Welcome to the BCHA Sustainability Initiatives page, where we lead the charge in fostering sustainable practices within the hospitality industry. As a Biosphere and GreenStep Sustainable Tourism Certified organization, we believe that sustainability and responsible tourism are paramount for our industry’s long-term success and the well-being of our planet. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, we actively drive environmental impact reduction to help BC hotels improve efficiencies, cost-savings, and support them in championing a greener future.
The BCHA is a Biosphere Certified organization, committed to driving sustainability in the hospitality industry. Our aim to ensure hotels across BC can achieve a net-zero future, and our partnership with Biosphere Tourism supports our mission to implement and share best practices for sustainable development.
BCHA is proud to announce that we are a Sustainable Tourism Gold Certified organization as designated by GreenStep Solutions. This certification recognizes and verifies our ongoing work to reduce our carbon footprint and integrate sustainable business practices into all aspects of our operation. We are excited to continue our dedication to sustainability in the tourism industry.
We proudly offer a range of powerful tools to support hotels in their sustainability journey to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, connect with the growing sustainable-tourist market, and green the planet. Keep scrolling to learn more about the below tools:Â
Adrian Kanjer has over 15 years of experience in energy advising, building design, and construction management. He is deeply committed to the field of energy management and sustainability.
Have a question? Adrian is available to assist all BCHA members. Through Adrian, you can:Â
To get started, connect with Adrian at gogreen@bcha.com.
Whether you’re an experienced sustainability expert or embarking on your journey, explore our comprehensive resources designed to benefit your property’s bottom line, broaden your market reach, and contribute to a greener environment
QUESTIONS? CONTACT ADRIAN KANJER AT GOGREEN@BCHA.COM
The Sustainability Playbook is an exclusive resource for BCHA members developed by the experts and our partners at GreenStep Solutions. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step guidance to create a cohesive sustainability plan. The Playbook is accompanied by a Toolkit containing various tools, resources, and templates to support your sustainability journey.
Here’s a glimpse at what’s included:Â
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
BCHA Members can benefit from an extensive energy analysis of their operations, which explores accommodation hotel energy use and opportunities for cost-cutting projects. By performing a review of existing equipment and infrastructure, fully supported by our Energy Advisor, our goal is to help hotels of all sizes leverage utility rebates (amounting to tens of thousands of dollars) to action projects and substantially save on annual energy costs, taxes, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The GoGreen program compliments ongoing energy and sustainability initiatives and is for hotels that are well on their way as well as those just getting started.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
The Energy Advisor provides an energy assessment that includes the following:
HOW TO GET STARTED
For more information please connect with Adrian Kanjer, Energy Specialist & EcoFund Program Manager, at adrian@bcha.com or 778-889-3161. Alternatively, you can fill out the form below and our team will reach out to you promptly.
ABOUT ECOFUND VERIFIED
BCHA partnered with GreenStep’s EcoFund Verified program to support hotels in implementing cost-saving and emissions-reduction projects focusing on energy efficiency, water, and waste conservation. This partnership also generates a modest revenue stream for BCHA to support our sustainability research and advocacy efforts.
GreenStep manages the EcoFund program, maintains program accountability, and verifies that the EcoFund is invested in projects with the highest carbon emissions reduction and Return on Investment for each property. The EcoFund is built through hotels charging a nominal guest EcoFee which accrues over time and is held in trust with GreenStep.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
HOW TO GET STARTED
Take the first step towards energy efficiency by signing up for a complimentary EcoFund business case analysis for your property. Reserve your spot in the program now by connecting with Adrian Kanjer at gogreen@bcha.com.
Join the BCHA and hotel operators across the province who have become Biosphere Certified Organizations! Getting involved with Biosphere Tourism is a great way for hotels to enhance their sustainability credentials and gain recognition for their responsible practices. The certification process involves a thorough evaluation of various aspects of hotel operations, including environmental management, social and cultural engagement, and economic sustainability. Once certified, hotels can proudly display the Biosphere seal, signaling to guests that they are choosing an accommodation dedicated to sustainability.
​Biosphere is a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international certification body that maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change.
To explore the benefits of Biosphere Tourism and learn how to get involved, we encourage you to visit their website. There, you will find detailed information about their certification programs, success stories from certified hotels, and the positive impacts of sustainable tourism.
The BCHA has entered into a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA), a leading global organization driving sustainability in the hospitality industry. The SHA leads phenomenal work in promoting responsible and sustainable practices, tackling pressing issues such as climate action, water stewardship, and responsible resourcing. Their initiatives, such as the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative, Business Case for Sustainable Hotels, and Hotel Water Measurement Initiative, provide valuable tools and resources for hotels to measure and reduce their environmental footprint. Through this collaboration, we aim to further advance sustainability efforts in the hospitality sector and drive positive change for our industry and the planet.
Climate action
Water Stewardship
Responsible resourcing
ABOUT THE PROGRAMÂ
Green Key Global is a leading international, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Recognized environmental certification body whose suite of industry standard programs and resources has been designed specifically for the lodging and meetings industries. Their programs, including the Green Key Eco-Rating and the Green Key Meetings Programs, help members leverage organizational CSR activities to support their property’s sustainable initiatives, improve overall fiscal performance, and community relations. With member properties in over 30 countries and a notable mix of branded and independent members Green Key Global truly is the lodging industry’s certification program of choice.
Green Key Global – Certification.
BENEFITS TO MEMBERS
Learn more about the Benefits of Being a Green Key Global Member
Additional programs and information available from Green Key Global:
HOW TO GET STARTED
For more information on the Green Key Meeting Program please contact Rebecca Bartlett-Jones, Manager, Business Development at (905) 638-6757 or rebecca.bartlettjones@greenkeyglobal.comÂ
Through their treeferrals program, Veritree partners with businesses to restore our planet. By planting trees, they create local jobs, capture carbon, and revitalize ecosystems while fostering a community of environmentally conscious companies.
Veritree offers simple solutions for treeferral member organizations to make a positive impact on nature and climate, by planting trees for a specific service, transaction, or partner referral. For example, hotels can plant trees or kelp for every check-in or guest opting out of housekeeping. Sutton Place Hotel, Oak Bay Beach Hotel, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, and Shangri-La Vancouver are among the BCHA members participating in the program.
The BCHA takes pride in its partnerships with a distinguished group of allied members who are committed to supporting sustainability initiatives. These trusted partners offer a wide range of resources and expertise to assist you in achieving your sustainability goals. From energy efficiency solutions to waste reduction strategies, our allied members are dedicated to helping you make a positive impact on the environment while optimizing your operations. By collaborating with these industry leaders, you can access valuable support and guidance as you navigate your sustainability journey.Â
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