Welcome to Sustainability Stories podcast!
In this episode, host Radhika Arapally and Naureen Ahmed discuss the role of women in hospitality!
Naureen is the founder of Inspiring Women in Hospitality, a global platform dedicated to women in the hospitality industry.
Naureen started Inspiring Women in Hospitality to encourage women, at all levels and roles in the industry to engage in meaningful conversations and build relationships, aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders. She has conducted 13 Round Table sessions in 8 cities, providing visibility and a platform for over 200 women to share their insights.
Naureen shed light on:
💭 The purpose behind Inspiring Women in Hospitality
💭 Advice for Career Growth: Two top tips summarised from interviewing 200 guests on her podcast
💭 Challenges in Speaking up
💭 Common Challenges for Women in Hospitality
💭 Gender Pay Gap and Workforce Representations
✅ From speaking to over 200 inspiring women, Naureen shared a valuable piece of advice with us - "Take ownership of your career and ask for it."
✅ Join Inspire Community to connect with other women in hospitality and learn how to take ownership.
💡Explore more episodes on the Sustainability Stories podcasts.
In this episode of Sustainability Stories, host Radhika Arapally sits down with Mark Swinton, General Manager of Capella Ubud, Bali. They discuss how conservation and wellness are deeply rooted in the hotel and play a big part in the hotel's ethos. Nestled among the trees and discreetly hidden from view, Capella Ubud captivates the imagination of those seeking a truly unique experience with one-bedroom tents and one two-bedroom lodge, each featuring its own private pool.
Mark shares his insights on:
✅ Sustainable initiatives and wellness activities at Capella Ubud
✅ Ensuring energy efficiency for heating and cooling of the accommodation tents, which is integral to sustainable luxury!
✅ The design process and architecture of the hotel lodge
✅ How sustainability and wellness intertwine in a luxury property
✅ Capella's roadmap to achieving the Net Zero
💡 Subscribe and stay updated on sustainability innovations in hospitality by subscribing to our podcast or the newsletter Responsible Hospitality
In this episode of Sustainability Stories, host Radhika Arapally sits down with Manish Jha, General Manager of NH Collection Dubai The Palm, to uncover how the hotel has rapidly accelerated its sustainability journey since opening in February 2023. From earning Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification to winning Sustainable Hotel of the Year, NH Collection Dubai has set a new benchmark in sustainable hospitality.
Manish shares insights on:
✅ The mindset shift needed for true sustainability
✅ Implementing zero-waste initiatives, including a canteen with no waste bins
✅ Leveraging technology like digital buffet labels & food waste monitoring
✅ Local sourcing and farm-to-table dining at Revo Café
✅ The business case for sustainability investments
✅ Dubai Tourism’s strong push for green initiatives
Can sustainability be a lifestyle rather than a checkbox? Tune in to hear how NH Collection Dubai is making it happen!
💡 Subscribe & stay updated on sustainability innovations in hospitality.
#SustainableHotels #SustainabilityStories #GreenHospitality #ZeroWaste #SustainableDubai
Listen to Kempinski Seychelles' eco-friendly initiatives, from renewable energy to waste reduction, preserving the pristine beauty of the Seychelles Islands - a conversation with Sustainability Champions - Oliver Kuhn together with Akram Alshabini & Ajay Joseph.
In this episode of the Sustainability Stories podcast, we dive into the heart of the Indian Ocean to explore the sustainable practices of Kempinski Seychelles.
Joining us are Oliver Kuhn, General Manager; Akram Alshabini, Hygiene, Health, Safety and Sustainability Manager, and Ajay Joseph, Director of Engineering.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Kempinski Seychelles is not just a luxury resort; it's a beacon of sustainable hospitality. The team is passionate about preserving the pristine beauty of the Seychelles islands while providing world-class guest experiences.
Key Sustainability Initiatives:
Certification and Standards: The resort has achieved numerous certifications, including the highest level in the Chris Czech sustainability system and compliance with the Seychelles government's sustainability law.
Energy Efficiency: Kempinski Seychelles has implemented various energy-saving measures, such as solar power, heat recovery systems, and energy-efficient guest room management systems.
Water Conservation: The resort collects rainwater and recycles wastewater for irrigation and other non-potable uses.
