MAKINGA WORLDOF DIFFERENCE
Spend time introducing the topic to your team and talking about
why the hotel is embracing sustainability and how important it is
both to the hotels operations and to the local area / region. If
there are any particular local issues regarding water make sure
they are mentioned.
Emphasise the point that both garden planning and maintenance
have an important role to play in reducing water consumption you
will point out the benefits to them later in the presentation*Point
1 -The main aim of making a hotel garden sustainable is to reduce
the amount of water used.
Point 2 - There will be no degradation in visual appearance
despite less water being used, and in some areas the aesthetics are
likely to increase (e.g. Redesign of private gardens means theyll
be more attractive more can be charged for these rooms). This will
help with attracting more social functions (weddings, parties,
etc.), and could open the opportunity for attracting new markets
(environmental-related conferences, etc.).
Point 3 - Ever-growing trend in customers desiring
sustainability in hotels.
Point 4 - For example with effective management, some areas will
no longer need watering (low water consumption zones)
Point 5 A unique hotel garden can help to differentiate this
hotel from competitors can be used as a USP.
Point 6 A sustainable hotel garden will fit with other water
conservation measures being implemented around the hotel, which
will contribute to sustainability-related awards and recognitions,
e.g. Travelife award. *Point 1 Efficient use of time may reduce
labour costs
Point 2 Less demands on the water supply network will result in
better functionality
Point 3 Efficient use of time may reduce labour costs
*Point 1 The main outcome when making hotel gardens more
sustainable is to reduce water consumption. This can help with
gaining support from the local community.
Point 2 Less water will need to be extracted from the water
table as there will be less required
Point 3 Often native plants are most efficient at using water,
and so are the best plants to have in the gardens. This can also
help to create a unique image for the hotel, which can add to a
guests experience.
Point 4 This will help to conserve local water resources, which
will boost the hotels image and gain support from the local
community.**Point 1 organise garden into [low, med & high]
watering zones areas where plants with similar watering needs are
placed together. Establishing microclimatic factors to choose most
suitable location for plant types and watering zones.
Point 2 Some soils are better at retaining water and nutrients
than others. Identify need for composting, or other method to
enhance soil quality.
Point 3 native plants/those that have flourished without
maintenance over prolonged periods are often best for minimising
water consumption.
Point 4 Hotel can reduce water consumption around gardens by
30-80% with an efficient irrigation system.
Point 5 Lawns should only be placed in areas where they cannot
be replaced with something else as they consume large amounts of
water (replace with trees or shrubs). Review watering and mowing
techniques.
Point 6 Protective layer covering soil that helps soil retain
moisture. Examples include bark chippings and wood grindings. Can
improve the overall appearance of hotel gardens.
Point 7 Effective maintenance will allow a hotel to optimise the
benefits that xeriscaping has to offer. Generally, maintenance of a
sustainable garden is less than that of a conventional
garden.***
