The concept of environmental management systems

Abstract

The “greening” of the hospitality industry is currently a topic receiving a high amount of attention in the accommodation sector of the tourism industry due to research, in academia and industry alike, identifying “green” as a profit-center. Hotels are profit-focused entities, and with consumers willing to pay additional fees to support environmentally sound practices the focus on “green” is warranted. The implementation of “greening” is worrisome though. Past studies have identified green-washing as more commonplace than “greening”. A majority of hotels have identified “green-washing” as paying more dividends than sustainability. There are opportunities for improvement though. One such opportunity warranting investigation but lacking research is Environmental Management Systems (EMS). EMS is formal indicators of “greening” practices. EMS certification programs such as ISO 14.000 limit green-washing possibilities. Currently, EMS certification programs are not popular in the hotel industry though. This is due to power relations amongst trend-setters in the hotel industry, perceived costs associated with going “green”, a lack of succinct Best Practices for hoteliers to go “green”, a general laissez-faire attitude towards “greening”, and other factors. Furthermore, “greening” programs are only a component of sustainability. Sustainability is a goal of “greening” practices, but there is a general misconception amongst industry practitioners as to what CSR, sustainability, “greening”, and EMS are. I am writing this research note to discuss the current status of EMS, the application of EMS to the global hotel industry, and provide recommendations for improving the application of EMS in the hotel industry. I am proposing a methodology specific to hospitality in hopes researchers will investigate potential new opportunities