Environmental Initiatives | Cairns International Hotel
Cairns International Hotel continually strives to minimise the environmental impact of our hotel operations, by implementing clear environmental policies and supporting local green initiatives...
CIH operates under the Cairns International Hotel Environmental Policy which sets out intentions and principles in relation to overall environmental performance of the organisation.
The Environmental Policy formalises a framework for action and for the setting of environmental objectives and targets.
Hotel and Rooms
- Unused soap is retained and collected on a monthly basis by an organic farmer based on the tablelands. The soap is treated and used on crops as an insecticide.
- Shampoos and bath gels are collected by staff and used as dog wash
- Waste heat from the hotel air conditioning plant is used to heat hot water. Water is heated primarily by gas but an energy conservation system is built into the air conditioning plant to partially heat water before it is heated by the gas heaters.
- All guest rooms have been fitted with water efficient tapware
- Signage is placed in rooms to encourage re use of bath towels to save water and reduce the use of detergents in laundering
- Procedures are in place for lighting and air conditioning in unused public areas to be turned off unless required.
- Old bed linen, blankets and furniture are given to the Salvation Army
Voluntary Environmental Audits
Voluntary Environmental Audits are conducted at CIH. The audits address a broad range of environmental issues throughout the hotel and have the primary aims of assessing compliance and identifying existing or potential environmental risk.
Audits assess performance in the following areas:
- Environmental Management
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
- Water Management
- Waste Management
- Chemical Management
- Environmental Awareness
- Status and adequacy of environmental training
- Reductions of effluent, emissions and waste
- Due Diligence and Duty of Care
Environment Committee - Waste, Recycle, and Processing Systems
CIH has an active Environmental Committee, where representatives from each department meet to discuss environmental issues throughout the hotel. The meeting provides a forum for environmental issues to be raised, assessed and actioned. Issues such as waste management, new technology, and environmental programs are discussed and assessments made regarding the potential for incorporation into the hotel operations.
Waste Management
- Recycling is undertaken wherever possible throughout the hotel. The following products are currently recycled:
- Office Paper is reused wherever possible and then collected for recycling
- Cardboard is compacted into bales and recycled
- Glass and Plastic are separated from general rubbish for recycling
- Towels are recycled as pool towels and rags
- Tablecloths are recycled as tray mats
- Partially used toilet rolls are used in staff areas
- Newspapers are collected by staff to use as garden mulch
- Shredded paper is given to pet shops
- Waste Kitchen Oil is collected and recycled by a local organisation
- Candles and corks from restaurants and banquets are given to Girl Guides for use in craft work
- Telephone books are recycled
Environmental Accidents, Incidents and Complaints
Procedures are in place to investigate and record all environmental incidents and complaints. The procedures allow for identification of whether the incident, accident or complaint had an environmental impact or the potential to cause an environmental impact. Subsequent follow up measures can then be actioned to rectify the cause and prevent future occurrences.
The Greenhouse Challenge
The Cairns International Hotel also supports the Greenhouse Challenge, one of the many programs initiated by the Australian Greenhouse Office. It is a voluntary program between industry and the government to abate greenhouse emissions from industry. Industry groups make a commitment to participate in the program and are then audited to determine where operations can be improved and where the resultant greenhouse emissions can be reduced.
For more information on the Greenhouse Challenge Program please visit www.greenhouse.gov.au/challenge
The Cairns International Hotel is your ideal Cairns hotel accommodation choice…fabulous harbour and mountain views, spacious hotel rooms, our luxury day spa and of course, first class service. Experience for yourself our exceptional hotel facilities including some of the best Cairns restaurants & bars.
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