Environmental Report 2013/2014 1
Contents 5 Introduction 7 Facts about Sunwing Family Resorts 10 Environmental work Facts about the EU Ecolabel 12 Environmental Report Energy Water Waste Awareness Awards 18 Action plan Environmental Policy Objectives Environmental targets 20 More information / Contact us 2 3
Introduction Thomas Cook Hotels & Resorts has been practising sustainability issues for many years. Thus, this is the third issue of our environmental report which reflects the company s approach for continuous improvement in contributing to a sustainable tourism sector. Thomas Cook Hotels & Resorts develops hotel concepts and brands in cooperation with group s internal tour operators. The development is based on the preferences of the customers and the hotels are either operated by Hotels & Resorts, by franchisees or by other selected partners. Hotels & Resorts is responsible for hotel brand portfolio which includes the brand Sunwing Family Resorts. Sunwing Family Resorts welcomes every year 170.000 guests from Thomas Cook s tour operators. The resorts can be found in Rhodes, Crete (Greece), Majorca, Gran Canaria, Tenerife (Spain), Cyprus, Phuket (Thailand) and Side (Antalya coast-turkey) and Hurghada (Egypt). Sunwing Family Resorts has been a Thomas Cook premium product for families since 1967 with a high percentage of returning customers around 65%. 94% all guests are satisfied or very satisfied with their stay at our resorts. In the following pages you can read about our work in relation to the environment. We believe that in the future, it will be even more important to offer sustainable tourism accommodation and we want to continue to be first in mind and first in choice. Environmental considerations are part of a successful future at home and on holiday and make an important contribution to preservation of the natural environment. Gustaf Laner Director of Operations 4 5
Facts about Sunwing Family Resorts CYPRUS: GREECE: Sunwing Sandy Bay Beach Sunwing Kallithea Beach Sunwing Makrigialos Beach Number of customers at Sunwing Family Resorts : 250.000 Number of employees at Sunwing Family Resorts : 2.600 SPAIN: Sunwing Alcudia Beach Sunwing Cala Bona Beach Sunwing Arguineguin Beach Sunwing Fañabé Beach THAILAND: Sunwing Bangtao Beach Sunwing Kamala Beach TURKEY: Sunwing Side West Beach Sunwing Side East Beach EGYPT: Sunwing Waterworld Resort Makadi Beach 6 7
CALA BONA BEACH ALCUDIA BEACH Opened: 1971 Rooms : 455 Pools : 6 Restaurants : 3 Employees : 180 ARGUINEGUIN BEACH SANDY BAY BEACH Opened: 1989 Rooms : 364 Pools : 9 Restaurants : 2 Employees : 182 WATERWORLD MAKADI BEACH Opened: 2012 Rooms : 556 Pools : 9 Restaurants : 10 Employees : 550 BANGTAO BEACH Opened: 1990 Rooms: 363 Pools: 4 Restaurants: 2 Operates: April to October Employees: 160 Opened: 1986 Rooms : 252 Pools : 3 Restaurants : 2 Employees : 155 Opened: 2006 Rooms : 300 Pools : 6 Restaurants : 2 Employees : 250 FAÑABÉ BEACH Opened: 2003 Rooms : 241 Pools : 3 Restaurants : 2 Employees : 105 MAKRIGIALOS BEACH KALLITHEA BEACH KAMALA BEACH Opened : 2009 Rooms : 31 1 Pools : 7 Restaurants : 2 Employees : 190 SIDE WEST BEACH SIDE EAST BEACH Opened: 1984 Rooms : 267 Pools : 10 Restaurants : 3 Operates : April to October Employees : 150 Opened: 1975 Rooms : 572 Pools : 6 Restaurants : 4 Operates : April to October Employees : 260 Opened: 2007 Rooms : 254 Pools : 4 Restaurants: 3 Operates : April to November Employees: 150 Opened: 2012 Rooms : 300 Pools : 7 Restaurants: 4 Operates : April to November Employees: 230 8 9
Environmental work EUROPEAN ECO LABEL CRITERIA FOR TOURIST ACCOMMODATIONS In 1995, Sunwing Family Resorts initiated a unique program, called 100 steps towards a better environment. In 2001 we took a step further by implementing a program based on the eco label Nordic Swan which aims to improve environmental awareness and promote tourism by enabling holiday-makers to make an environmentally aware choice. The Nordic Swan Label is only awarded to hotels located in the Nordic countries, so we are applying for the EU-Ecolabel, equivalent to the Nordic Swan, for all of our resorts. The EU-Ecolabel award for hotels was developed by the European Union and introduced in spring 2003. It focuses on the use of energy, water, and chemicals and the minimisation of waste. Sunwing Family Resorts have for many years sought to address environmental concerns. These range from the sorting of waste at our resorts to co-operation, at a European level, in order to create guidelines for the tourist accommodation service industry. In recognition of our work, Sunwing Family Resorts Kallithea in Rhodes was in September 2003 the first hotel in Europe to receive the EU-Ecolabel for its accommodation. Furthermore in 2008, Sunwing Side West became the first hotel in Turkey and in 2012 Sunwing