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By J. Ragsdale Hendrie, November 2006
2006 appears to be the Year when �Green� made its� impact, raising our sensibilities, conscience and consciousness. A variety of sources, issues and events seemed to coalesce, and our attention was riveted, as we tried to harness this momentum, which challenged our usual approach to business. We sought answers. Sustainability was a new word, stewardship, a new priority and �Green� went beyond the usual currency exchange. This stream of thought reverberated from a panel discussion, �The Bottom Line of Green is Black�, a portion presented by Mark Petruzzi, VP of Green Seal, one of the experts I had empanelled for the annual meeting of the New England Inns and Resorts Association earlier this month. Green Seal, as you might know, evaluates products and services for compliance with environmental standards and sustainability practices. Mr. Petruzzi spoke to many of the reasons Hospitality operations, as well as other businesses, use to validate their inaction when it comes to not only stewardship of the environment but also the embrace of ecological resources which make good business sense. The audience that day was engaged, curious and concerned. The barriers we have erected are immense and very real, unless we exhibit some common sense and willingness to change. Examples abound on the Hospitality landscape with companies who have made that commitment to sustainability � not just the little guys, but also the major players such as Starwoods and Marriott. Enough with the thread count and curved shower curtains. Let�s get serious. Our resources are diminishing, our environment collapsing, and our guests and communities require action. Perhaps, we need to unleash some of our angst and question existing structure, the why and the wherefores and open that dialogue. Mr. Petruzzi set the stage with some salient examples, asking, �By the time you head to work on a typical day did you:
�Green� is here, loud and clear. New rules prevail, old structures and concepts are no longer exempt from review, resources are available, materials and supplies are competitively priced, and, most importantly, our Guest is on board. You can be a lean, keen, Green Hospitality machine. You know what I mean. The author believes that Remarkable Hospitality is the portal to the memorable Guest Experience. Green is part of that balance. |
Contact:
John R. Hendrie
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