Sustainability Resources

Pioneering sustainability: shaping a greener future for hospitality

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.

BCHA's sustainability certifications

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.

A quick snapshot of our suite of guiding tools

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: 

  • The BCHA Sustainability Playbook: your all-in-one guidebook to drive sustainable practices
  • The GoGreen Program: a complimentary and personal energy assessment to identify cost-saving opportunities  
  • The GreenStep EcoFund: a financial planning tool to fund new innovative sustainability projects
  • Biosphere Tourism: empowering hotels to join define, organize and make their sustainable objectives and priorities visible — the BCHA is proud to be a Biosphere Certified Organization 
  • Sustainable Hospitality Alliance: international leadership in sustainability, developing cutting-edge resources and knowledge sharing
  • Green Key Certification: recognizing hotels with sustainable practices
  • Treeferrals by Veritree: providing hotels with easy ways to take nature and climate action by planting real, verified trees and kelp
  • BetterTable: helping hotels and restaurants prevent food waste to achieve a triple bottom line
  • GreenStep Certified: helping businesses asses their current green practices and identifying new steps to take climate action
  • BCHA Allied Members: connecting hotels with trusted businesses that will help drive their sustainability practices

Need energy saving support? CONNECT with ADRIAN kanjer, bcha's energy advisor & ecofund program manager!

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: 

  • Book a complimentary energy analysis identifying your facility’s energy consumption, costs, and carbon emissions
  • Learn what revenue sources, incentives, and rebates are currently available
  • Identify energy-efficient technologies and solutions specifically suitable to your facility
  • Discover current best practices in energy management and carbon reduction
  • Learn about low-cost or no-cost solutions to reduce energy consumption
  • Understand how to financially plan for your next energy project through the GreenStep EcoFund

To get started, connect with Adrian at gogreen@bcha.com.

Opportunities & partners

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 bcha sustainability playbook

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: 

  • How to engage your team
  • Measuring your baseline
  • Creating your sustainability action plan
  • Implementing, communicating, and celebrating!
  • Actions to revisit
  • Low / no cost actions to get started
  • Reporting
  • A wide variety of templates that include:
    • Sustainability action plan template
    • Energy tracking Water tracking
    • Waste audit data collection and tracking
    • Single-use plastic audit
    • Employee sustainability roles & responsibilities
    • Goals & actions
    • ​Sustainability report template
Sustainability Playbook

Get a complimentary energy analysis! | bcha gogreen program

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:

  • Analysis of energy costs, consumption, and overall energy performance
  • Inventory of technology and equipment, focusing on high energy-consuming equipment
  • Survey and optimization of room controls for lighting and HVAC
  • Benchmarking against similar properties across Canada
  • Identification of alternate revenue sources, incentives, and rebates
  • Access to FortisBC Rebates (Natural gas and Electricity)
  • BC Hydro Incentives
  • List of energy-saving opportunities
  • Presentation of a business case to hotel management
  • Recommendations for equipment replacement
  • Action list for low or no-cost methods to reduce energy costs
  • Further information on our BCHA EcoFund Program

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.

Finance energy efficiency projects with greenstep's ecofund

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

  • Program Manager – Guidance and ongoing support insetting up and rolling out the EcoFund program
  • Energy Advisors – Delivering virtual energy assessments and energy utility data analysis to identify top Energy Conservation Measures
  • Reporting – Access monthly EcoFund financial statements, baseline, and annual reports
  • Marketing – Support via comprehensive EcoFund Marketing toolkit, project spotlights, and other channels
  • Other Funding – Support identifying and reviewing available utility incentives and potential government funding

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.

Become a biosphere certified organization

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.

biosphere-wheel

Discover the latest tools with the sustainable hospitality alliance

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.

  • Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality – a holistic framework and pathway to support the hospitality industry in achieving a vision of a prosperous and responsible hospitality sector that gives back to the destination more than it takes.