Kamala the first hotel in Asia also to receive the EU-Ecolabel. In 2010, we decided to move a step further, so we joined Travelife which is a sustainability recognition scheme that covers full spectrum of sustainability issues. Environment, Ethical Trade, Labour, Social, Cultural, and Economic. The subscription was renewed in 2013 for all Sunwing and Sunprime Hotels. The sustainability responsibilities in Thomas Cook Northern Europe Hotels & Resorts include: monitoring and reporting sustainability performance every year working with external sustainability organisations to further our knowledge and support best practice integrating sustainability processes into the day-to-day operations of our businesses We actively support the European Union s Ecolabel Scheme by having awarded 10 Sunwing Family Resorts so far and by participating in its revision process and openly share our experience and knowledge from its implementation in our resorts. Having being awarded with the European Ecolabel is the best way to tell our guests about our efforts regarding environmental measures and quality improvements. Enterprises bearing the Flower logo have officially been distinguished as being amongst the most environmentally friendly in their area since it is the Europe s official trademark with high reputation based on strong and reliable criteria. The European Ecolabel is a guarantee for high environmental performance, since independent auditors are awarding the label after an on site audit which is being effected before the awarding and can also be effected whenever during the label award. The tourist accommodation must comply with all criteria (best practice & performance) in order to be awarded the EU Ecolabel, which aims to ensure a green future and sustainable development. In parallel we actively support Travelife which is a sustainability scheme supported by the major tour operators. Therefore, the hotel has to fulfil not only environmental criteria, but social ones as well. All our Sunwing Family Resorts achieved the golden award! The auditing was effected by the management of Travelife itself who has conducted the majority of the audits and the rest were conducted by independent consultants, since we feel that this approach has a greater impact and seriousness behind it. Moreover, using Travelife s system now, we have the most objective, accurate and updated sustainability database of our hotel s performance. 10 11
Electricity, gas and oil consumption is closely controlled, documented and followed up with provisions for better information. Environmental report ENERGY In all Sunwing Family Resorts in Europe, 95% of light bulbs have been replaced by low-energy bulbs and timers and photocells have been installed for the controlled operation of outdoor lights. Now, we take a step further and we have already started to change all low-energy bulbs to LED ones. Room temperatures are individually controlled by thermostats and there are automatic systems which turn the lights and the air conditioning off when guests leave their rooms: these have been installed in 85% of the guest rooms and there is a programme for further installation during renovation periods. In some Sunwing Family Resorts, heat recovery systems have been installed which produce hot tap water from the air conditioning chillers, covering the resort s needs for hot water during the months in which the air conditioning systems operate. In some other, solar or photovoltaic panels are installed heating the pool s water and Building Management Systems are centrally adjusting the operating time of high energy consumption machinery. Additionally, we have installed innovative application systems as a fuel device in burners achieving 96% efficiency - saving oil consumption and reducing CO2 and Nox emissions respectively, and in some electrical networks we have installed energy saving devices reducing electricity consumption per hotel. New technology generators have been installed in some pool plant rooms which by a chemical reaction with the sea water use at the pools, produce the chlorine needed for their safe and healthy operation and reduction of the chemicals purchase. Sand filters have been replaced with crystal filters reducing the number of back washes needed to keep the clearance of the water and by this way also reducing energy and water loss. Moreover, special maintenance procedures have been drawn up and documented for these energy-consuming machinery and equipment so as to achieve high efficiency and low energy consumption. Last, cooperation with Universities trying to find ways to improve the energy performance of the buildings, by implementing a methodology for calculating their integrated performance and setting standards based on certification schemes. Continuous improvement in the