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Hospitality, Tourism, and Events

4.4 Sustainable Practices

Minimize the environmental, social, economic, and cultural impact of the organization, establishment, or event.

  • 4.4.1 Demonstrate knowledge of industry sustainability concepts and objectives.
  • 4.4.2 Describe the environmental, social, economic, and cultural impact of the hospitality, tourism, and events industry.
  • 4.4.3 Explain the importance of establishing a long-term sustainability management system that is suitable to its scope and considers environmental, economic, social, cultural, quality, health, safety, and aesthetic issues.
  • 4.4.4 Identify sustainability strategies related to the hospitality, tourism, and events industry.
  • 4.4.5 Comply with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies related to environmental impact.
  • 4.4.6 Maximize social and economic benefits to the community and minimize negative impacts.
  • 4.4.7 Work with local communities to support and enhance local culture.
  • 4.4.8 Contribute to the protection and preservation of local historical, archaeological, culturally, and spiritually important properties and sites, and do not impede access to them by local residents.
  • 4.4.9 Do not adversely affect local access to livelihoods, rights-of-way, transport, and housing.
  • 4.4.10 Do not display or sell historical and archaeological artifacts, except as permitted by local and international law.
Content Areas

  • 4.4.11 Environmentally sustainable programs, such as
    • Solid waste recycling program
    • Food and resource conservation program
    • Refillable amenity dispenser system
    • Composting program
    • Mattress recycling program
    • Guestroom soap and amenity donation program
    • Textile recycling program
    • Energy audit
    • Towel and linen reuse program
    • Energy efficient interior light bulbs
    • LEED building certification
  • 4.4.12 Sustainability strategies, such as
    • Support initiatives for community development, e.g., infrastructure, social programs
    • Support programs to manage environmental impact, e.g., energy, water, and waste management
    • Utilize local residents
    • Use local and fair-trade goods and services
    • Protect cultural and historical sites
  • 4.4.13 Sustainability standards, such as
    • ISO International Standards
    • GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines
    • ASTM Sustainability Standards
    • Global Sustainable Tourism Council Criteria