State Recycling & Waste Reduction Award - Hyatt Regency Perth

26/9/98

A shining example of corporate environmental responsibility has gained one of Perth's largest hotels recognition in the annual State Recycling and Waste Reduction Awards, presented by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The Hyatt Regency Perth was presented with the prestigious 1998 Industry Award for businesses with a turnover of more than $1 million by Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes at an awards ceremony last night.

Over the past two years, the hotel's staff have developed an integrated environmental program involving waste reduction and recycling, decreasing energy and resource use and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

A community outreach program also encourages staff to participate in external environmental activities, such as tree planting and Keep Australia Beautiful Week.

Mrs Edwardes said more than 200 tonnes of the hotel's waste had been diverted from landfill in the past year, a figure expected to rise to 300 tonnes by the end of 1999.

"This incredible success clearly shows that it only takes small changes in such a large organisation to add up to huge savings for the environment," she said.

"The hotel recycles or reuses glass, cardboard, kitchen fats, newspapers, plastic containers, cartons, computer hardware, office paper and toner cartridges."

Used corks and stamps are given away to community organisations and charities such as the Girl Guides and Save the Children Fund, and linen, towelling and toiletries are given away or used in staff areas of the hotel.

Staff members are made aware of energy conservation through stickers on light switches and equipment, and special noticeboards and newsletters keep them up to date on environmental initiatives.

Guests are encouraged to re-use towels and conserve energy, and the hotel has also installed water-saving showerheads and prolonged life light globes.

"Other innovations include asking suppliers to pick up their own cartons and packaging, and discarding paper chef hats for cloth ones, a move that has saved 10,000 hats per year," Mrs Edwardes said.

"We are also pleased that an environmental section has been included in the hotel's 1999 business plan - a first for the Hyatt International Hotel chain."

Mrs Edwardes also congratulated the other award winners: City of Stirling, Walpole Primary School, the South West (WA) Local Government Association, Oil Filter Recovery Service, the Lions Club of Leeuwin, and Vermiculture Project Management Pty Ltd.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777