Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India's leading leisure hospitality services provider, has become the first Vacation Ownership Company in the country to receive ECOTEL certification. Two of its resorts, Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley Resort at Coorg and Club Mahindra Varca Beach Resort at Goa, which recently underwent inspection, have been awarded the certification. The ECOTEL® Certification, managed by HVS-India, enables hotels and resorts to improve their environmental, economic and social performance while caring for the environment.
Speaking on the occasion of achieving this unique distinction, Mr. Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, MHRIL, said, "At Mahindra Holidays, we have always been conscious about our commitment towards the cause of environment. As part of the growth strategy, Mahindra Holidays has developed a 5-year Sustainability Road Map with a view to consciously reduce waste, as well as conserve water, bio-diversity and natural resources. We have been participating in the Sustainability Reporting of the Mahindra Group since FY 2007-08. Our investment in the ECOTEL Certification provides fundamental, yet holistic approach to all such activities."
Coorg resort has been awarded Five Globes, the highest level of certification possible under the ECOTEL rating system, which translates into high performance standards in each of the parameters or globes central to the certification. Goa resort has been awarded four globes and is in the process of achieving fifth globe.
"During our inspection, we found that Mahindra Holidays resorts were already following good practices. We provided some fundamental guidance which concerted those efforts. ECOTELs have consistently demonstrated, through a focused effort on reducing waste generation and increasing operational efficiencies, that 'going green' is good for the bottom-line. Thus, an investment in the ECOTEL Certification helps not only in preserving exhaustible natural resources but also makes good business sense. We are sure Mahindra Holidays will reap the benefit of investing in this initiative", said Mr. Manav Thadani, Managing Director, HVS-India.
The ECOTEL Certification is awarded to any hotel/resort demonstrating a predetermined level of environmental sensitivity through its operations and practices. This is evaluated through a stringent assessment of the range, scope and results of the property's earth-friendly operations and practices across five parameters, known as 'The Five Globes': Environment Commitment, Solid Waste Management, Energy Efficiency, Water Management, and Employee Education and Community Involvement. To be certified as an ECOTEL, a hotel must score the qualifying percentage in each of the globes.