Cloe the Seal a hotel mascot @ Hilton Budapest

This year again the team at Hilton Budapest adopted Cloe, a seal at the local zoo. The seal was chosen because these animals are in particular danger as a result of the human impact on the environment and the climate change. She is now the marketing mascot for the Sales Team and allows the hotel team members to talk about their pro-environmental initiatives whenever the question about the choice of the mascot is raised. On the occasion of the Earth Day the team at the hotel has also organised a spring cleaning of the old Castle District where the hotel is located, and created a new green square behind the hotel.

Photo competition @ Hilton Milan 

Hilton Milan organised a photo contest for the team members. It was a part of a national competition with the water theme. Three photos taken by the team members were awarded by the hotel jury and the authors received attractive prizes: Vorrei una carezza by Alfredo, Giocare nell'acqua by Renato, and Caos by Monica. All team members who participated in the contest received a green water bottle with a motto from Bruce Lee: "Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water my friend."

Earth Hour 2009 at hotels in Europe

Over 60 of its hotels  across Europe joined the World Wide Fund For Nature’s (WWF) Earth Hour campaign on Saturday, March 28, 2009. WWF Earth Hour is a global campaign which hopes to eventually reach more than one billion people, asking individuals, businesses and governments to switch off their lights for just one hour on Saturday March 28 at 8:30pm. This symbolic gesture is designed to highlight the importance of action on climate change. Speaking about Hilton’s support of Earth Hour, Simon Vincent, Area President Hilton - Europe said, “At Hilton we work hard to be committed to the heart of the communities in which we operate. Our support of Earth Hour will enable us to illustrate this in a tangible way, while simultaneously improving our efficiencies and environmental practices. Most of all Earth Hour at Hilton will allow our hotel team members to work together with our guests, to raise awareness that everyone can help to make a difference”. Click on the link to see pictures from various hotels.

Hilton Tel Aviv powered by the Sun  - Solar thermal collectors

A set of 142 solar thermal collectors were installed on the 700m2 lobby roof of Hilton Tel Aviv in early 2009. This system will heat the water in a 25000 litres tank, which will later be delivered to all showers and swimming pool. According to the hotel Chief Engineer, the replacement of gas boiler with the solar collector set up, will reduce the fuel consumption by 6% annually.  "But saving energy is not enough" he says, "We are also thinking of the environment. This specific system will prevent the emission of 300 kg of ash and 600 kg of sulphur every year". Not to mention the avoided carbon dioxide emissions. The hotel team is already thinking of the next step of this journey - which would be to install another 150 collectors. Hilton Tel Aviv has joined a selection of European hotels that already had solar collectors installed: Hilton Barcelona Diagonal Mar, Hilton Madrid Airport and Hilton Vilamoura, as well as Hilton Basel which has an electric car charged by solar PV.

Umweltzeichen eco-award for Hilton hotels in Vienna

In March 2009 the Hilton Hotels in Vienna (Hilton Vienna, Hilton Vienna Plaza and Hilton Vienna Danube) were awarded with the Austrian Ecolabel - Umweltzeichen. On the occasion of a festive event at the city hall the hotel managers received the certificates from Mrs Ulli Sima, town councillor for environmental protection. The Ecolabel guarantees that visitors will find environmental quality by maintaining and improving: -ecological purchasing -efficient and economical use of energy -environment-friendly cleaning agents, coupled with -thrifty use of energy, and -careful use of our water supplies.

Nordic Swan eco-label for Hilton Stockholm Slussen, Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport, and Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Three of our Nordic hotels can now proudly display the Nordic Swan eco-label. Hilton Stockholm Slussen has been Nordic Swan certified continuously since 2001, and have just been recertified according to the new, and even tougher,  Swan Criteria. The ceremony took place during the Earth Hour celebrations on March 29, 2009. Hilton Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Hilton Reykjavik Nordica have also recently joined our elite of certified hotels.

