An Assessment on Sustainability of the Green Management Strategies of El Nido Resorts: Basis for Proposed Ecological Environmental Program

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the sustainability of the green management strategies of El Nido Resorts in Palawan, Philippines in terms of Water Conservation, Energy Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Minimising Carbon Footprints, Hotel Tree-Planting Activities, Use of Green Products and Waste Recycling. The study used the descriptive method of research. This method described the nature of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study, ascertaining what caused them, and what their significance are (Polit and Hungler, 2004).For the purpose of gathering data, the researcher used survey questionnaire in assessing the sustainability of the green management strategies of El Nido Resorts in Palawan, Philippines in order to enhance their competitive advantage. Said survey questionnaires were distributed to the 35 hotel guest-respondents of the study. The corporate image and strategic tools to enhance competitive edge were gathered from the focused group discussion with the different managers of the hotel under study. In the analysis and interpretation of the data gathered, the following statistical tools were used: percentage, ranking, frequency, mean and five (5) point Likertscale.Findings of the study on the sustainability of the green management strategies of El Nido Resorts shows that respondents considered the water conservation practices of the resort-hotel as highly sustainable with 5.00 weighted mean and ranked first among the different green management practices of the El Nido Resorts, while the use of green products by the hotel ranked last and which respondents rating was sustainable with 3.80 weighted mean.Theresult of the focused group interview on the Hotel Managers shows that themost significant factor that influenced the implementation of environmental initiatives of the hotel was the costs savings implemented by the hotel. The savings derived from implementing water and energy conservation and recycling of wastes were partly used to assist the communities in their livelihood programs, pay locals who participate to protect and conserve the Protected Areas of the Resorts, and to meet other expenses to sustain the green initiatives of the Resorts. Based on the foregoing findings and conclusions, it is recommended in this study that El Nido Hotels should develop long-term strategies to sustain its green management initiatives to not only benefit its corporate position but also its communities; the Resort, should, likewise, strengthen and expand its educational campaign for nature conservation and protection to other regions through consultation, meetings, and publications of materials that could be of help to other provinces; the management should share its strategies, technology and innovation to other regions through mutual agreement in order to expand nation-wide the concepts of sustainability and green management practices; other hotels should develop an environmentally responsible brand and embed a 360-degree view of sustainability within the business model. Price, quality, brand and convenience will continue to drive consumers' spending, but sustainability will increasingly be part of the decision-making process. (Deloitte 2010) and lastly, the Resort should develop more sustainable environmental practices and policies in order to continuously improve and sustain its green management program.