Boutique Design - November/December 2012 - 87

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Redefining Service Through Sustainability
BY JOA NNA A BR A MS, CEO OF MINDCLICK SGM

n 2013, 75% of Marriott’s direct FF&E spend will be with suppliers who have obtained sustainability performance ratings through the MindClick HSP Index. Marriott, Apple REIT, Benjamin West and MindClick have teamed up to implement a pilot program, using the MindClick HSP Index, to complete and promote the 2013 renovation of Apple REIT’s Portland, OR, Residence Inn in ways that are Better for the Hotelier, the Guest and the Planet.
What is the MindClick HSP Index and what is this all about?

As the industry responds to RFPs requesting documentation of sustainability efforts in hotel properties, can hoteliers meet increased demands without hurting the guest experience? A study we conducted with 5,000 Expedia consumers in January 2012 revealed some interesting answers. Three out of five consumers believe indoor air quality and the room design/ furnishings are among the most important factors in a hotel’s reputation, after price, location and availability. We also discovered sustainability and room furnishings go hand in hand, with 90% identifying a direct link between products, room health, and energy use, water consumption and waste. The answer to meeting demand for sustainability while still delivering a great experience lies with hotel suppliers. The HSP Index (www.hspindex.com), a supplier sustainability measurement and reporting system, provides summary and detailed information about the performance of suppliers and their products in corporate social responsibility, environmental operations and product sustainability. Whether

looking to improve indoor air quality, or reduce energy use, water consumption and waste, the HSP Index provides hoteliers and their design and purchasing partners with a trusted, third party validated source for supplier sustainability efforts. Consider the impact of adding a recycling bin in the guest rooms. Now consider the volume of packaging moving through hotels from products used in construction, renovation and operations. Through optimization efforts including minimization, recycled materials and reusable packaging, suppliers can help hotels save money and meet the sustainability requirements set forth in travel RFPs. The cost of the additional recycling bin in the room is offset from the cost savings gained from the supply chain’s contribution to packaging reduction. At the same time, the hotel is able to promote its own efforts and accomplishments. Now the hotel guest not only feels good about recycling, but also feels good knowing the hotel is doing its part. This example only begins to scratch the surface of how suppliers can help furnish and supply hotels in ways that are Better

for the Hotelier, the Guest and the Planet. By sharing the benefit of their own sustainability efforts, suppliers provide a valueadded service, and that additional service may just make the difference in winning a hotelier’s business. This is where the MindClick HSP Index comes in. By evaluating sustainability performance relative to leading global standards and hotel sustainability needs, the HSP Index serves two purposes. It is a directory of supplier efforts, providing better-forthe-guest, better-for-the-planet solutions in products and operations ranging from “getting started” to “sustainability leader.” Additionally, the HSP Index provides suppliers a roadmap to help improve performance and align efforts with the needs of their customers. To date, more than 25 global suppliers representing 17 product categories are completing the rating and reporting process. More suppliers are signing up daily, with early release of the HSP Index for use by purchasing decision makers scheduled by the end of the year. We invite you to visit HSPIndex.com to learn more. ●
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Boutique Design | November+December 2012

http://www.hspindex.com http://www.HSPIndex.com

Boutique Design - November/December 2012

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