services offered to Sunwing Family Resorts guests, including the new spa & pool installations, new appliances in the rooms (microwave ovens, toasters, boilers, etc.) or the introduction of all inclusive concept and OBC, has resulted a slight increase in energy consumption. However, in constructing or purchasing decisions, environmental criteria are considered thus minimising environmental effect without compromising the comfort of Sunwing Family Resorts guests. Energy Consumption kwh/bednight Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Kallithea 11,06 11,70 12,67 12,21 10,20 12,91 12,17 12,59 12,51 Makrigialos 13,93 13,21 14,17 15,57 14,79 13,38 17,03 17,69 18,32 Sandy Bay 19,11 18,88 22,01 22,11 21,82 22,16 22,76 23,02 21,87 Alacudia 18,55 17,51 16,02 14,28 16,85 17,85 15,56 16,20 17,66 Cala Bona 14,93 10,33 10,34 10,72 11,23 12,94 11,69 13,28 12,93 Arguineguin 20,35 20,49 20,10 19,11 19,88 16,64 18,20 19,73 19,95 Fañabé 20,74 21,89 23,15 23,79 23,98 23,07 23,18 24,52 25,41 Side West 14,72 20,16 22,12 23,23 20,54 25,45 20,78 Side East 22,94 21,30 Bangtao 32,13 32,60 31,21 30,32 Kamala 21,29 12,89 Makadi 39,32 Average energy 16,95 16,29 16,65 17,24 17,61 19,37 19,30 20,72 21,11 consumption 12 13
WATER All room taps and showers have been equipped with aerators which reduce water flow while maintaining water pressure and 80% are of the single mixer type. Toilet flushers are adjusted to less than 6lt of water per flush and during renovations double flushing system is installed. Showers in kitchens or outdoors have a system to stop the flow of water automatically after a certain time or if not occupied, and the gardens are normally irrigated after sunset or early morning, to avoid water evaporation from the hot summer sun. Finally, periodic inspections checking for water leakages are documented and forwarded to maintenance staff for corrective actions. Lately, we have cooperated with the Travel Foundation on a water project, in order to retrieve ways to further develop in water management. Water Consumption lt/bednight Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 Sunwing Kallithea 185 180 186 181 221 238 232 229 224 Makrigialos 265 228 287 269 266 236 217 180 141 Sandy Bay 241 195 201 194 203 194 180 172 175 Alcudia 250 260 279 228 204 214 204 177 251 Cala Bona 234 197 227 216 218 224 202 209 257 Arguineguin 178 168 178 189 181 173 166 159 171 Fañabé 316 231 242 227 184 204 178 200 197 Side West 357 355 368 407 340 482 423 Side East 494 404 Bangtao 580 627 932 714 Kamala 286 349 Makadi 377 Average water 238 208 245 232 231 274 261 320 307 consumption Continuous improvement in the services offered to Sunwing Family Resorts guests, including the new spa installations, new sports pool construction, the introduction of all inclusive concept and OBC, or water supplier that did not fulfil water quality requirements and therefore was wasted, (such suppliers have already been replaced) has resulted a slight increase in water consumption. However in constructing decisions, environmental criteria are considered thus minimising environmental effect without compromising the comfort of Sunwing Family Resorts guests. CHEMICALS The use of disinfectants and chemicals is limited: where this unavoidable however, environmentally friendly products are sought out. All the chemicals are biodegradable and the quantity is measured through dosing devices. Chemical-free cleaning methods are also promoted. WASTE All Sunwing Family Resorts have introduced the sorting of waste into at least five categories. Recycling stations are placed strategically around the resort areas, even though in some locations the local authorities have been slow to respond. We routinely avoid buying small quantities or materials which are over-packaged or are even designed for one use; such products include shampoos, soaps, shower caps, and breakfast portions such as butter or marmalade. We introduced purchasing of bio-degradable bags replacing the plastic ones used in our Mini Markets. We recognize that purchasing decisions can contribute significantly to environmental protection. 14 15