Green Key eco-label for Hilton Cyprus

On January 29, 2009 Hilton Cyprus hosted the Green Key award ceremony for the Island of Cyprus, and was among the hotels recognized with the label. The Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism accommodations. Green Key encourages hotels to act as responsible businesses and make such choices so as to constantly contribute to the protection of the environment and the sustainability of natural resources. The criteria cover three main areas: environmental management, communication and training and technical criteria on efficiency in energy and water consumption, waste separation, use of environmentally -friendly chemicals etc. Upon initial review of the Green Key criteria the hotel team realised that most of the requirements have already been implemented as a result of the we care! environmental programme present in the hotel!!

Green Key eco-label for Hilton Amsterdam

On November 27, 2008 Hilton Amsterdam has passed all the requirements for the Green Key eco-label as the first Hilton in Europe. The official award ceremony took place in January 2009. The Green Key is an international eco-label for tourism accommodations. Green Key encourages hotels to act as responsible businesses and make such choices so as to constantly contribute to the protection of the environment and the sustainability of natural resources. The criteria cover three main areas: environmental management, communication and training and technical criteria on efficiency in energy and water consumption, waste separation, use of environmentally -friendly chemicals etc. One of the motivating factors to apply for this particular award was the mutual agreement between the city of Amsterdam and all the hotels within the city borders aiming to have all the properties eco-labeled within 2 years. The second factor was the fact that Hilton Amsterdam was already well advanced in fulfilling the award requirements thanks to the we care! programme in place at the hotel. The cooperation of all departments allowed the team to complete the documentation and comply with the remaining requirements in just a few months. The auditor evaluating the hotel performance  was very impressed with all the action plans in place and involvement from all team members in the we care! program.  This award further demonstrates the commitment of the team of Hilton Amsterdam to protecting the environment.

Hilton Malta makes environmental awareness fun for kids

In November 2008, children of Hilton Malta Team Members had the opportunity to experience the value of environmentally-friendly action during the day of fun activities and games put together by the we care! environmental team at Hilton Malta. The Kids Day was packed with activities including games, crafts, animations and quizzes. Every child  received gifts and was presented with a certificate of participation. "Sustaining the environment will ensure our future and who better than our children, our future to be challenged into it?" Hilton Malta General Manager said. "Our objective is to develop a greater environmental awareness in our kids, which will increase our team members - their parents - environmental consciousness at home and on the job."

"You can get inside it" electric car @ Hilton Cyprus

General Manager at Hilton Cyprus changed his car into an electric mini-car, which besides being environment-friendly and having a very low cost of maintenance, is ideal for parking downtown in busy cities.

The idea started two years ago when the hotel had a sponsored car used by the sales team for their daily calls. This car had a large Hilton logo on it and was used as a promotion vehicle for both the concessionaire's "electrical mobility" and Hilton's environmental care.

Bottle Caps Recycling @ Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe

For the last half of 2008 the team at Hilton Paris Arc de Triomphe was collecting plastic bottle caps to recycle them properly. Over 100kg were collected!!!

Happy Green Hour @ Hilton Milan

On 3rd July 2008 Hilton Milan launched a new initiative: a Happy Hour for all team members. The objective was to create an event to make every participant more aware of environmental issues and educate how keep on saving energy and water in summer and invite all them to become more proactive in proposing ideas and initiatives.

The set up was in the terrace and all created with a natural and sustainable material, green cocktails and canapé.

Team Members at Hilton Amsterdam cycle for a better environment

Ten employees from Hilton have cycled last weekend 159 kilometres. The cycle tour went from Hilton Amsterdam to Hilton Antwerp. The cycling HORECA employees want to raise more awareness to a cleaner environment. The event and the route were planned by executive chef Franz Conde and assistant front desk manager Frits Beemsterboer.

Earth Hour @ Hilton Antwerp

In the week of Earth Hour was planned around the world, all management staff and the we care! team were involved to come up with ideas. During the meeting it was decided to have a candle-light dinner in our restaurant and also in the Maritime Bar. Also all lights from outside (Hilton Logo and spots) were out for 1 hour. The candle-light dinner was held the whole evening with lot of great comments from our guests.
In the hotel itself the lights were off for 75% in the corridors and dimmed in the lobby. Hilton Antwerp works with more responsible operational practices on a daily basis, but during this hour there was a special focus on joining the Earth Hour event held around the world, together with many other Hilton hotels.

