“At Hotel Mocking Bird Hill we recognize that: Sustainable and responsible tourism is a desirable activity of economic benefit to local communities and of personal benefit to the individual. Excessive and insensitive tourism development and activity can threaten the quality of both the environment and of the tourist experience. Business must add value to the economy and the society to make a positive contribution. We have taken a formal approach to ensure that good environmental practices are identified and monitored.” – Hotel Mocking Bird Hill Ethical Mission Statement

In 2008, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill made significant steps towards achieving the goals of developing high quality responsible tourism experiences with minimal negative impact. A value-driven company, the hotel has always taken the long term view of the sustainability challenges. When it opened in 1993, the hotel focused on being an earth-friendly hotel, contributing to biodiversity conservation and environmental initiatives. With the new goals of becoming water and carbon neutral, the hotel addresses the critical issue of climate change.

Sustainability Achievements in 2008 ~ Demonstrating Conscience and Style Can Co-Exist

Although the 2008 was very challenging year with the economic downturn, the hotel expanded its sustainability efforts in various areas. With the recent room renovations, for instance, not only made the rooms more spacious and comfortable, but also increased energy efficiency, naturally cooling the rooms – now with fewer partitions – with outside air. A positive side effect of this renovation was the reduced laundry load with fewer curtains.

The hotel’s rain water harvesting capacity has also been expanded by 51,000 litres, and the guttering system completely renewed to collect the rainwater more efficiently. The energy needs for the pool pump, and lighting for four of the guest rooms, two offices, the gallery and some of the parking area are now fully covered by renewable sources.

The installation of solar power has led to a reduction in electricity usage from an average peak at the end of 2007 of 6,500 Kwh to the current average of 4,650 Kwh per month. The solar power system is designed in a way that it can be expanded to cover the remaining rooms, public areas and other outside lighting as soon as funds become available to purchase more panels.

In addition, Hotel Mocking Bird is increasingly engaged in community based tourism activities that provide sources of income generation for the local communities, while constantly seeking to source more and more products from local suppliers.

New Targets for 2009 ~ Renewed Expectations and Innovations

Although the tourism industry will likely continue to be challenged by the economy in the short-term, Hotel Mocking Bird Hill believes that those who think and act strategically and adapt their business models quickly to the new realities can overcome the challenges and sustain their operations in the long-term.

This year’s targets include:

• Continue strengthening and improving the reporting and monitoring of sustainability initiatives, as well as communication with guests.
• Increase staff awareness and engagement with regards to sustainability commitments and performance.
• Encourage more active guest participation in supporting local school and tree planting programs.
• Engage more suppliers and guests to help reduce their carbon emissions.

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>> Find Hotel Mocking Bird Hill on Ecotourism Explorer