Ascott launches green scheme
Serviced apartments firm Ascott has pledged to achieve 15% savings in water and energy consumption by 2015 as part of its ‘Go Green @ Ascott' scheme.
Ascott has implemented and will continue to roll out sustainable initiatives across its offices and properties worldwide, and aims to achieve 15% savings in water and energy consumption by 2015, using 2008 as the base year.
In 2011, Ascott consumed 9% less water and energy compared with 2008, and the 225,000 cubic metres of water saved would fill more than 90 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The 18,000 megawatt hours of energy saved equates to the annual consumption of 3,500 households.
Tony Soh, Ascott's chief corporate officer and chairman of Ascott's green committee, which oversees the company's global sustainability efforts, said that climate change is a real issue that is affecting how we live, work and play.
"As the world's leading international serviced residence owner-operator, Ascott can make a significant positive impact on the environment, across the 21 countries and more than 70 cities where we operate," he explained.
"That's why we are taking proactive and meaningful steps to transform our business practices and promote sustainability among our staff, residents and business partners. Ascott is committed to playing its part in the global sustainability effort. It is the right thing to do, in order to safeguard our planet for future generations."
The company will focus on five areas to realise its ambition:
• Green buildings: new and renovated properties will incorporate green elements in order to create residences that are both comfortable and resource/energy efficient, including sustainable building materials or locally sourced products that are more energy efficient and more durable, and consequently with less impact on the environment.
• Environment, health and safety: comprehensive procedures have been put in place and so far properties in nine countries have received international certifications on environmental management and occupational health and safety management system.
• Green products: procurement guidelines established to increase the use of green products, suchs as energy-saving lightbulbs, solar water heaters and biodegradable laundry bags.
• Water, energy, paper and waste reduction: green practices to promote conservation of water, energy and paper as well as the reduction of waste implemented.
• Stakeholder engagement: the company holds an ‘earth day' on the first Friday of every month, on which staff and residents are encouraged to dress down while the air-conditioning at the offices and properties is adjusted to conserve energy, or in temperate countries they are encouraged to wear warmer clothing as the heating temperature is reduced.
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By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
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