It could be argued that the actions of a single Beijing hotel won’t make a difference to the city’s environmental impact. But the Park Plaza Beijing West takes a different view of its responsibilities, bringing its environmental initiatives to new heights.

(TRAVPR.COM) BEIJING - 28th April 2010 -  It could be argued that the actions of a single Beijing hotel won’t make a difference to the city’s environmental impact. But the Park Plaza Beijing West takes a different view of its responsibilities, bringing its environmental initiatives to new heights.

Part of Carlson Hotels, one of the world’s leading hotel companies which includes brands such as Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites by CarlsonSM, Park Inn® and Park Plaza®, the Park Plaza Beijing West hotel is renowned for its contemporary, trendsetting design. Appealing to business and leisure travelers alike, it’s one of a handful of hotels located in the upper echelons of the capital’s mid-scale hotels.

Conveniently located at the end of Beijing Chang An Boulevard, Park Plaza Beijing West has 262 well appointed guest rooms and suites. But what makes it a cut above the rest is the approach the hotel has taken to improving the guest experience and working conditions for its staff.

Park Plaza Beijing West has its focus firmly set on issues such as energy and water conservation, recycling, and reducing the use of harmful chemicals. Most notable though is their achievement in improving the quality of indoor air at the hotel; the impact of which is appreciated by all. Costing almost USD$1.5 million, the air freshener system installation ensures that air inside the hotel is always fresh, as well as reduces energy consumption throughout the hotel.

Along with the rest of the Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific portfolio, the Park Plaza Beijing West recently also embarked on the EarthCheck Program, which is managed by EC3 Global and used by over a thousand hotels in more than 60 countries. The sustainability management system provides businesses with a framework to increase operational efficiencies, maximise the benefit of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and minimise environmental impacts.

“The air freshener system we have introduced is a large investment which will go a long way in ensuring guests have a comfortable stay at our hotel, while minimising the environmental impact through the energy efficiency of the system,” said Mr. Peter Schuler, General Manager, Park Plaza Beijing West.

“We didn’t just want to stop there. Partnering with EarthCheck is also indicative of the growing emphasis we are placing on achieving sustainable outcomes at our hotel.”

EarthCheck’s science-based approach is considered at the forefront of sustainability management systems and was developed by the world’s largest non-profit research centre into sustainable tourism – the Australian Government-funded Sustainable Tourism Cooperative Research Centre.

“EarthCheck leverages some USD$260 million worth of academic research and contains more than a decade of industry benchmarking data,” said Stewart Moore, CEO of EC3 Global. “But it’s not a certification scheme that offers yet another “green” badge; it’s a management system that directly impacts your environmental footprint.”

EDITOR’S NOTES

EC3 Global is the world's largest certifier of sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 60 countries, the company’s EarthCheck Program responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet, including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management. It provides benchmarking, certification and performance improvement systems that result in average savings of 30 per cent for energy and waste stream, and 20 per cent savings for water consumption. Go to www.earthcheck.org or www.ec3global.com

For further information please contact:

Park Plaza Beijing West
Jane Zhu
Marketing & Communications
P: +86 10 6813 0088
E: pr.beijingwest@parkplaza.com
W: www.parkplaza.com/beijingcn_west

EarthCheck
Chantal Dunbar
EC3 Global Communications Manager
P: +61 401 058 159
E: chantal.dunbar@ec3global.com
W: www.earthcheck.org

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