Waste Reduction: A comprehensive waste management system is in place, including composting, recycling, and the conversion of kitchen oil into biofuel.
Environmental Education: The resort actively engages with guests and local communities through educational programs, beach clean-ups, and coral reef restoration projects.
Balancing Luxury and Sustainability
One of the biggest challenges for luxury hotels is balancing exceptional guest experiences with sustainable practices. Kempinski Seychelles has successfully navigated this challenge by:
Involving Guests: Encouraging guests to participate in sustainable activities, such as tree planting and coral reef restoration.
Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local communities and suppliers to minimize environmental impact.
Continuous Improvement: Embracing innovation and staying up to date with the latest sustainable technologies and practices.
Looking Ahead
Kempinski Seychelles is committed to further reducing its environmental footprint and inspiring other hotels to follow suit. The team is exploring additional sustainability.
In our first interview with a CEO, Mr. Kamran Birjees Khan kindly joined us in the studio to share his beginnings in Al-Futtaim, his illustrious career with Panasonic, and how he built Nia Limited into the family-like business that it is today.
Spanning from the business landscape of the UAE in the 1990's to the impact Japanese corporate culture has had on his ethos as a leader, Mr. Khan is full of wisdom and anecdotes that shaped him and his business into the leaders they are today. Mr. Khan also delves into the wellness aspect of plastic-free living, sharing with us insights on how removing plastics from hotels and sporting events goes beyond erasing a recycling issue but also removes microplastics from our biological systems.
The conversation ends with some sage leadership advice on how to build a company culture that fosters happiness and growth; a fact that led Nia Limited to sponsor the Taqdeer Award, Dubai government initiative that recognizes companies who demonstrate a profound commitment to workforce care, employee happiness, and prosperity.
Don't miss out on this illuminating conversation along with some great book recommendations.
Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes.
Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners.
Show notes:
Keen to know how a hotel in the Middle East is making both environmental and social impact through its sustainability initiatives? Then tune into this episode where we speak with Kempinski Area General Manager Levant and KSA Sebastien Mariette, a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience in the Middle East and beyond. Host Radhika Arappally and Sebastien cover a lot in 30 minutes, from how the country of Jordan supports local sustainability initiatives, to creating an in-house sustainability team, managing senior stakeholders and hiring local staff, and the value of sustainability certifications.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea is part of Global Hotel Alliance and of the Green Collection, a carefully curated portfolio of over 200 hotels, resorts and palaces in the GHA DISCOVERY programme committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Watch the conversation here or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes.
This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year.
We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, listen to the full episode!
Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners.
Show notes:
Imagine walking into a lush garden with bespoke architectural features peeking through the foliage and diffused natural light streaming overhead. Except, this garden is actually in the lobby of a grand hotel. In this episode, we talk to Phil Smith, the General Manager at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, the country's first garden-in-a-hotel. We discuss the various sustainability initiatives of the property (including the forest in the lobby that acts as a carbon sink and air purification system), how to train and work with a sustainability team to promote more innovation, how to create measurable impact, and what the future holds for general managers looking to improve the sustainability standing of their properties.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore is part of Global Hotel Alliance and of the Green Collection, a carefully curated portfolio of over 200 hotels, resorts and palaces in the GHA DISCOVERY programme committed to creating a more sustainable future.
Watch the conversation here, on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes.
This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year.
We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
If you want to learn more about sustainable travel, listen to the full episode!
Hospitality is witnessing change because of climate change, and we all must do our bit for the next generation. As we share these stories, we uncover the rationale, of real change makers committing resources to reducing emissions. We encourage hoteliers to share stories and not just about reducing plastics in the operations, or it's not about reducing food waste. Don’t get me wrong. These things are important, but it's not the whole picture. We want to hear about the holistic sustainability management practices they have implemented to benefit the people, planet, place and prosperity and share these with our listeners.
Show notes:
How can hotels effectively balance guest luxury with meaningful sustainability practices? In this episode of the Sustainability Stories Podcast, host Radhika Arapally explores this intriguing question with Jacqueline Kneebone, Head of Sustainability and Wellness at Lore Group. Jacqueline shares her journey into sustainability, emphasizing the intertwined nature of wellness and sustainability and how these concepts shape her work.
Jacqueline discusses the sustainability initiatives at One Hundred Shoreditch (a Lore Group hotel), highlighting the hotel's adaptive design approach and efforts to reduce single-use plastics and incorporate renewable energy. She elaborates on the advanced phase of sustainability that the hotel has entered, focusing on mandatory ESG reporting and establishing carbon baselines.
The conversation also covers Jacqueline's continuous learning journey, including her participation in the ESG Executive Program at King's College, and how she upskills her team and stakeholders in sustainability practices. Jacqueline talks about the importance of making sustainability convenient and commercially sound to ensure buy-in from all stakeholders. The episode concludes with insights into the future of sustainable hospitality, the challenges faced, and the innovative partnerships and community projects that One Hundred Shoreditch is involved in, such as their collaboration with Made Blue for responsible water use and Earnt for community volunteering.
Listeners are encouraged to stay updated by subscribing to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter and to explore further learning opportunities mentioned in the show notes.
This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. This episode celebrates the first anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year.
We also explore the positive impact that the Green Collection is having on the environment and local communities.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
Notes:
Follow Sustainability Kiosk:
About Sustainability Kiosk:
Sustainability Stories Podcast is the podcast arm of Sustainability Kiosk, a pioneering platform dedicated to assisting hotels in exploring and implementing innovative sustainability solutions in energy, water, food, waste, and consumables. Our mission is to support hotels in reducing emissions and achieving cost savings, while ensuring a balance between environmental stewardship and profitability. Each solution we offer is rigorously vetted for transparency and ease of understanding, enabling hoteliers to make informed decisions.
Through our "Sustainability Management Partnership," we provide comprehensive training programs and have successfully collaborated with 43 hotels across the Middle East and Africa, driving impactful sustainability initiatives. We are proud members of the Emirates Green Building Council and accredited consultants for food waste management by The PLEDGE on Food Waste.
Sustainability Stories Podcast: Green Collection with Global Hotel Alliance
How are global hotel chains embracing sustainability and community support? In this episode, we speak with Jelena Kezika, Global Director Strategy, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), about their Green Collection initiative on the one-year anniversary since launch.
The Green Collection is a group of 200 hotels within the GHA Discovery loyalty program that are committed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities. We discuss what criteria hotels need to meet to be included in the Green Collection and how GHA is helping its member hotels to become more sustainable.
Listeners will learn about the significant positive impact the Green Collection has had over the past year, including a 10% collective reduction in carbon emissions by the participating hotels. Additionally, Jelena discusses the enhanced guest experiences, with members of GHA Discovery loyalty program choosing to pay more and stay longer at Green Collection hotels, reflecting a growing preference for eco-friendly accommodations.
Here are some of the key takeaways from the interview:
For anyone interested in sustainable travel and hospitality, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration. Be sure to listen to the full episode and subscribe to the Sustainability Kiosk newsletter for more updates and information on green travel initiatives!
This episode is part of the podcast series "Hotel Sustainability Stories #BeyondCOP28," featuring sustainability stories from participating Green Collection hotels. Hosted by Radhika Arapally, this episode celebrates the one-year anniversary of the Green Collection hotels by Global Hotel Alliance, highlighting their journey and achievements in sustainability over the past year.
The two-part episode is with John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels.
John is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience, overlooking the 500 hotels in the field of sustainability.
Under his leadership, Minor Hotels, which includes Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Oaks, nhow, Tivoli and Elewana hotels has achieved significant milestones, including a 20% reduction in water consumption and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. But John's passion goes beyond the numbers.
John shares his vision of the changing landscape for sustainability, and what the future holds for sustainability at MINOR Hotels.
We hope to continue the discussions with John in a future episode, where he will discuss the Anantara Golden Triangle hotel, known for elephant conservation.
Notes:
Minor Hotels Sustainability Report: https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability
The two-part episode is with John Roberts, Group Director of Sustainability & Conservation at Minor Hotels.
John is a visionary leader with over two decades of experience, overlooking the 500 hotels in the field of Sustainability and Conservation of hotels.
Under his leadership, Minor Hotels, which includes Anantara, Avani, NH Collection, Oaks, nhow, Tivoli and Elewana hotels has achieved significant milestones, including a 20% reduction in water consumption and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. But John's passion goes beyond the numbers.
John shares his vision of the changing landscape for sustainability, and what the future holds for sustainability at MINOR Hotels.
We hope to continue the discussions with John in a future episode, where he will discuss the Anantara Golden Triangle hotel, known for elephant conservation.
Notes:
Minor Hotels Sustainability Report: https://www.minorhotels.com/en/sustainability
Welcome back to Sustainability Stories Podcast
The 30th episode is with Mr. K. S. Srinivas, Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Principal Secretary of The Department of Kerala Tourism.
This meeting is during a brief encounter with him during United Nations World Trade Organization (UNWTO event) at Abu Dhabi.
Kerala, a state in south India, is named as one of the ten paradises of the world by National Geographic Traveler, and is known worldwide especially for its ecotourism initiatives and beautiful back waters.
As for Kerala tourism, the villages initially rebelled against tourism development because of over-crowding and lack of substantial returns to the local economy
To address this, the department did two things
(1) developed collaborations with local producers and artists
(2) Additionally, the development of cooperatives and village life experiences for tourists. This created new market opportunities to revive the tourism economy.
We'll explore these initiatives and hear first hand from Mr Srinivas, how state of Kerala has revitalized its tourism industry through a focus on sustainable practices.
Join us on Sustainability Stories as we delve into the growing world of green jobs with Professor Tadhg O'Donovan, Deputy Vice Principal and Head of School of Engineering & Physical Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Professor O'Donovan, who also leads the Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research (SISER) and serves as Honorary Education Secretary for the Energy Institute in the Middle East, will share his insights on the UAE's efforts to support this vital sector.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) projects a staggering 24 million new green jobs created globally by 2030! This episode is your chance to learn more about this exciting field and how the UAE is positioning itself as a leader.
Here's what we'll cover:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainability, the future of work, or the burgeoning field of green jobs.
Recorded pre-COP28 in Dubai: We'll touch on Heriot-Watt's Climate Hub initiative for COP28.
Stay Connected: Find us at www.sustainabilitykiosk.com for further discussions.
Notes:
In this episode, we delve into the murky waters of sustainability claims in the hospitality industry. Radhika Arapally hosts Wayne Mckinnon, CEO of Green Growth 2050 certification, to dissect the authenticity of hotel eco-initiatives through certification. They explore:
This podcast is a great listen for hospitality professionals and conscious travelers alike. Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of sustainability claims and expose the true path to a greener future for the industry for Net Positive Hospitality
In today's episode, we have a special guest, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) one of the leading travel and tourism events in the Middle East. With an average attendance of 40,000, ATM has established itself as a prominent platform in the region.
In this episode, we delve into the theme of "Working Towards Net Zero" and explore how Arabian Travel Market and the travel industry in the Middle East are embracing sustainability.
During our conversation, I ask Danielle about two key aspects.:
Firstly, we discuss how Arabian Travel Market and the broader travel and tourism industry in the Middle East are approaching sustainability. Danielle shares valuable insights into the strategies being employed and sheds light on the progress being made.
Secondly, Danielle provides us with inspiring examples of best practices and success stories with "Sustainability and ATM Event". Her expertise and exceptional communication skills shine through as she articulately explains the strategies and covers a significant amount of ground within the 15-minute episode.
It's worth noting that this episode was recorded just before ATM went live, offering listeners a unique opportunity to gain insights into the sustainability journey of REED exhibitions, from strategic planning to implementation.
Prepare to be informed and inspired as we explore the efforts and achievements in creating a more sustainable future in the travel and tourism industry.
Join us as we delve into this engaging conversation with Danielle Curtis.
My GREEN BUTLER, founded by Christopher Warren is a holistic software solution that guides employees and guests to achieve big savings at a fraction of the cost of expensive capital investments. Christopher completed his PhD in Innovation for Sustainable Tourist Accommodation from Griffith University and developed My Green Butler to address a personal pain point he reached with his accommodation property.
He built a system, to persuade guests to participate in the Sustainable Hospitality Experience. Since then, My Green Butler as a solution has seen great traction, currently across 73 properties, involving guests and it has been into the scientifically proven solution. My Green Bulter as a solution has also been selected for two years running, as the UNEP's (United Nations Environment Programme) One Planet Programme sustainable tourism case example.
In Christophers' words, 80% of guests love it, and results show 35% of savings in energy metrics that can be proven.
My Green Butler today offers direct integration capabilities with other leading innovative software solutions to create robust, practical solutions that save our clients time and money.
Christopher has published a book titled "How to Create Sustainable Hospitality. A Handbook for Guest Participation"; which has 400 case studies detailing what, why and how to create a guest-centric approach to sustainable hospitality.
He is in person speaking at Dubai for Arabian Travel Market, so do reach out to him if you have any questions or are curious to hear My Green Butler's approach to persuading guests.
Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is the Founder of Astrapto, which offers courses, coaching, and consulting to advance sustainability in hospitality, events, travel, and other service industries. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and positive for anyone passionate about driving positive impact through their organizations and supply change.
A few of the questions we discuss in the episode are:
My favourite quote from the episode is, "sustainability is a journey, not a destination". Listeners to the episode have a unique discount code for courses at Astrapto Academy. Listen in to get your discount code.
Notes:
https://learn.astraptoacademy.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/auroradawnbenton/
https://www.usgbc.org/leed
Adrienne Doolan is passionate about protecting the planet and has been a key pillar of the UN Global Compact Network, raising her voice to open people's minds.
In the episode, I casually chat with Adrienne about linkages between cleaning and air quality. She shares her knowledge on the subject, demystifying the terminology for us, and the results of the pilot study they have recently conducted at a Sustainable city home in Dubai. The study has shown that with one day of swapping for green products, we observed a 54% change in air quality for the better.
In the episode, we also learn that air only takes 8 seconds to go directly to your brain, and indoor air quality is 3-5 times worse than outdoor air.
Listen and enjoy learning about cleaning swaps you can make at home or in business for a better quality of life and a better planet.
Etihad Airways has been pushing boundaries on sustainability initiatives, with a pledge to go carbon neutral by 2050. Carbon Neutral is balancing carbon emissions vs absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. The target for Eithad airlines is 2050; that's 28 years to balance the equation.
They are developing Eithad green liner and working in partnership with Boeing and GE to constantly test new green technologies, such as sustainable alternative fuels (SAFs), sustainable operations and eco-friendly in-flight products. Whilst this is happening on the product and operational side, the loyalty team has been busy connecting consumers on this green journey.
In the episode, we speak to Kim Hardaker, Vice President, Loyalty and Partnerships for Eithad Guest, to focus on the B2Bm B2C incentives; and how programs can positively influence customer behaviour.
A few questions we discuss with Kim are:
1) Latest updates on the Conscious Choices Program for Individuals and Corporates
2) The Carbon Offsets and take-up rates
3) Partnership between Talabat and Etihad Airways to provide Carbon Offsets for ground delivery operations
4) Importance for program managers to take clear BOLD steps with the intent to avoid greenwashing
Listen in and let us know what you think. Please take a moment to subscribe to the show, as it helps to promote the show.
I hang on to every word Aradhana Khowala mentions here, as she is well informed and ferocious when it comes to Gender Equality and #BreaktheBias.
I learned from her the appalling statistics that it will take an average of 136 years for women and men to reach parity worldwide instead of the 99 years; the gap to close increased by 36 years in the space of just 12 months! Look up the World Economic Forum 2021 Global Gender Gap article if you can't believe it.
Yes, there is despair and actions required from CEOS, Corporations, and that's where Aradhana also shares in the episode messages of hope and inspiring examples where change is visible.
Closer to my residence country, I learned how Dubai has shown bold thinking with visible commitments and leading from the front, leading by an example.
Did you know in UAE there are:
Some of the topics we discuss in the episode are:
1) Despite the good intentions, we are yet to see results on the ground because of the lack of significant strides. The corporations are still taking baby steps which aren't translating to results
2) Gender Diversity and Tourism Industry:
Tourism is the most gender-diverse sector in the world. We have more than 50% of women in our workforce. But the numbers at the top are appalling. We have less than 5% of women CEOs; less than 6% on chairs of the board of listed companies worldwide are women.
3) Examples of countries where Gender Diversity is prevalent and how they got there.
4) Lastly, the change needs to come from being ferocious advocates for change.