BCHA New Sustainability Playbook

VANCOUVER — The BC Hotel Association (BCHA) has launched innovative initiatives aimed at greening the accommodation sector. Two strategic partnerships with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Biosphere Tourism, along with the introduction of the BCHA Sustainability Playbook, is allowing BCHA to spearhead a shift towards eco-friendly practices and reduced operational costs. The organization has also achieved the prestigious Biosphere designation.

The BCHA Sustainability Playbook is packed with practical strategies, industry insights and proven methodologies to equip hoteliers with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of sustainable hospitality. By implementing the playbook’s recommendations, hotels can unlock operational efficiencies, reduce waste, conserve energy and enhance the overall guest experience.

Additionally, BCHA’s Biosphere designation is a testament to its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship, sustainable practices and responsible tourism. These personalized sustainability plans, structured around Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and United Nations goals, not only highlight best practices but also improve market positioning, attracting a growing audience seeking more sustainable experiences.

BCHA’s sustainability initiatives offer additional benefits to hotels. The GoGreen program provides hotels with a complimentary energy analysis conducted by BCHA energy specialist, Dylan Tomlin. So far, 98 energy assessments have been completed. Furthermore, BCHA collaborates with GreenStep’s EcoFund program, enabling hotels to invest in large-scale energy efficiency, water conservation and waste-reduction projects that simultaneously cut costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Partnerships with GreenStep Solutions and BetterTable.ca provide the sector with education, training, and resources related to sustainability, while close collaboration with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) supports the Green Key program.

“The BCHA has wholeheartedly supported British Columbia’s accommodation community in becoming leaders in establishing a net-positive hospitality sector that will support our provincial climate-action goals through our GoGreen Program, and we’re thrilled to unveil our Sustainability Playbook which builds upon that important work,” says Ingrid Jarrett, president and CEO of the BCHA. “We feel honoured to partner with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and Biosphere Tourism, two internationally acclaimed organizations that share our vision of sustainability. Together, we will create an ecosystem of knowledge-sharing, collaboration and transformative change, propelling the accommodation sector towards a greener future.”

“By joining forces, we’re setting out on a path to excellence, where environmental conservation and the well-being of local communities are key priorities,” says Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada, general secretary at Biosphere Tourism. “Together, we’re on a mission to build a legacy of responsible tourism that will leave a positive footprint on our world, inspiring others to join in this transformative vision.”

“We need to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable hospitality sector that gives back to the destination more than it takes,” says Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. “Essential to achieving this ambition is ensuring that hospitality professionals have the tools and resources to translate this vision into practical action which is relevant to their own businesses and communities. We are pleased to support the development of the sustainability playbook to inspire and guide every hotel in British Columbia, and beyond, on their journey to net positive hospitality.”

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