SUSTAINABILITY & REST
As anyone in the hospitality industry knows, hotels can have a big environmental footprint. From the countless gallons of water used each day to the mounds of waste produced. It is no wonder that sustainability is top of mind for many eco-conscious business owners. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to make your hotel greener. Implementing even a few simple best practices can significantly lower your carbon footprint and save you money.
What’s more guests are increasingly interested in supporting sustainable businesses.
In the UK Customer Satisfaction Index research (July 2022) shows that sustainability is a key decision factor when choosing a product/service:
- 41% stated they will choose a company that is environmentally friendly
- 40% stated they will use a company that has good ethical practices
So, whether you are looking to boost your bottom line or win goodwill from guests, making your hotel more sustainable is a smart move. But we know it is not always easy to reduce your environmental impact. That’s why we are here to support you in achieving your sustainability goals.
We are proud to be working with Quality in Tourism to offer the REST Accreditation scheme to BWH Hotel Members.
The REST scheme was devised to assess and measure hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses, offering independent assessments, objective investigations and recommendations for change. The scheme was developed in response to growing consumer demand for an independent quality mark, alongside requests for a grading that supports business' RFP processes.
Developed by a team of experts, who boast a practical and in-depth knowledge of the industry, the scheme is fit-for-purpose and widely endorsed.
To make REST even easier for you to achieve, we are pleased to advise that BW will part fund each hotels first year accreditation. First 50 BW hotels to register = £105 per hotel Further hotel registrations = £150 per hotel Rates valid to December 2024.
Also included free of charge is the QIT Carbon Calculator so you can determine your hotel carbon footprint – a great starting point!
REST – How it works
The REST scheme is based on 3 pillars: Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable. The REST accreditation is applicable whether you cater for delegates in a conference venue, a corporate hotel for business travellers or leisure accommodation for all.
We are looking for best practice, to see that you are doing as much as you can do in your environment.
Take a look at the REST resource documents to see how it works, also included is a free training module provided through Beacon which gives you an introduction to sustainabilility:
- REST Introduction
- REST Workbook 2023
- REST Workbook Guidance
- Risk Assessment Guidelines
- Beacon eLearning Brochure
Although designed to be objective, there is plenty of room for you to demonstrate your superstar business qualities and gain extra recognition for a specific area of the business (or two!).
You can also get started today by accessing the QIT portal, you need to use your unique QIT id which you should have received from Quality in Tourism directly. For first access please select password reset, the reset will be emailed to email address indicated as Primary Contact in the Property Trawl.
If you do not have your ID or admin address please let us know.
Once accredited your award logo can be used on your own website, collateral and www.bestwestern.co.uk.
Testimonials – don’t just take our word for it
Best Western Hotelier
Jon Fletcher, Grange Oborne
“The REST award is about so much more than just the environment; it also looks at what your business does for charity, for the community and for your staff. When you consider how important staff retention is and also that customers are now looking at a businesses’ ethical pedigree, this is about so much more than simply getting an award.
Many of the choices we had already made in procurement, HR, and other areas helped to contribute towards our gaining the award, and when QIT advised us, they identified many additional things that we were already doing. The process of gaining the award has also shone a bright spotlight onto the areas where we need to improve and we have already started to make changes in these areas.”
Corporate Clients
arrangeMY
“arrangeMY are passionately committed to looking after our precious planet and when we have a choice regarding selecting a hotel, a property with credible green initiatives and a strong sustainability strategy is vital for our travellers in the team and clients too.
If we know a hotel has an accreditation in place, we consider this as a powerful seal of approval that has been evaluated and audited on an annual basis. These are trusted and highly regarded and make it simpler to benchmark and compare.
Small actions are being requested – whether this be food waste reduction, local sourcing ingredients or energy reduction strategy – all are vital and becoming essential for our clients as well as key for our own health & well-being”.
How do I get started?
Get in touch with us today, you can submit your interest via our online enquiry form below or email the team on sustainability@bwhhotels.co.uk. We will then contact you to discuss the next steps and process.
Tracy Wilkins
Head of Operations
Hotel Sustainability Enquiry