Sunwing Makrigialos Beach: EU-Ecolabel award Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Arguineguin Beach: The first hotel in Spain awarded the EU-Ecolabel Golden Travelife Award AWARENESS In Sunwing Family Resorts we try to raise awareness of environmental issues both internally and externally through a variety of educational and training initiatives. Our staff participates in environmental training programs each year which include general education on climate change, methods of controlling the amount of detergents and disinfectants used, reducing electricity and water consumption, separating waste into the appropriate receptacles with separate collection of the hazardous waste, and general environmental issues. A key element in Sunwing Family Resorts s focus on quality and environment issues is our recognition of the importance of staff involvement. Proper training and information for staff have encouraged their involvement in environmental initiatives. Our hotel executives, the sustainability manager and the environmental coordinators have worked together with local authorities and individual stakeholders so as to improve awareness and general conditions on the destinations. By convincing others to undertake similar plans, we hope to advance sustainable tourism generally. AWARDS Even though the nicest reward for us at Sunwing Family Resorts is to serve our environment in the best way we can, we are happy to have achieved the following distinctions for our efforts so far. Sunwing Sandy Bay Beach: The first hotel in Cyprus awarded the EU-Ecolabel 2nd national environmental management award Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Cala Bona Beach : The first hotel in Balearic Islands awarded the EU-Ecolabel Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Fañabé Beach: The first hotel in Tenerife awarded the EU-Ecolabel Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Alcudia Beach: Awarded the EU-Ecolabel Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Side West Beach : The first hotel in Turkey and outside Europe awarded the EU-Ecolabel White Star Ecolabel Award Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Side East Beach: Awarded the EU-Ecolabel, Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Bangtao Beach: Golden Travelife Award Sunwing Kamala Beach : The first hotel in Asia awarded the EU-Ecolabel Golden Travelife Award Moreover, Sunwing Family Resorts consistently since 1994 receive the International Blue Flag award for the proper management and maintenance of coastal environments and beaches. Sunwing Kallithea Beach : The first hotel in Europe awarded the EU-Ecolabel 2nd environmental award among all Greek enterprises Golden Travelife Award 16 17
Action plan Environmental Policy Thomas Cook Northern Europe Hotels & Resorts believes that continuing success in the hotel industry depends on: Offering high quality services in a clean, safe and well-protected environment. Constant adaptation of its services and products to new environmental standards and to the demands of its guests as these are shaped by the economy, technology and social changes. Consistent training of staff so that they understand and adopt these new technologies and practices which protect the environment. Each hotel department and its employees participate in this effort: it is necessary to ensure that products and services are always safe and do not damage the environment but if possible protect it and improve it. We also motivate and put pressure on our partners, suppliers and local authorities to accept and implement similar practices, always keeping in mind local circumstances and national legislation. Our company is committed to the environmental targets it has set itself, using material and human resources to achieve the targets. We make this policy known to our guests, staff and stakeholders. Our activities are examined with respect to our policy and relevant legislation. Our environmental work is reported openly and objectively. Objectives Continuous improvement is based on measurable environmental objectives such as : Reduction of energy consumption. Reduction of water consumption. Elimination or limited use of harmful chemicals. Limited production of wastes. Environmental targets Sunwing Family Resorts environmental action plan is designed to guarantee the reduction in consumption of energy, water and chemicals and reduction in wastes and to increase the points acquired by each resort every year from the optional criteria of the EU-Ecolabel. Our targets include the following : Average optional EU-Ecolabel points from all Sunwing Family Resorts to increase to 55 by the end of 2014. Ensure a continuous reduction in the consumption of natural resources by a percentage that every resort will set based on its detailed action plan. Ensure that all new employees are informed of our environmental activities by completing training in basic environmental issues and business-related environmental aspects every year. 18 19
More information/ Contact us On our environmental web pages you will find supplementary information about the individual resorts, as well as a PDF-version of this environmental report. Our Internet sites: Sweden: www.ving.se/sunwing Norway: www.ving.no/sunwing Denmark: www.spies.dk/sunwing Finland: www.tjareborg.fi/sunwing For further information on our environmental activities, please contact info@ving.se or our Sustainability Health & Safety Manager Mina Zahariou at mina.zahariou@sunwing.net 20