Vivanta by Taj Surya is two years old in Coimbatore and General Manager V.K. Prasad’s joy knows no bounds as he says, “I am delighted that our hotel has been given this status just two years after starting operations here. We have been following environmentally friendly practices right from the start, advising our guests to adhere to the norms as well.” He is referring to the ‘Bronze Benchmarked Status’ for adhering to environmental norms by renowned Australian environmental management, benchmarking and certification company, EarthCheck. Vivanta by Taj-Surya is the only hotel in the city so far to be awarded this status.
On what this certification means to the average person, Prasad explains, “It means that they will develop a sense of confidence in us and our concern for the environment.”
There are certain measures that the hotel follows that ensures environment-friendly practices. The focus is on responsible conservation, recycling and minimal wastage. A sewage treatment plant recycles water that is used for gardening. Paper, stationery items and food containers are also recycled. Cleaning agents used in the hotel are environment friendly and non-toxic. “For example, used batteries are immediately given to the State Pollution Control Board to recycle,” says Prasad. They hotel also ensures that food is not wasted and leftovers are regularly supplied to an orphanage and a home for the mentally challenged in the city.
The hotel staff is encouraged to constantly adhere to common-sense practices and the message is also passed on to the hotel guests. “Simple things like not keeping the tap running while you shave or brush your teeth are advocated. We also screen animated videos on our TV screens that reiterate messages of conserving water and food,” Prasad points out.
The hotel celebrates Environment Day each year when the manager and staff plant trees in orphanages, give children saplings and distribute free seeds to the guests. Their recent Deepavali celebrations had smoke-free candles and sweets distributed to all guests.
Parameters for EarthCheck certification (matched by Vivanta by Taj-Surya)
Water consumption (must not exceed 15 kilolitres per room)
Waste sent to landfill
Water savings practices
Water recycling
Community contributions and commitments
Paper product ratings
Cleaning product ratings
Pesticides product ratings
