Pre-audit stage
Introduction
The eco-compliance of the Xavier Hotel through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program, that is, a rating system designed towards recognition of the hotel facilities which are committed to improving their fiscal and environmental performance. Basing on the results of this comprehensive environmental audit, the hotel is awarded a 1-10 Green Key rating and provided with guidance on the methods to reduce operating costs and environmental impacts by means of reduced utility consumption, supply chain management and employee training.
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Audit stage
The scope of audit
This environmental audit report of the Xavier Hotel has been conducted in a clear idea of the goals and objectives of this assessment activity. The steps and procedures have been focused and all-encompassing audit methods incorporated to give the best of results.
The activities of the Xavier Hotel environmental auditing took the form of on-site audit which was systematic and well-defined through protocols and checklists. A review of the records and documents on the environmental standards and policies stipulated was in-depth carried out (Harrison 89).
There was site inspection and structured interviews carried in facilitation of the auditing process.
The Xavier Hotel audit consisted of numerous Multi-choice-style questions categorized into the five sections below:
- Waste Management
- Food and Beverage Operations
- Conference and Meeting facilities
- Corporate Environmental Management
- Engineering
- Housekeeping
Post-Audit stage
Outcome of the Audits
This audit aimed at creating and facilitate the comprehension of the varied levels of eco-compliance of the hotel through best practices and principles (Cahill et al. 176). The auditing formulated a system of rating designed for the hotel to prove a commitment towards sustainable business model, by ensuring management of their impact on nature, cultures and local communities, and reinvesting local economic, natural and cultural resources and people whist at the same time offering the highest service level and the most pure experience and authentic experiences within the hospitality sector.
The auditing process showed the following results:
The management of the hotel towards appropriate and effective use of natural resources, nature preservation geared towards minimization of wastages, but rather hastening efficiency levels of the hotel system was rated 8. This shows a high level of proper usage of the available resources efficiently to the realization of the optimal outcomes.
The hotel had no destined areas set aside to be tobacco or smoke free areas. This shows less commitment to ensuring conducive environment especially for the non-smoking customers. This would raise health hazards to individuals who are allergic to tobacco or those who are just not comfortable with the tobacco smoke.
The facilities of the hotel for the fitness centers, multi-purpose paths, shower facilities and bicycle racks that support physical activity were audited on the rating of a 6. This depicts that the facilities are well positioned and readily available for use by the hotel customers though a good number of the facilities had worn out and needed replacement.
Waste management- the audits carried in line to scrutinizing the aspect of the hotel’s management showed that there was inadequate litter bins located within the facility premises. This caused inconvenience as the customers in the open space of the facility had to take a few strides in order to ensure they can drop a litter into a litter bin. There was timely collection and emptying of the major waste dumping container by the collection agencies which depicted improved sanitation within the surrounding of the major container. The audit question on how the hotel has attempted to reduce and re-use the hotel products, and recycle the waste material was not properly answered by the management of the hotel and even among the employees themselves. Most employees showed less concern on what happened to the waste items thereafter.
Energy conservation-the attempt to analyze the levels to which the general staff of the hotel to put measures towards ensuring effective proper use and conservation of energy was there though not satisfactory enough for the audit as there were some energy pilferages within the facility that needed adjustment.
Water management-the audits deduced that the attempt of the facility to reduce the amount of water usage and conversation was effective with minimal water wastages by the employees of the hotel.
Recommendations
The Xavier hotel facility lacked an explicit environmental information publicity. The results of the audit process showed no department or individual tasked with the responsibility to disseminate environmental information to the employees and the general stakeholders of the hotel. This should be put into place in order to ensure conformity with the set environmental policies within the facility is kept at par. A part from conformity measures the general stakeholders of the hotel must acknowledge the significance of effective and timely dissemination of the environmental information for the success of the hotel.
The waste management audit acknowledged shortage of adequately strategically located litter bins in order to create convenience for the customers using the hotel for recreational and accommodation services.
The observation made during the audits as the lights and electronics not in use within the facility were just on, showed a partial commitment to ensure there is facility cost-effective use of the power and energy services. Effective campaign and awareness should be done among the staff of the facility in line to creating an energy conversation consciousness among the workforce to enable appropriate reduction on energy costs.
Action plan and follow-up
The basis of environmental auditing is the provision of a check-list whether the hotel is complying with a multitude of the environmental regulations and laws. The outcome of the audits should be a valuable tool for the assessment off the hotel’s environmental management policy, systems and equipment. This provides the institution with recommendations towards the improvement of environmental management practices thereby reducing the impact that the facility has on the environment. The long-run result of this improved environmental practices is the saving of money and hastening of efficiency levels of the facility in meeting its objectives.
Environmental auditing has been a valuable tool in the monitoring and management of environmental and sustainable development programmes. The generated information from the audits process becomes very important to various stakeholders, through improvement of communication and transparency in a number of areas of the facility where there is greater need for understanding of environment and ecosystem interactions and thus appropriate follow-up measures should be put in place.
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