Climate action

  • Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative – a free methodology and tool for hotels to calculate the carbon footprint of hotel stays and meetings in their properties.
  • Business Case for Sustainable Hotels – demonstrates the business benefits of building sustainable hotels and offers tangible recommendations tailored for hotel investors, owners and developers, operators, and franchisees.
  • Global Hotel Decarbonisation report – this report helps hospitality companies understand the scale of the action required, the importance of setting science-based targets and the opportunities already available to make significant carbon reductions.

Water Stewardship

  • Hotel Water Measurement Initiative – a free methodology and tool for hotels to calculate the water footprint of hotel stays and meetings in their properties.
  • Destination Water Risk Index – offers evidence and guidance for hotel companies, developers and their stakeholders to prioritise water stewardship in investment, development and renovation decisions, as well as hotel management in high risk destinations.
  • Water Stewardship for Hotel Companies – this report recommends six steps every hotel should take to better manage their impact on water, with guidance on setting targets, managing water use, working with supply chain and collaborating for maximum impact.
  • Water Risk Assessment – provides an overview of the possible impacts the industry could suffer due to shifts in the availability of quality water sources. It also recommends key action areas for the hotel industry to preserve freshwater resources.
  • Water stewardship factsheet

Responsible resourcing

  • Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology – a methodology for hotels to collect, measure and report waste data. It covers overall waste and food waste.
  • Single-use plastics – this factsheet explores the issues of single-use plastics and provides recommendations for hotels on how to reduce their use.
  • Food waste – this factsheet explores the issues of food waste and provides recommendations on how to reduce your impact.
  • Responsible procurement – this factsheet explores how responsible purchasing can positively impact hotel operations and includes tips on how to get started. 

Greenkey global certification

ABOUT THE PROGRAM 
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

  • You can receive a discount of 5% on our Green Key Global Hotel Eco program and $50 off of or Green Key Global Meetings programs using promo code BCHA.
  • Facilitation of activating a ‘green’ program for your property
  • Access to Green Key Global Toolkit
  • Reduce your carbon footprint

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.com 

Join a community of tree-loving businesses WITH VERITREE

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.

BCHA ALLIED MEMBERS | DISCOVER EVEN MORE SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS

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. 

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SUSTAINABILITY CHAMPION

Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
NOMINATOR INFORMATION
NOMINEE INFORMATION

All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
  • Open to any accommodation property in British Columbia.

Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

    CULINARY EXCELLENCE

    Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
    NOMINATOR INFORMATION
    NOMINEE INFORMATION

    All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
    CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
    • Must be from an accommodation-operated food and beverage company in British Columbia.

    Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

    SUPPORTING MATERIALS

      LEADER OF THE FUTURE

      Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
      NOMINATOR INFORMATION
      NOMINEE INFORMATION

      All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
      CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
      • Age 35 and under.

      Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

      SUPPORTING MATERIALS

        HOTELIER OF THE YEAR

        Nominee information | For group awards, please indicate the person best suited to accept the award.
        NOMINATOR INFORMATION
        NOMINEE INFORMATION

        All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*
        CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY
        • Must be a General Manager, Vice President, Regional Vice President or President/Executive Director of a BC-based hotel or hotel group.

        Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

        SUPPORTING MATERIALS

          HOUSEKEEPING EXCELLENCE

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          NOMINATOR INFORMATION
          NOMINEE INFORMATION
          I confirm that:*

          Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

          SUPPORTING MATERIALS

            ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.
            NOMINATOR INFORMATION
            NOMINEE INFORMATION
            All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

            Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

            SUPPORTING MATERIALS

              Community Contribution award

              NOMINATOR INFORMATION
              NOMINEE INFORMATION
              All nominations must be endorsed and supported by the nominee. Please confirm that the nominee is aware and supportive of this nomination.*

              Please address each of the following criteria in your nomination submission, limiting your response to a maximum of 200 words per question. Bullet point responses are acceptable.

              COMMUNITY IMPACT
              INDUSTRY SUPPORT
              SUPPORTING MATERIALS