BWH Hotel Group commits to sustainable hospitality

Alongside its engagement with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, BWH Hotel Group has created a new global sustainability strategic initiative called “Because We Care,” which will focus on three pillars: Earth, People and Community.

“With each passing year, the need for more responsible and sustainable travel increases in importance,” BWH Hotel Group President and CEO Larry Cuculic said in a statement. “We, as members of the global hospitality community, cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and wait for change to happen. That is why we applaud the momentous efforts our hotels and resorts around the world are already taking to enact sustainable-driven initiatives.”

There are many initiatives taking place across the portfolio to reducing the environmental footprint, the company said. Here are some examples: 

Prestige Hotels & Resorts in Canada        
With nine of its hotels in British Columbia, Prestige Hotels & Resorts participates in the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism program, with Sustainable Tourism Certifications across its properties. Efforts include its Go Green Program, which encourages guests to opt-out of housekeeping services in exchange for dining credits or reward points, and enacts fundraising and donation efforts in support of JoeAnne’s House, a charity that provides accommodations for family members of patients needing to stay around the Kelowna General Hospital.

Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel in Canada           
Located in Kamloops, British Columbia, Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel is a Green Key-rated property and Biosphere-committed entity. The hotel’s on-property sustainability initiatives include two EV charging stations, compostable singles use dishes, and geothermal heated hot tubs and pools. The property also sources as many supplies as possible from local vendors within 100 miles of the hotel.

Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Germany          
In Freiburg, Germany, Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria has implemented 200 square meters of solar panels and four wind turbines, environmentally-friendly cleaning agents and reduced water usages, wood pellet heating and cold-water cooling systems, and extensive waste reduction methods. Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria is also a member of Sleep Green Hotels, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme, Innovation Academy, Energieagentur Regio Freiburg and Green City Cluster Freiburg.

BWH Hotel Group Properties in Great Britain          
In Great Britain, BWH Hotel Group has partnered with QIA Services, an independent rating body for the service sector, for all of its hotels in the destination. The brand is working with them as its preferred partner for sustainability with its accreditation scheme, REST, which stands for Responsible, Ethical, Sustainable Tourism. Each BWH Hotel Group property in Great Britain is assessed and receives official accreditation from QIA Services.

Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo in Spain          
In Castelldefels, Spain, Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo recently achieved Biosphere Sustainable Certified recognition. Assessed through Spain’s Instituto de Turismo Responsible, this certification recognizes the property’s dedication to sustainability through its range of green efforts including its fight against pollution and water consumption.

Best Western Plus Westlands in Kenya         
In Nairobi, Kenya, Best Western Plus Westlands has implemented several community-focused initiatives to help improve the area’s sustainability. The hotel leads various Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including giving back to a local children’s home, as well as upcoming plans to engage with David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage to adopt a baby elephant and participate in tree planting this upcoming Earth Day. Its on-property energy and waste reduction methods include a linen recycling program, motion light sensors in meeting and common areas, cooking oil recycling, and waste sorting and plastic recycling through a third party.

Caravelle Saigon in Vietnam        
A member of the WorldHotels Elite Collection, Caravelle Saigon has upgraded stays with new environmental programs and practices. The property has secured its ‘Earth Check’ gold certificate and is the first and only property in Vietnam to achieve the certification. As part of this certification, the hotel implemented a refillable water project to remove single-use plastics; outfitted newly renovated guestrooms with electricity-saving LED bulbs and double-glazed windows to reduce air conditioning workload; and provides guests with biodegradable toothbrushes, shavers, and combs made from wheat husks. 

“The hospitality industry is focused on addressing our most significant global challenges,” said Ron Pohl, president of international operations and WorldHotels. “This is a collective effort, with every hotel brand, hotel owner and hotel employee feeling empowered to do their part. I am proud of the steps we have taken with even bolder changes at BWH Hotel Group with the evolution of our Because We Care program, and in the meantime, I am thrilled to support our hoteliers who are already making great strides in areas of sustainability.”