Alliant International University’s Marshall Goldsmith School of Management (MGSM) has been confirmed as ISOS Group’s regional collaborating partner in Southern California and the surrounding region. Due to a growing demand for certifications in Sustainability Reporting aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) widely used G3 Framework, additional events are scheduled at Marshall Goldsmith’s green facilities in beautiful San Diego.
When Nancy Mancilla, owner of ISOS Group first heard about the opportunity to become a GRI certified training partner for the United States, she immediately thought of engaging the professor who first introduced the term “sustainability” into her vocabulary. “Sustainability Accounting Pioneer”, David Bainbridge showed immediate interest and began to work with ISOS Group on developing their training program to be administered in California. This comes at a perfect time for MGSM, since they are one of a handful of institutions in the United States offering an MBA in sustainable management practices.
MGSM faculty members including Dr. Rachna Kumar and Dr. Jennifer Roney have even taken advantage of becoming certified. Dr. Kumar describes the GRI Certification course as “providing advanced insights into GRI’s sustainability reporting framework and its application as an anchor for understanding the drivers and best practices in the area.” MGSM’s Bright Green MBA program students will also have the opportunity to enhance their studies through this complimentary certification, just as private and non-profit sustainability professionals, policy makers, consultants and other academicians will benefit from this technique of tracking and reporting progress in social, environmental and economic areas affecting day-to-day operations.
ISOS Group has recently established a number of collaborative partnerships across the country. Each entity will offer the certification in different formats in order to appeal to various audiences. Courses offered through MGSM are adapted to organizations of all sizes, small and medium-sized enterprises, and sector-specific groups. As part of ISOS Group’s operating philosophy to increase accessibility to academics, sponsorships will be sought out to help offset costs to graduate students. ISOS and Alliant have already successfully delivered courses and are currently inviting interested parties to register for the October 7-8, 2010 event. For more information about our sponsorship program and upcoming events, please refer to: http://isosgroup.com/gri-certified
About MGSM: Marshall Goldsmith School of Management (MGSM) offers programs in Business and Management, International Relations and Organizational Psychology at the undergraduate, masters, and doctoral levels. The programs offered integrate within the larger framework of sustainability across the different degrees. MGSM’s business programs aim to have an interdisciplinary and systemic approach while infusing sustainability into every discipline. The school is driven by the goal to produce graduates who think critically about solving problems, have competence in the human side of business and posses abilities to make a difference in addressing global challenges. www.mgsm.alliant.edu
Showing posts with label sustainability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sustainability. Show all posts
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Park Plaza Beijing West Provides a Breath of Fresh Air
It could be argued that the actions of a single Beijing hotel won’t make a difference to the city’s environmental impact. But the Park Plaza Beijing West takes a different view of its responsibilities, bringing its environmental initiatives to new heights.
Part of Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies which includes brands such as Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites by CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®, the Park Plaza Beijing West hotel is renowned for its contemporary, trendsetting design. Appealing to business and leisure travelers alike, it’s one of a handful of hotels located in the upper echelons of the capital’s mid-scale hotels.
Conveniently located at the end of Beijing Chang An Boulevard, Park Plaza Beijing West has 262 well appointed guest rooms and suites. But what makes it a cut above the rest is the approach the hotel has taken to improving the guest experience and working conditions for its staff.
Park Plaza Beijing West has its focus firmly set on issues such as energy and water conservation, recycling, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Most notable though is their achievement in improving the quality of indoor air at the hotel; the impact of which is appreciated by all. Costing almost USD$1.5 million, the air freshener system installation ensures that air inside the hotel is always fresh, as well as reduces energy consumption throughout the hotel.
Along with the rest of the Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific portfolio, the Park Plaza Beijing West recently also embarked on the EarthCheck Program, which is managed by EC3 Global and used by over a thousand hotels in more than 60 countries. The sustainability management system provides businesses with a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.
“The air freshener system we have introduced is a large investment which will go a long way in ensuring guests have a comfortable stay at our hotel, while minimising the environmental impact through the energy efficiency of the system,” said Mr. Peter Schuler, General Manager, Park Plaza Beijing West.
“We didn’t just want to stop there. Partnering with EarthCheck is also indicative of the growing emphasis we are placing on achieving sustainable outcomes at our hotel.”
EarthCheck’s science-based approach is considered at the forefront of sustainability management systems and was developed by the world’s largest non-profit research centre into sustainable tourism – the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.
“EarthCheck leverages some USD$260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data,” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “But it’s not a certification scheme that offers yet another “green” badge; it’s a management system that directly impacts your environmental footprint.”
EDITOR’S NOTES
EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com
For further information please contact:
Park Plaza Beijing West
Jane Zhu
Marketing & Communications
P: +86 10 6813 0088
E: pr.beijingwest@parkplaza.com
W: www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn_west
Part of Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies which includes brands such as Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites by CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®, the Park Plaza Beijing West hotel is renowned for its contemporary, trendsetting design. Appealing to business and leisure travelers alike, it’s one of a handful of hotels located in the upper echelons of the capital’s mid-scale hotels.
