by Glenn Hasek
August 30, 2011 09:19
As reported in Green Lodging News this week, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has introduced a Greening Meetings program at all of its 85 hotels and resorts around the world. I took a look at the website for Greening Meetings and was not terribly impressed with the list of green meeting options available to meeting attendees. In fact, it is a very short list compared to what other companies are doing. Yes, Four Seasons is doing a good job on some fronts with the following: paperless correspondence; dry-erase boards; recycling; monitoring room temperature; using China and silverware instead of disposable plating and utensils; buying in bulk; offering local food items; and composting or donating leftover food. What is missing from the list of action steps?
I am curious to know what the company's policy is regarding bottled water. It is not mentioned on the website even though it looks from a photo on the Greening Meetings page that water and juices might be served by the pitcher. Did someone just forget to include the policy on bottled water? Also, in the photo on the Greening Meetings page one is given the impression that linens are used on all meeting tables. Is using linens a green practice? I don't think so given the water, energy and chemicals that are required to wash them. Also, one is given the impression that a green meeting is an option and not a standard. Why not just make it standard practice? Other companies have made green meetings a standard practice. See article for one example.
The press release detailing Greening Meetings stated, "The new program is available at no additional cost." I certainly hope so. Should one have to pay more for a green meeting? I know it sounds like I am picking on Four Seasons here but I just wanted to make a few points. I admire their start in green meetings; they just have some work to do to build upon and better communicate their program.
