LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe first nation. We honor the rich history and ongoing stewardship from the Algonquin and Métis peoples of Ontario. As a hotel committed to sustainability, we recognize the importance of responsible land use and environmental conservation. May our presence here be a testament to our dedication to sustainable practices and our ongoing efforts to learn and contribute to the wellbeing of this land and its orginal caretakers.
If you would like to learn more information please visit: https://native-land.ca/
Native Land strives to map Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages across the world in a way that goes beyond colonial ways of thinking in order to better represent how Indigenous people want to see themselves.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY:
The World Travel and Tourism Council reports that tourism currently accounts for approximately 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with projections indicating further growth. Caring for our planet is a collective responsibility, and Novotel Ottawa takes this mission to heart. Sustainable Development is a Novotel Ottawa initiative encouraging that we, both as a company and as individuals, consider our responsibilities and commitments to the environment, training, and community service. At Novotel Ottawa, we are committed to fostering a sustainable future for our hotel and the community we serve.
Our sustainability commitment encompasses a holistic approach, addressing various facets of our operations. Sustainable development requires consideration and an increased focus on the environmental, social and economic impacts that each of us make every day. Together, we will build our future by balancing the needs of today with the expectations of tomorrow.
In our quest to reduce our environmental footprint, we've launched sustainable programs designed to enhance the hotel's efficiency, cut down on waste generation, and optimize energy and water consumption. We are dedicated in our efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and uplift our local communities as we’re a proud and diverse community within Canada. With each step we take on our sustainability journey, we’re not just reducing our impact on the environment, we’re making a positive contribution to our community and the world. We invite you to be a part of this meaningful endeavor and join us in making a difference for the planet we share.
ACTIONS WE HAVE TAKEN:
IN-ROOMS & HOTEL OPERATIONS:
- Recycling Bins in guests rooms
- Introduced 3-way sorting bins in lobby area of the hotel
- Switched from plastic keys to Wooden keys from sustainable managed forests
- Encourage our guests to GO GREEN and Skip the Clean
- Switched to refillable hygiene bottles by Arron Aromatics
- Recycling system for Nespresso pods
- DGstay is a digital service platform designed to enhance the guest experience
- while promoting sustainability and reducing waste
- Eco-label toilet paper & tissue paper
- Switched to plastic free dry amenities (shaving kit, shower cap, tooth brush)
- Porcelain coffee cups and glass water glasses
- Recyclable flow water bottles and compostable bottle caps
- Switched to recyclable wood coffee stirrers and wooden pencils
FOOD & BEVERAGE:
- Compostable take-out containers
- Increased support for local suppliers (mushrooms, Mariposa Farms, local sausage producers, & Microgreens)
- Increased seasonal organic and healthy menu options for guests
- Trained staff to defrost food produce in fridges to lessen water usage
- Removed single use ramekins and replaced steel reusable ramekins
- Food Waste monitoring to reduce food waste
MEETING-ROOMS:
- 3-way sorting (Compost, Mixed Recycling, Landfill)
- Encourage events to use sustainable materials
- Encourage event guests to pick plated meals over buffet style to reduce food waste
TECHNICAL CHANGES:
- In 2015 we started our journey in switching our light fixtures to LED to save on Energy consumption. As of 2023 we are over 75% complete with being 100% in the next few years
- Installed low-flow toilets and shower heads
- Installed photoelectric cell taps and urinals
- In 2016 we switched to water-based paints only
- Installed High-Efficient chillers & boilers
- Installed Energy-Star rated washers and dryers
- Installed filtered water fountain to reduce waste from plastic water bottles in staff area
WASTE MANAGEMENT:
- In 2022 we introduced Too Good to Go to resell over produced food to reduce food waste
- In 2023 we conducted an internal Waste Audit to identify key areas on how staff and guests to improve on waste reduction
- Relaunch campaign of our waste management for guests and staff with visual aids and tips on how to reduce waste
- Hazardous waste Recycling program
INTERNAL CHANGES:
- Foundit (a lost & found logging system to use less paper for tracking)
- Electronic communications to print less and save on paper
- Commitment to use less energy (turn off lights, turn off Office equipment)
- Recycling toners and Inc cartridges with Xerox
- Introduced staff awareness board for sustainability initiatives and staff awareness on monthly consumptions of electricity, water, and gas
- Obtained GreenKey Certification
- Obtained sustainability badge for Booking.com
- Use old pillow cases for staff laundry
- Continuous donations to local businesses and organizations on towels, bedding, unused equipment
- Introduced a guests awareness video to help reduce our waste and water, energy consumption and encourage participation
OUR FUTURE: 2024-2025
GHG EMISSION REDUCTION:
- We recognize the urgency of addressing climate change. Our relentless pursuit involves implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting innovative technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to minimize our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.
ENERGY & WATER MANAGEMENT:
- A responsible approach towards energy and water usage is at the heart of our sustainability initiatives. Our hopes is too strengthen our energy and water management to reduce our overall consumption limiting our impact on limited resources.
FOOD WASTE REDUCTION:
- Our 2023 food waste audit serves as a foundation for impactful change. We are committed to implementing data-driven solutions to curtail food waste throughout our operations.
COMMUNITY AND LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT:
- Our commitment extends beyond our organizational boundaries. We understand the importance of fostering strong ties with local businesses and communities. By continuing to support and collaborate with them, we aim to contribute to the economic well-being of the regions we operate in. Together, we can build resilient communities that thrive sustainably.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & CONTINUED REDUCTION ON PLASTICS:
- We aim to continuously work within the supply chain to reduce plastic waste. Our 2023 waste audit serves as a new foundation for impactful change on how we tackle waste within our hotel. Setting new targets to meet for 2024 calendar year.
MESSAGE FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER:
"Novotel Ottawa centre is committed to offer a better experience to all our customers and employees by taking further sustainable actions, as our privileged guests we are also inviting you to support our actions and to share your ideas and knowledge to help us in our journey for a better future."
— Cyril Bulvestre