I agree with your recent article about hotels missing out on the benefits of CSR, which illustrated the importance corporate social responsibility has within our industry. CSR is at the forefront of both media and Government agendas, so it is vital that we are aware of its advantages.

We have found that there are no negative aspects of CSR implementation, only benefits. Cutting down on waste, making energy savings and starting environmental initiatives has benefited the bottom line. They also make us both a better employer and a better supplier to our clients. Increasingly, procurement personnel are asking for evidence of good policy in their contractors, as do we from our own.

We have also received positive endorsement through our efforts. We became the first hotel in the UK to achieve the standard of ISO14001 Environmental Management System; we won a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice: Leisure & Travel; and gained the prestigious title of Environmentally Responsible Group Hotel of the Year, awarded to us by the Considerate Hoteliers Association.

Businesses should embrace a good CSR strategy. Our own attitude is twofold: ensuring that our impact on the local environment remains a positive one, and that the policy is a business decision with genuine financial benefit.

René Angoujard
General manager, Novotel London West

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