Conveniently located at the end of Beijing Chang An Boulevard, Park Plaza Beijing West has 262 well appointed guest rooms and suites. But what makes it a cut above the rest is the approach the hotel has taken to improving the guest experience and working conditions for its staff.
Park Plaza Beijing West has its focus firmly set on issues such as energy and water conservation, recycling, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Most notable though is their achievement in improving the quality of indoor air at the hotel; the impact of which is appreciated by all. Costing almost USD$1.5 million, the air freshener system installation ensures that air inside the hotel is always fresh, as well as reduces energy consumption throughout the hotel.
Along with the rest of the Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific portfolio, the Park Plaza Beijing West recently also embarked on the EarthCheck Program, which is managed by EC3 Global and used by over a thousand hotels in more than 60 countries. The sustainability management system provides businesses with a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.
“The air freshener system we have introduced is a large investment which will go a long way in ensuring guests have a comfortable stay at our hotel, while minimising the environmental impact through the energy efficiency of the system,” said Mr. Peter Schuler, General Manager, Park Plaza Beijing West.
“We didn’t just want to stop there. Partnering with EarthCheck is also indicative of the growing emphasis we are placing on achieving sustainable outcomes at our hotel.”
EarthCheck’s science-based approach is considered at the forefront of sustainability management systems and was developed by the world’s largest non-profit research centre into sustainable tourism – the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.
“EarthCheck leverages some USD$260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data,” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “But it’s not a certification scheme that offers yet another “green” badge; it’s a management system that directly impacts your environmental footprint.”
EDITOR’S NOTES
EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com
For further information please contact:
Park Plaza Beijing West
Jane Zhu
Marketing & Communications
P: +86 10 6813 0088
E: pr.beijingwest@parkplaza.com
W: www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn_west
Monday, March 29, 2010
Caribbean’s Largest Hotelier Partners with EarthCheck
Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts and The Royal Plantation Collection, recently unveiled an exclusive partnership with EarthCheck, the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. Through the partnership, all Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts properties in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas, will upgrade to the EarthCheck Program for sustainability certification.
“Sandals Resorts International has a long-standing history of implementing environmentally-friendly practices throughout its properties. It was important to align with a certification company whose passion for protecting the Caribbean’s unique and delicate eco-system matched our own,” explained Richard May, Group Director of Environmental Affairs. “We are pleased to have found that partner in Earthcheck.”
The partnership further adds yet another level to SRI’s commitment to sustainable tourism. In 1998, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa was the very first all-inclusive resort to earn the Green Globe Certification. Sandals Resorts successfully modified its water systems and energy requirements, adjusted its waste management program and bolstered its already-strong social involvements within the community to earn the important certification.
Within three years, the remaining 13 Sandals Resorts and four Beaches Resorts all earned the venerable award. In 2008, Sandals Negril achieved the highest possible level of certification (Platinum), becoming the first and only hotel in the world to do so. Since implementing sustainability practices, average resource savings achieved by SRI amount to 40 percent (water), 55 to 60 percent (waste) and 40 percent (energy).
The announcement of the partnership arrives in tandem with the one-year anniversary of the The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. The Foundation represents nearly three decades of corporate philanthropy focused on action-based sustainable development in areas of education, environment and community.
SRI employees are also encouraged to act in accordance with sustainability policies. Employees receive daily reminders in shift meetings, training courses and environmental awareness sessions. Notice boards and competitions also play a significant role in the changing of attitudes and along with field trips and monthly awards, helps to maintain exposure.
But is the company’s commitment to sustainable practices making any impact upon consumer behavior? Again, Richard May comments; “Many hotels operate in the Caribbean, but we are the Caribbean, fiercely protecting the islands we call home. Over the years, our guests have taken notice. Current programs that allow guests to engage in clean-up activities or community work actually resulted from an increased demand from our guests. These experiences have prompted guests to return year after year with suitcases filled with toys, books and medical supplies for donation to area schools and hospitals.”
“Many of our suppliers and business partners have also developed internal sustainability and environmental policies as a result of our requests for change,” explains May. “They have adopted environmentally enhanced operating processes and those suppliers who have shown an extended resistance to change or fail to consider this new approach are no longer on our list as preferred suppliers.”
With the protection of the environment an important cause for many, SRI has also seen many conference organizers and planners place an increased emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Some – such as Nestle – will no longer book events with conference venues that cannot supply sustainability policies and assist them in staging carbon proceedings.
EarthCheck science has provided SRI with the framework for sustainable operations and the company focuses on expanding its programs to the proverbial next level via the reaches of The Sandals Foundation with its focus on education, environment, and community.
In this manner, SRI is creating a positive ripple upon host communities in the hope that by influencing future generations at a formative stage in their lives, the habits and cultural norms they adopt will imbed sustainability in their very DNA.
