ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
ASSIGNMENT
Name: YOHAN FERNANDO
Student ID: SLITHM/TEMP/23/SEP/23641
NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN HOTEL MANAGEMENTSRI LANKA
INSTITUTE OF TOURISM & HOTEL MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
The relationship between the environment and the hotel industry is complex and multifaceted,
deeply intertwined with issues of sustainability, economic development, and social
responsibility. This relationship is characterized by both positive and negative impacts, and it
encompasses a broad range of interactions, including resource consumption, waste generation,
ecosystem disruption, and efforts towards environmental conservation and sustainability.
Understanding this relationship is crucial for the hotel industry to mitigate negative impacts
while enhancing its positive contributions to environmental stewardship. Here are several key
aspects of this relationship.
Five Potential Negative Impacts of a Hotel on the Environment
1. Resource Depletion
Hotels consume large amounts of resources, including water, energy, and non-
renewable materials. The high demand for these resources can lead to their
depletion, especially in areas where resources are scarce. For example, excessive
water use by hotels for amenities such as swimming pools, landscaping, and daily
operations can strain local water supplies, affecting both ecosystems and the
availability of water for local communities.
2. Waste Generation
Hotels generate significant amounts of waste, including food waste, single-use
plastics, and other non-biodegradable materials. If not properly managed, this
waste can contribute to pollution, landfill overflow, and the degradation of local
environments. Improper disposal of waste can also lead to soil and water
pollution, harming wildlife and impacting human health.
3. Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions
The operation of hotels requires substantial energy use, from heating and cooling
systems to lighting and electronic devices. This energy consumption contributes to
the hotel industry's carbon footprint, especially if the energy is sourced from fossil
fuels. The emissions generated contribute to air pollution and climate change,
exacerbating global environmental challenges.
4. Ecosystem Disruption and Biodiversity Loss
Hotel development, particularly in sensitive or pristine natural areas, can lead to
habitat destruction, ecosystem disruption, and biodiversity loss. Construction and
ongoing operations can alter landscapes, displace wildlife, and lead to soil erosion
and habitat fragmentation. This not only affects the local flora and fauna but can
also diminish the natural beauty and ecological integrity that attract tourists in
the first place.
5. Water Pollution
Hotels can be a source of water pollution, with potential contaminants including
sewage, chemicals from cleaning and maintenance, and runoff from landscaped
areas. Such pollution can impact freshwater and marine ecosystems, harm
aquatic life, and affect the quality of water resources for drinking, recreation, and
other uses.
PLAN 01
Environment Plan to Mitigate Water Pollution in Hotel Fileld
1. Water-Saving Fixtures and Appliances
Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals to
reduce water usage.
Use water-efficient laundry and dishwashing equipment to
minimize water waste and the consequent wastewater volume.
2. Wastewater Treatment and Recycling
Implement onsite wastewater treatment facilities to treat
graywater (from sinks, showers, and laundry) and blackwater
(sewage) for reuse in landscaping, flushing toilets, or other non-
potable applications.
Use natural and constructed wetlands for tertiary treatment to
further purify wastewater before it is released into the
environment or reused.
3. Rainwater Harvesting
Install systems to collect and store rainwater for non-potable uses
such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling towers, reducing the
demand on local water resources and decreasing stormwater
runoff, which can carry pollutants into natural water bodies.
4. Eco-friendly Landscaping
Adopt xeriscaping (landscaping with drought-resistant plants) and
native plants that require less water, reducing the need for
irrigation and the potential for fertilizer and pesticide runoff.
Implement smart irrigation systems that use weather data and
soil moisture sensors to optimize watering schedules and reduce
runoff.
5. Chemical Management
Use eco-friendly cleaning agents and maintenance chemicals to
minimize the introduction of harmful substances into wastewater.
Implement a comprehensive chemical management plan to
properly store, use, and dispose of hazardous materials,
preventing leaks and spills that could contaminate water sources.
6. Staff Training and Guest Awareness
Train staff on water conservation practices and the importance of
preventing water pollution.
Educate guests about water conservation and pollution
prevention through informational materials and encourage
participation in the hotel’s environmental programs, such as towel
and linen reuse programs.
7. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring
Conduct regular maintenance of plumbing and wastewater
treatment systems to prevent leaks and ensure efficient operation.
Monitor water use and wastewater quality to identify areas for
improvement and ensure compliance with environmental
regulations.
8. Collaboration with Local Communities and Authorities
Work with local environmental groups, authorities, and other
stakeholders to support broader water conservation and pollution
prevention efforts in the region.
Participate in or contribute to local water quality projects, such as
river clean-up initiatives or community education programs.
9. Sustainable Sourcing
Source food, beverages, and other goods from suppliers who use
sustainable practices that minimize water pollution, such as
organic farming and eco-friendly packaging.
PLAN 02
Environment Plan to Mitigate Waste Generation in Hotel Fileld.
1. Waste Audit and Monitoring
Conduct regular waste audits to identify the types and sources of
waste produced by the hotel. This data can help in pinpointing
areas for improvement and tracking progress over time.
