Dimensions of Environmentalism: A Study of Policies and Good Practices in the Hong Kong Hotel Industry

This study aims to uncover the dimensions of an effective environmental management system in the Hong Kong hotel industry. The approach adopted was qualitative, using research methods mainly based on in-depth interviews. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. In-depth interviews with directors of engineering and environmental management system managers of leading representative hotels in Hong Kong and on-site inspections were carried out to ascertain the extent of environmental protection measures implemented in their "green" management. The interviews provided insights into the efforts made by local hotels in various areas of environmentalism. The results from this study indicate that there are five dimensions of environmentalism in the Hong Kong hotel industry: energy efficiency, water conservation, water pollution control, waste management, and indoor air quality. For an environmental management system to be implemented successfully, an organization's short- and long-term green strategies are crucial, and they need to be executed by a competent team leader with appropriate resources and funding. Building design, green purchasing, staff training, and communication with guests are the core competencies to enforce policies and good practice. The implications of the study's findings are discussed here, and recommendations are made on how the hotel industry can contribute to environmental sustainability of the whole planet.