Tourism Projects - A Sampling
Pan Pacific Hotel, Seattle
We recently conducted a comprehensive assessment of the organizational, community and environmental performance of the Pan Pacific Hotel. We created a comprehensive environmental assessment tool, interviewed managers and staff and analyzed records, finally providing a series of findings and recommendations that address a wide range of marketing, energy, water and material choice issues.
Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association
Washington State Hotel & Lodging Association (WSH&LA) contracted with Calyx to develop and draft its Greening Washington's Lodging Industry Program and to write a grant application for funding by the State Department of Ecology. Calyx designed the parameters of and outcomes for this innovative green program. Working collaboratively with WSH&LA, Calyx submitted the application on the Association's behalf. The Association was notified that it had been awarded the grant, one of only 13 funded by Ecology in 2009. Of the 100 applications received by Ecology, WSH&LA's earned the fourth highest overall score. Ecology noted that this was a "very impressive feat given incredibly fierce competition." Being awarded the grant was a groundbreaking accomplishment for the Association.
Calyx also developed and analyzed the State's first environmental lodging practices survey.
Hyatt at Olive 8 - Product Stewardship Institute and NAHMMA Conference
We worked with the meeting planners and the Hyatt Olive 8 Hotel in Seattle to make operational refinements for a four day conference. Refinements included providing carbon offsets, waste-free F&B operations for coffee and meals, and eliminating water bottles and most paper. Meeting attendees were given options for alternative transportation and asked to take certain action themselves.
Inn at Semiahmoo - Wildlife Disease Association Conference
We worked extensively with the Inn at Semiahmoo and the planning committee of the WDA on a range of issues, from waste reduction, local food sourcing, chemical use reduction and attendee transportation minimization to ways for attendees to take positive action in support of the association's green goals. These changes at the property level have helped the property "push the envelope" in its greening practices.
Evergreen Escapes Partnership
Calyx has created a working partnership with the well-known ecotourism company, Evergreen Escapes, to help green its supply chain. Over the next year, we will be working on training and outreach through their network of resorts and hotels to help bring Evergreen Escape's suppliers' practices into alignment its own sustainability values.
Washington Sustainable Tourism Initiative
WSTI developed a policy framework and work plan to operationalize sustainable tourism across Washington State. The initiative enjoyed full support, including The World Travel & Tourism Council, Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII), and Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, elected officials and various non-profits. Although we were unable to find an organizational site for the program at the time, its chance of success is considerably greater now.
Hotel Water Conservation Pilot
We conducted an extensive two year hotel water conservation pilot in Seattle which included a national survey of best practices in water conservation; a local hotel engineering survey, including data collection on ROI criteria; development of new employee orientation guides; field trips to the Cedar River Watershed; towel-linen training for the participating hotels as well as other downtown hotels; and a comprehensive cleaning chemical assessment. The project culminated in a detailed report with recommendations for creating a water management program, training protocols, marketing materials and detailed engineering guides.
Willapa Bay Inns and Restaurants
We worked through Shorebank Enterprise Pacific (an affiliate of Shorebank Advisory Services of Chicago) to provide a solid waste assessment and strategies for ten restaurants and inns in Willapa Bay, including the famed Ark Restaurant and Bakery and Shelburne Inn.
Sound Tourism-Sound Environment
We managed this tourism program designed specifically for Puget Sound tourism businesses. The work included establishing a steering committee; holding five workshops on environmental issues, including Labor & Industries WISHA rules; stormwater management; the human health effects of cleaning chemicals and nature- based tourism strategies emerging from the new Watchable Wildlife strategic plan. We also developed two comprehensive best management practices guides for lodgings and restaurants and marine tourism businesses — charter fishing, cruise ships, kayaking, marinas, pleasure vessels, and whale watching companies (see our Resources page for the Best Management Practices in PDF format.)
Pike Place Market
For over three years we worked with the Pike Place Market's managers, the Preservation and Development Authority, to conceive and implement the Market's first solid waste reduction and visitor recycling program. This included developing the Market's grease management program, enhancing composting and recycling, on-site visits with over 20 businesses, and development of a 15-topic resource guide for over 200 businesses and the creation and work of the Market's new green team. We also wrote regular articles in the Market News on emerging environmental issues relevant to the Market community. The Pike Place Market received a Mayoral award towards the close of the project.