Implement a waste management monitoring system to regularly
assess the effectiveness of waste reduction strategies.
2. Reduce Single-Use Items
Minimize the use of single-use plastics and disposables in rooms,
restaurants, and other areas of the hotel. Opt for reusable
alternatives for items such as water bottles, straws, toiletries, and
cutlery.
Encourage guests to use refillable water bottles by providing
water refill stations throughout the hotel.
3. Sustainable Procurement
Purchase products made from recycled or sustainable materials
and those that are durable, repairable, and recyclable.
Choose suppliers who take back packaging for reuse or recycling,
and prioritize products with minimal packaging.
4. Food Waste Reduction
Implement portion control and menu planning to reduce food
waste in hotel restaurants and catering services.
Donate unused food that is safe to eat to local shelters or food
banks.
Establish a composting program for organic waste, which can be
used in the hotel’s garden or donated to local farming projects.
5. Recycling and Composting Programs
Set up clearly marked recycling bins for guests and staff in
convenient locations throughout the hotel.
Train staff on proper waste segregation practices to ensure the
success of recycling programs.
Explore opportunities for composting food waste and other
organic materials either onsite or through local municipal
programs.
6. Green Events and Conferences
Offer green meeting options for conferences and events, including
digital materials instead of printed ones, sustainable catering
practices, and facilities for separating and recycling waste.
Encourage event organizers and attendees to participate in the
hotel's sustainability practices.
7. Staff Training and Engagement
Educate staff about waste reduction goals and practices,
emphasizing the role they play in achieving these objectives.
Engage staff in identifying new waste reduction opportunities and
improving existing practices.
8. Guest Participation
Encourage guests to participate in waste reduction efforts through
initiatives like towel and linen reuse programs, proper waste
segregation, and reduced room cleaning services upon request.
Provide guests with information about the hotel’s sustainability
efforts and how they can contribute.
PLAN 03
Environment Plan to Mitigate Ecosystem Disruption and
Biodiversity Loss in Hotel Fileld.
1. Sustainable Site Selection and Development
Choose sites for new developments that have minimal ecological
value and are not critical habitats for endangered species.
Avoid construction in ecologically sensitive areas, such as
wetlands, forests, and coastal zones, to preserve natural habitats
and biodiversity.
Implement an environmental impact assessment (EIA) before
construction to identify potential impacts on ecosystems and
biodiversity and to develop strategies to mitigate these impacts.
2. Sustainable Construction Practices
Use sustainable building materials that are locally sourced,
recycled, or have a low environmental impact.
Design buildings and landscapes that blend with the natural
environment, minimizing physical and visual impacts.
Implement erosion and sediment control measures during
construction to prevent habitat destruction and water pollution.
3. Conservation and Restoration Initiatives
Participate in or establish conservation programs aimed at
protecting local flora and fauna. This could include setting aside
land as protected areas, supporting reforestation projects, and
rehabilitating degraded habitats.
Work with local conservation groups, wildlife organizations, and
researchers to enhance biodiversity on and around the hotel
property.
Create wildlife corridors to allow animals to move freely between
habitats, especially in areas where the hotel development has
fragmented the landscape.
4. Water Conservation and Quality
Implement water-saving technologies and practices to reduce
water usage and prevent water pollution from affecting local
ecosystems.
Treat wastewater effectively before discharge to ensure it does
not harm local water bodies and their aquatic life.
Use environmentally friendly landscaping practices, such as
xeriscaping and the use of native plant species, to reduce water
consumption and support local biodiversity.
5. Responsible Operations
Adopt eco-friendly practices in daily operations, such as reducing
energy consumption, minimizing waste, and using
environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Train staff on the importance of biodiversity and how they can
contribute to its conservation through their work and personal
actions.
Offer eco-friendly activities and excursions for guests that raise
awareness about local ecosystems and support conservation
efforts.
6. Community Engagement and Education
Engage with local communities to support and participate in
biodiversity conservation efforts. This can help ensure that tourism
benefits the local economy without harming the environment.
Educate guests about the local environment, biodiversity, and
conservation efforts through informational materials, guided
tours, and workshops.
Encourage guests to participate in conservation activities, such as
tree planting, wildlife monitoring, or beach clean-ups.
7. Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Source food, materials, and other supplies from local and
sustainable sources to reduce environmental impacts and support
local biodiversity.
Avoid products that contribute to habitat destruction or the
exploitation of endangered species.
8. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement
Regularly monitor the impact of hotel operations on local
ecosystems and biodiversity and take corrective actions as
needed.
Continuously update and improve environmental policies and
practices based on the latest scientific research and conservation
strategies.
No. Environment Mitigation Place Cost Implement Monitoring
Issues Measures Responsibility
01. Water Pollution Discharge of Around Contractor
waste of LKR
water from
hotels into
rivers.
02. Waste Generation Hotel Around Contractor
sunshine LKR
03. Loss of Hotel Around Contractor
Biodiversity sunshine LKR
REFERENCE
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