WASHINGTON, D.C.—Offering a detailed road map for sustainable operations, a new Green Hotel Industry White Paper from Cornell’s Center for Hospitality Research details the comprehensive program implemented by the Willard InterContinental Washington Hotel. The report, “Sustainable Hospitality: Sustainable Development in the Hotel Industry,” is written by Hervé Houdré, general manager of the Willard, and is available for download at no charge from the center’s website. In addition to explaining the Willard’s sustainable eco-friendly hotel development program, the Cornell Industry Perspectives paper outlines environmental efforts by several of the industry’s major companies—including InterContinental, Marriott, and Taj—all of which are partners of the Center for Hospitality Research.
Houdré explains that the basis of sustainable hotel operation is a three-part balance, expressed as “profits, people, and planet.” By taking those three elements into account, Houdré suggests, a sustainable green hotel development program becomes economically viable, as well as beneficial to the community and environment. As a result, the road map for the Willard InterContinental’s eco-friendly hotel sustainability program extends far beyond conservation and recycling to conducting programs in the surrounding community and encouraging both guests and employees to consider a healthy lifestyle.
Program Already Yields Dividends
As part of its sustainability program, the Willard InterContinental has switched its electricity source to 100 percent wind energy, encouraged employees to walk or run nearly 4,300 miles in 2007, and has begun a program of planting cherry trees near the National Mall and maintaining Pershing Park, which faces the hotel. In June 2008 the Willard hosted a Dean’s Leadership Series event on sustainable green hotel practice that drew more than 150 industry and academic leaders and was chaired by Michael D. Johnson, dean of the School of Hotel Administration.
“Our hotel will demonstrate the way that sustainable development will be integral to future hotel operation,” writes Houdré. “I see this as a long-term strategy.” Given the length of time that the Willard has been in operation, Houdré believes that the long term is at least the next 100 years.
Recently awarded the International Hotel & Restaurant Association’s Environmental Award for Sustainability, the Willard has embarked on a green hotel sustainability program entitled, “Willard InterContinental—The Next 100 Years.” The holistic plan is comprised of numerous interwoven sustainable projects designed for a luxurious urban hospitality experience in harmony with social and ecological consciousness.
Click here to access the Sustainable Hospitality report.
