Go Big, Go Green

Shobhit Sawhney, GM, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa shows how going green serves a dual purpose – saving the planet whilst upholding the brand’s value amongst guests

- Vinita Bhatia

Let’s make no mistake about it – sustainability is no longer just a nice a motto to have posters created about during World Environment Day. This is a practice that boosts a brand’s value, especially in the eyes of customers and investors. But more importantly, it has a direct bearing on a property's P&L statement, by bringing down overheads. Hence, it is no longer something that is good-to-have in business; it is a must-have!

Shobhit Sawhney, GM, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa states that sustainability has always been more than just the endurance of green systems and processes for his hotel; it is a cause that his property believes in individually and Hyatt Hotels Corporation together has faith in as a group of responsible hoteliers.

As hotel brands take steps towards environmental sustainability, they have realised that these have to go well beyond turning off lights or using recycled paper. The initiatives have to start at the grassroots level and need a collaborative effort cutting across hierarchies and properties.

PURPOSE DEFINES PRACTICE

Globally, many hospitality companies have embarked on various initiatives to entrench their environmental stewardship and motivate their associates. Hyatt, for instance, has a corporate responsibility strategy and platform called 'Thrive' that is built on the understanding that a company’s actions can create long-term value for the people and the communities where it works, while also helping to protect the planet for the future.