteer

Introduction –Our customers are looking for accommodation that is working to improve its sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact –The hotel is making efforts to reduce its water consumption –It is important to consider the amount of water used in maintaining the hotel gardens

Financial benefits –Decrease in utility costs due to water conservation –Increase in revenues from the use of gardens for social functions –Increase in customer satisfaction –Decrease in garden maintenance costs through careful planning and zoning –Differentiation from competitors –Potential for awards and recognition

Practical benefits –Limiting the use of lawn and small gardens that often create maintenance problems –Better function of water supply network as the water requirement is limited –Upkeep of gardens should be more effective

Environmental benefits –Water conservation –Preservation of underground water tables –Support of local plants –Enhancement of biodiversity –Moderation of water use during dry periods

Best practices for sustainable gardens Xeriscaping – a sustainable landscape and gardening technique that reduces or elimitates the need for excess water –Useful tool for regions that do not have easy access to plentiful water supplies [omit if not applicable] –Less time and work needed for maintenance –Creates gardens that can be visually more interesting than traditional gardens

Xeriscaping – the seven steps –Overall garden planning and design –Analysing the soil type and quality –Selecting appropriate species of plants –Irrigating efficiently –Optimising lawn areas –Mulching –Maintenance

Conclusion / Wrap-up –Careful planning and management of hotel gardens can result in reduced costs, create a unique environment of guests and demonstrate commitment to sustainability –Xeriscaping is a technique that reduces the need for excess water in a garden. –Limits the use of lawns and small gardens that often create maintenance problems for groundskeepers. –Support of local plants and enhancement of biodiversity. –Potential for awards and recognitions.

MAKING A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE…