Kimpton has always been a world leader in the Eco-Friendly Initiative, starting EarthCare is an amazing and innovative idea. It's unique to see the program implemented in all Kimpton properties, not just the Hotels they manage but the Restaurants as well.
The best aspects of this Entry are the detailed initiatives Kimpton has taken, "recycling bins in every guest room and low flow toilets, sinks and showerheads", etc. It truly is the little things in life that most often carry the greatest value. Kimpton's EarthCare does all the little things to better their property value, as well as leave guests with a sense of environmental responsibility.
However, moving forward Kimpton should not only press this initiative within their own properties, but apply some pressure to the other large boutique brands, the W's, Ritz's, Hilton's, etc. Kimpton owns a large portion of the boutique hotel market, along with owning the highest rated overall guest satisfaction. Kimpton, strive to set the bar higher, and soon others will follow!
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"WE must be the change WE wish to see in the world"
The EarthCare program really opened my eyes that a hotel can be eco-friendly and make a difference in people's lives. Hotel is one of the major parts in tourism industry. The tourists want to stay comfortably when they are traveling. However, a lot of hotels use too much resource from the nature which had a negative impact on out ecosystem and the entire environment. What Kimpton has done set a good example for the hotel industry. I think there will be more and more hotels follow Kimpton’s footprints to go green.
However, I do not if Kimpton has some “green policies” for its employers. If they could make their employees go green, that would even make a bigger influence. For instance, they can start with the employees’ uniforms. Instead of using expensive materials, they can switch to recyclable materials. I hope my comment will help you. Thanks!
EarthCare by Kimpton Hotels supports geotourism by conserving resources. As a grassroots organic based program, it encourages the use preservation of the destinations in which the hotels are located. It is encouraging to see how the concept was quickly adopted by the entire organization, especially since it was initiated by hotel employees. It is incredible how knowledgeable the employees are about the surrounding area and how each individual Kimpton property is working towards becoming “green.” And, the fact that the CEO is willing to increase his costs to promote a "green" environment is another positive fact. EarthCare engages employees, local businesses, the community, as well as guests in protecting the environment.
While many travelers abandon their "home" ways while they vacation, Kimpton is encouraging them to maintain a "green" lifestyle. As a frequent traveler, I am pleased to stay at hotels that encourage environmentally friendly ways. It is important that guests are given the opportunity to recycle, and that fluorescent light bulbs are used throughout the facility. What is especially innovative is the offered discount or complimentary parking for hybrid vehicles. This provides more of an incentive for guests to abide by the eco-friendly "rules."
As for the application, the concept of EarthCare is outstanding. The examples of the innovation are very good, the story of the innovation was interesting, but some of the information was repetitive. EarthCare seems to be more focused on protecting the environment and providing a quality hotel experience rather than actually promoting tourism. Factors such as organic coffee and specialty light bulbs, which are two brilliant ideas towards becoming eco-friendly, would not lead a guest to choose this property over another. EarthCare is a great concept to offer to travelers, however, it really does not promote the destination.
I think Earth care is a program that not only Kimpton should adopt, but all major hotel brands and as many hospitality groups as possible. I applaud their efforts, especially in times like today where the state of the environment is on the top of many governmental agencies around the world. I also think that it's interesting that so many of the groundbreaking environmental companies stem from the west coast of the United States (especially California). While I was enthusiastic to learn about Earthcare, I thought that the entry should be careful when it talks about how "everyone from the CEO to the bellboy contributes to the project" and to clarify if they actually do contribute and how they contribute. Similar to the instance when it claims that Ed Virtue already lived in an eco-friendly house; how was it already eco-friendly?
I was able to visit and tour a Kimpton property earlier last year. I was not only impressed by the level of professionalism and excellent customer service they provided but also by their innovative Earthcare program. This program is so great because it not only promotes a more environment friendly atmosphere but also is based off the employees ideas. Instead, of promoting initiatives that are popular of the time they are basing their ideas off of their employees perspectives. This not only shows Kimpton's desire to confront global warming but to also confront it with a creative approach from their employees.
Especially in a time of economic hardship, Americans are apprehensive about making environmentally friendly changes because they are expensive. But with examples, like the Kimpton Hotels, other organizations in the United States will be able to see the benefits - economically and environmentally - that occur from even small, environmentally-friendly changes. Americans like to look at the short term effects, but in reality green products and processes will result in more money and a more sustainable business. The media exposure that could be won from the Geotourism Challenge would be great to show other American industries how important it is to start making environmentally friendly changes. I think this initiative is one of the best and most important programs that the United States has - as soon as one successful company starts, others will follow. If possible, Kimpton should really start making their changes more well-known. By marketing their initiatives, other industries may begin to follow suit sooner rather than later.
This entry caught my attention immediately for a couple of reasons. I am very interested in the hotel business and I believe that the hotel business is one of the most important industries to be environmentally friendly. At first you might not realize how many things hotels do that could potentially hurt the environment and if you as a hotel chain takes the initiative to make sure that your hotel does not contribute to these harmful things it can make a huge difference. Kimpton Hotels does just about everything they can to assure that they are not contributing to the downfall of the environment but making it better at the same time. They do many things with laundry, electricity, and water that all might seem like something little but all make a huge difference to the environment. I find that to be essential when running a good hotel.
Hey Erica,
Even though we took the trip to Kimpton as a part of our class, I still didnt know they were this active in initiating a green experience and bettering the environment. Its great to see that have not only thought of ways to go green, but they have launched an entire program to do so. As tourist become more conscious of the environment, they will definitely be looking to support thos company's that not only have a remarkable product, like Kimpton, but also are willing to better the community they are located in. And what even better is that Kimpton is simply doing it because its the right thing to do! Great Work!!
On July 1, 2009 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. If possible, please take the time to respond to some of the provocative questions and issues that were raised by the judges. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team.
“I absolutely love this hotel chain. Their commitment to set a precedent is extraordinary. In 1994 when they initiated this idea, they were way ahead of their time and now all the hotels are trying to do this. I commend them for being the head start on the hotel wave trying to make an environmental change to help.”
“I am also a Kimpton hotels fan and have actually stayed in a number of them over the years. One of the best parts about this hotel is that they can demonstrate that doing the “right thing” is financially feasible. They know they have to be sensitive to increasing demands and at this day in age this is what people expect and what all hotels should be doing anyway.”
“I like the fact that the earth care program has come from within the business, ownership and is therefore very sustainable. Impact on local suppliers seems impressive. I consider the social impact of the project positively incredible. Well done!”
- Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” Judges: National Geographic Society, United Nations Foundation, Tribe Wanted, The Green Belt Movement, Lonely Planet, Southwest Forestry University.
Comments
----------
"WE must be the change WE wish to see in the world"
Kimpton has always been a world leader in the Eco-Friendly Initiative, starting EarthCare is an amazing and innovative idea. It's unique to see the program implemented in all Kimpton properties, not just the Hotels they manage but the Restaurants as well.
The best aspects of this Entry are the detailed initiatives Kimpton has taken, "recycling bins in every guest room and low flow toilets, sinks and showerheads", etc. It truly is the little things in life that most often carry the greatest value. Kimpton's EarthCare does all the little things to better their property value, as well as leave guests with a sense of environmental responsibility.
However, moving forward Kimpton should not only press this initiative within their own properties, but apply some pressure to the other large boutique brands, the W's, Ritz's, Hilton's, etc. Kimpton owns a large portion of the boutique hotel market, along with owning the highest rated overall guest satisfaction. Kimpton, strive to set the bar higher, and soon others will follow!
----------
"WE must be the change WE wish to see in the world"
The EarthCare program really opened my eyes that a hotel can be eco-friendly and make a difference in people's lives. Hotel is one of the major parts in tourism industry. The tourists want to stay comfortably when they are traveling. However, a lot of hotels use too much resource from the nature which had a negative impact on out ecosystem and the entire environment. What Kimpton has done set a good example for the hotel industry. I think there will be more and more hotels follow Kimpton’s footprints to go green.
However, I do not if Kimpton has some “green policies” for its employers. If they could make their employees go green, that would even make a bigger influence. For instance, they can start with the employees’ uniforms. Instead of using expensive materials, they can switch to recyclable materials. I hope my comment will help you. Thanks!
EarthCare by Kimpton Hotels supports geotourism by conserving resources. As a grassroots organic based program, it encourages the use preservation of the destinations in which the hotels are located. It is encouraging to see how the concept was quickly adopted by the entire organization, especially since it was initiated by hotel employees. It is incredible how knowledgeable the employees are about the surrounding area and how each individual Kimpton property is working towards becoming “green.” And, the fact that the CEO is willing to increase his costs to promote a "green" environment is another positive fact. EarthCare engages employees, local businesses, the community, as well as guests in protecting the environment.
While many travelers abandon their "home" ways while they vacation, Kimpton is encouraging them to maintain a "green" lifestyle. As a frequent traveler, I am pleased to stay at hotels that encourage environmentally friendly ways. It is important that guests are given the opportunity to recycle, and that fluorescent light bulbs are used throughout the facility. What is especially innovative is the offered discount or complimentary parking for hybrid vehicles. This provides more of an incentive for guests to abide by the eco-friendly "rules."
As for the application, the concept of EarthCare is outstanding. The examples of the innovation are very good, the story of the innovation was interesting, but some of the information was repetitive. EarthCare seems to be more focused on protecting the environment and providing a quality hotel experience rather than actually promoting tourism. Factors such as organic coffee and specialty light bulbs, which are two brilliant ideas towards becoming eco-friendly, would not lead a guest to choose this property over another. EarthCare is a great concept to offer to travelers, however, it really does not promote the destination.
I think Earth care is a program that not only Kimpton should adopt, but all major hotel brands and as many hospitality groups as possible. I applaud their efforts, especially in times like today where the state of the environment is on the top of many governmental agencies around the world. I also think that it's interesting that so many of the groundbreaking environmental companies stem from the west coast of the United States (especially California). While I was enthusiastic to learn about Earthcare, I thought that the entry should be careful when it talks about how "everyone from the CEO to the bellboy contributes to the project" and to clarify if they actually do contribute and how they contribute. Similar to the instance when it claims that Ed Virtue already lived in an eco-friendly house; how was it already eco-friendly?
I was able to visit and tour a Kimpton property earlier last year. I was not only impressed by the level of professionalism and excellent customer service they provided but also by their innovative Earthcare program. This program is so great because it not only promotes a more environment friendly atmosphere but also is based off the employees ideas. Instead, of promoting initiatives that are popular of the time they are basing their ideas off of their employees perspectives. This not only shows Kimpton's desire to confront global warming but to also confront it with a creative approach from their employees.
Especially in a time of economic hardship, Americans are apprehensive about making environmentally friendly changes because they are expensive. But with examples, like the Kimpton Hotels, other organizations in the United States will be able to see the benefits - economically and environmentally - that occur from even small, environmentally-friendly changes. Americans like to look at the short term effects, but in reality green products and processes will result in more money and a more sustainable business. The media exposure that could be won from the Geotourism Challenge would be great to show other American industries how important it is to start making environmentally friendly changes. I think this initiative is one of the best and most important programs that the United States has - as soon as one successful company starts, others will follow. If possible, Kimpton should really start making their changes more well-known. By marketing their initiatives, other industries may begin to follow suit sooner rather than later.
This entry caught my attention immediately for a couple of reasons. I am very interested in the hotel business and I believe that the hotel business is one of the most important industries to be environmentally friendly. At first you might not realize how many things hotels do that could potentially hurt the environment and if you as a hotel chain takes the initiative to make sure that your hotel does not contribute to these harmful things it can make a huge difference. Kimpton Hotels does just about everything they can to assure that they are not contributing to the downfall of the environment but making it better at the same time. They do many things with laundry, electricity, and water that all might seem like something little but all make a huge difference to the environment. I find that to be essential when running a good hotel.
Hey Erica,
Even though we took the trip to Kimpton as a part of our class, I still didnt know they were this active in initiating a green experience and bettering the environment. Its great to see that have not only thought of ways to go green, but they have launched an entire program to do so. As tourist become more conscious of the environment, they will definitely be looking to support thos company's that not only have a remarkable product, like Kimpton, but also are willing to better the community they are located in. And what even better is that Kimpton is simply doing it because its the right thing to do! Great Work!!
On July 1, 2009 the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” competition and would like to pass on the following feedback (listed below) for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of innovators. If possible, please take the time to respond to some of the provocative questions and issues that were raised by the judges. We wish you continued luck with your innovative, sustainable, and socially impactful initiatives.
All the best, The Changemakers Team.
“I absolutely love this hotel chain. Their commitment to set a precedent is extraordinary. In 1994 when they initiated this idea, they were way ahead of their time and now all the hotels are trying to do this. I commend them for being the head start on the hotel wave trying to make an environmental change to help.”
“I am also a Kimpton hotels fan and have actually stayed in a number of them over the years. One of the best parts about this hotel is that they can demonstrate that doing the “right thing” is financially feasible. They know they have to be sensitive to increasing demands and at this day in age this is what people expect and what all hotels should be doing anyway.”
“I like the fact that the earth care program has come from within the business, ownership and is therefore very sustainable. Impact on local suppliers seems impressive. I consider the social impact of the project positively incredible. Well done!”
- Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place Sustaining the Future of Destinations” Judges: National Geographic Society, United Nations Foundation, Tribe Wanted, The Green Belt Movement, Lonely Planet, Southwest Forestry University.
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