The Langham Auckland wins Environmental Award from New Zealand Government

The Langham Auckland was awarded the title for ‘businesses making a difference’ at the New Zealand Government’s Green Ribbon Awards held in Wellington on Tuesday.

The award recognised environmental initiatives undertaken by The Langham. Some key changes in the hotel have been to swap to corn-starch environmental cups for take-away coffee, and to recycle oil for use in bio-fuel and cosmetics. The hotel has begun using recycled materials for promotional collateral, reduced waste considerably and developed a staff programme to encourage staff to think green.

Green Ribbon Awards are presented annually (for the past 18 years) by the Minister for the Environment to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.

The award was received by the hotel’s managing director Mr John Dick and the environmental supervisor Mr Nicholas Blake.

Speaking after the event Nicholas, who has led the hotel’s movement to become more sustainable, said, “This is a great achievement for the hotel and represents another exciting step in our environmental journey. This award would not be possible without the 350 Langham staff behind me who all play a huge part in being green at work and at home.”

The Ministry received 104 nominations from individuals, iwi, hapu, organisations, and businesses.

Category winners included:

• Urban sustainability: Waitakere City Council

• Sustainable land use: Starborough Flaxbourne Soil Conservation Group, Marlborough

• Making a difference to household sustainability: EnviroComp Limited, Canterbury

• Community action for the environment – young people: Te Piataata Trust, Waitakere

• Community action for the environment – volunteers and not-for-profit organisations: eDay

• Businesses making a difference: The Langham, Auckland

• Innovative solutions for the environment: Resene PaintWise

• Lifetime commitment to the environment: Dean Schneider, Nelson

• Environment in the spotlight: Horizons Regional Council Green Rig, Palmerston North

The Langham Auckland became New Zealand’s first hotel to achieve international Green Globe certification in February 2008 and remains the only New Zealand hotel with this certification. Green Globe is the environmental accreditation organisation for the travel and tourism industry and operates in 52 countries.

The Langham has also adopted a cradle to cradle approach with all procurements. Cradle to cradle involves looking at where all items (local or overseas) are sourced, what they are sourced from (recycled material or renewable resources), how they are manufactured (manufacturers processes and subsequent environmental impact), by whom and under what conditions (ethical labour practices and working conditions from reputable clients). Where possible all products used by The Langham need to be either recyclable or degradable.

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