BWH Hotel Group, in conjunction with the Sustainable Hospitality
Alliance, has unveiled a global sustainability initiative called
"Because We Care," focusing on Earth, People, and Community.
The commitment aims to address environmental and social
responsibility across BWH Hotel Group's international portfolio, with
nearly 100 hotels spanning 100 countries.
The programme also encourages guest participation in reducing
environmental footprints by opting out of housekeeping services for
rewards points or dining credits. Other initiatives include EV charging
stations, compostable single-use dishes, and geothermal heated hot tubs
and pools, among others.
Some of the hotels under BWH Hotel Group’s “Because We Care” programme includes:
1. Prestige Hotels & Resorts in Canada
Now part of the WorldHotels Collection, Prestige Hotels & Resorts
in Canada is dedicated to the GreenStep Sustainable Tourism programme
with certified sustainable properties. The chain’s Go Green Program
offers incentives for guests who opt-out of housekeeping services, and
the chain also raises funds for JoeAnne’s House, a charity that supports
family members of hospital patients staying near the Kelowna General
Hospital.
2. Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel in Canada
Best Western Plus Kamloops Hotel, situated in Kamloops, British
Columbia, is a Biosphere committed entity and a Green Key rated
property. The hotel's efforts towards sustainability include having two
EV charging stations, using compostable single-use dishes, and using
geothermal heating for its hot tubs and pools. In addition, the hotel
procures as many supplies as possible from local vendors within a
100-mile radius of the hotel.
3. Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Germany
Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Freiburg, Germany has received
multiple awards for its environmental programmes over the past two
decades. Among the hotel's initiatives are the installation of 200
square meters of solar panels and four wind turbines, using eco-friendly
cleaning products and reducing water usage, utilising wood pellet
heating and cold-water cooling systems, and implementing extensive waste
reduction methods.
4. BWH Hotel Group Properties in Great Britain
BWH Hotel Group has collaborated with QIA Services, a prominent
independent rating organization in the service sector, for all its
properties in Great Britain. REST (Responsible, Ethical, Sustainable
Tourism) is the accreditation scheme through which QIA Services and BWH
Hotel Group aim to promote sustainability. QIA Services assesses each
property of BWH Hotel Group in Great Britain, providing official
accreditation, and assuring guests of the quality standards.
5. Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo in Spain
Best Western Hotel Mediterraneo, situated in Castelldefels, Spain,
has recently been awarded the Biosphere Sustainable Certified
designation. Evaluated by Spain’s Instituto de Turismo Responsible
(ITR), this recognition acknowledges the hotel's commitment to
sustainability through various eco-friendly measures such as combating
pollution and reducing water consumption.
6. Best Western Plus Westlands in Kenya
Best Western Premier Hotel Victoria in Freiburg, Germany has received multiple awards for its environmental programmes over the past two decades. Photo Credit: Facebook/Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage
Best Western Plus Westlands in Nairobi, Kenya has taken
community-focused initiatives to improve sustainability in the area. The
hotel has implemented various Corporate Social Responsibility
programmes, such as contributing to a local children's home and planning
to adopt a baby elephant at David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage and
planting trees on Earth Day. In terms of on-property initiatives, the
hotel has a linen recycling program, motion light sensors in common
areas, cooking oil recycling, and waste sorting and plastic recycling
through a third-party.
7. Caravelle Saigon in Vietnam
Caravelle Saigon, a member of the WorldHotels Elite Collection, has
introduced new and innovative environmental programmes to enhance guest
stays. The hotel has obtained the prestigious 'Earth Check' gold
certificate, becoming the first and only property in Vietnam to achieve
this certification. Among its initiatives, the hotel launched a glass
and refillable water project to eliminate single-use plastics and
installed electricity-saving LED bulbs and double-glazed windows in
newly renovated guest rooms to reduce air conditioning usage. Guests
also receive eco-friendly toothbrushes, shavers, and combs made from
wheat husks.