EDITOR'S NOTES
Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 14 Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Sandals Weddings by Martha StewartTM; and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. In February 2010, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas made its debut, offering 183 all-butler service rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship Greg Norman-designed golf course and 150 slip marina.
Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the Luxury Included® vacation and has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards for 16 years in a row, and World's Leading All-Inclusive Company for 14 years in a row. For more information, call your local travel agent or 1-800-Sandals (1-800-726-3257) or visit www.sandals.com
EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com
For further information please contact:
EarthCheck
Chantal Dunbar
EC3 Global Communications Manager
P: +61 401 058 159
E: chantal.dunbar@ec3global.com
W: www.earthcheck.org
Source: http://www.prlog.org/10598931-caribbeans-largest-hotelier-partners-with-earthcheck.html
“Sandals Resorts International has a long-standing history of implementing environmentally-friendly practices throughout its properties. It was important to align with a certification company whose passion for protecting the Caribbean’s unique and delicate eco-system matched our own,” explained Richard May, Group Director of Environmental Affairs. “We are pleased to have found that partner in Earthcheck.”
The partnership further adds yet another level to SRI’s commitment to sustainable tourism. In 1998, Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa was the very first all-inclusive resort to earn the Green Globe Certification. Sandals Resorts successfully modified its water systems and energy requirements, adjusted its waste management program and bolstered its already-strong social involvements within the community to earn the important certification.
Within three years, the remaining 13 Sandals Resorts and four Beaches Resorts all earned the venerable award. In 2008, Sandals Negril achieved the highest possible level of certification (Platinum), becoming the first and only hotel in the world to do so. Since implementing sustainability practices, average resource savings achieved by SRI amount to 40 percent (water), 55 to 60 percent (waste) and 40 percent (energy).
The announcement of the partnership arrives in tandem with the one-year anniversary of the The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International. The Foundation represents nearly three decades of corporate philanthropy focused on action-based sustainable development in areas of education, environment and community.
SRI employees are also encouraged to act in accordance with sustainability policies. Employees receive daily reminders in shift meetings, training courses and environmental awareness sessions. Notice boards and competitions also play a significant role in the changing of attitudes and along with field trips and monthly awards, helps to maintain exposure.
But is the company’s commitment to sustainable practices making any impact upon consumer behavior? Again, Richard May comments; “Many hotels operate in the Caribbean, but we are the Caribbean, fiercely protecting the islands we call home. Over the years, our guests have taken notice. Current programs that allow guests to engage in clean-up activities or community work actually resulted from an increased demand from our guests. These experiences have prompted guests to return year after year with suitcases filled with toys, books and medical supplies for donation to area schools and hospitals.”
“Many of our suppliers and business partners have also developed internal sustainability and environmental policies as a result of our requests for change,” explains May. “They have adopted environmentally enhanced operating processes and those suppliers who have shown an extended resistance to change or fail to consider this new approach are no longer on our list as preferred suppliers.”
With the protection of the environment an important cause for many, SRI has also seen many conference organizers and planners place an increased emphasis on eco-friendly practices. Some – such as Nestle – will no longer book events with conference venues that cannot supply sustainability policies and assist them in staging carbon proceedings.
EarthCheck science has provided SRI with the framework for sustainable operations and the company focuses on expanding its programs to the proverbial next level via the reaches of The Sandals Foundation with its focus on education, environment, and community.
In this manner, SRI is creating a positive ripple upon host communities in the hope that by influencing future generations at a formative stage in their lives, the habits and cultural norms they adopt will imbed sustainability in their very DNA.
EDITOR'S NOTES
Sandals Resorts has earned a worldwide reputation for providing two people in love with the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. Currently, there are 14 Luxury Included® Sandals Resorts located in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia and The Bahamas. Each offers stunning beachfront locations; a choice of à la carte restaurants, from white-glove dining to barefoot elegance; all premium brand wine and spirits, including an exclusive partnership with California's legendary Beringer Vineyards; luxurious accommodations in a range of categories; unrivalled watersports including the Caribbean's largest PADI certification program; Butler Service for truly indulgent pampering; Sandals Weddings by Martha StewartTM; and signature Red Lane® Spas, with services and treatments inspired by the region. In February 2010, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas made its debut, offering 183 all-butler service rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship Greg Norman-designed golf course and 150 slip marina.
Sandals Resorts has set the industry standard for the Luxury Included® vacation and has been voted the Caribbean’s Leading Hotel Brand at the World Travel Awards for 16 years in a row, and World's Leading All-Inclusive Company for 14 years in a row. For more information, call your local travel agent or 1-800-Sandals (1-800-726-3257) or visit www.sandals.com
EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com
For further information please contact:
EarthCheck
Chantal Dunbar
EC3 Global Communications Manager
P: +61 401 058 159
E: chantal.dunbar@ec3global.com
W: www.earthcheck.org
Source: http://www.prlog.org/10598931-caribbeans-largest-hotelier-partners-with-earthcheck.html
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