Hilton Malta removes over 330 000 plastic cups from landfills

The Hilton Malta we care! team have embarked on another in-house environmental initiative. After a number of we care meetings the Green Team made a proposal to the General  Manager to do away with the polystyrene cups that Team Members use at the BOH. The GM thrilled with this idea and supported it from the very start and encouraged us all the way to be implemented.

Over the past years we have seen a huge increase per year of the number of polystyrene throw away cups) being disposed every year. In 2007 that number has gone up to 330,000 cups, 9000 more than the previous year. This also amount to thousands of euros.

The Green Team decided to launch this campaign with a bang. We introduced a ceramic mug with the we care! logo and offered it to our TMs for 1 euro. In return this money will be doubled by the hotel’s commitment to CSR, will go for the 3 4 U (tree for you) campaign.

On Tuesday 25th March all polystyrene cups were removed form the Team Restaurant and preparations were made for the special celebration, offering a special juicy drink for those who bought a mug and a raffle, as well as a special lunch and entertainment.

France & Mediterranean Region recognise those with Green Spirit

The France and Mediterranean region have recognised two winners for their first Green Sprit Awards.

France Winner

IMAD MATAR - Hilton Paris La Defense

Imad shows enormous dedication to the we care! programme from the launch. His constant hardwork/creativity with the programme have led to great actions including the creation of the Film for the Regional Challenge. Imad has also played a major part in implementing the Newsletter into the cluster - creating the last edition alone.

Eastern Mediterranean Winner

Mario Morano - Hilton Malta

Mario has been indispensable in the re-launch of the 2008 campaign and organising of all activities in the 2008 action plan. Mario has proven to be a great team motivator, not only in leading by example but in consistently coming up with new projects to keep the team's interest and commitment alive.

Hilton Cyprus plants trees following destructive forest fires

During the summer of 2007, 75 forest fires burst out and 1.397 hectares (13,97 sq. Km.) were burned in Cyprus.  The forests and bushes cover 42,44% of the total area of the island.  For Cyprus, a small island,  9.250 sq. Km, in the Mediterranean sea, the destruction occurred by the fires, had a huge outcome in the environment of the whole island.  For this reason, the Hilton Cyprus team, on 26 February 2008, under the supervision of the Cyprus Forest Department, voluntarily planted new trees (pines, olive trees, carob trees and mastic trees) in one of the areas destroyed by the fires.

Hilton celebrates Global Earth Day

Earth Day, April 22, is the annual celebration of the environment and a time to assess the work needed to protect the natural gifts of our planet.

Earth Day has no central organizing force behind it. However there are several non governmental organizations working to keep track of the thousands of local events in schools, parks and work places to mark the day.

Earth Day is observed around the world. It is said that environmental awareness is part of the world's consciousness and a pro-active way to protect OUR environment.

Small environmental actions can make a big difference!

Here's what some of our hotels got up to this year to celebrate our Earth...

Hilton Budapest

Hilton Budapest organised a big spring-clean in the old Castle District, where the hotel is located. This area is frequented and loved by tourists and families with children.

The Hilton Budapest made a donation the Budapest Zoo, adopting Cloé the seal. We have chosen a seal, because these animals are very endangered due to global warming and harmful human treatment of the environment.

Our 50 team members together with representatives from the Local Government and the Foundation of Hungarian Culture spent Earth Day collecting waste, sweeping the pedestrian areas, removing weeds and planting flowers, etc.

As a symbol of our environmental commitment we planted a lime tree behind the hotel. This tree has been named our “we care! tree”.

Hilton Valencia

All Team Members wore a leaf to explain to Hilton guests about Earth Day.

They were joined at the hotel by regional VP Theo Kreuzter who joined in the Green Spirit!

Hilton Malta wins environmental award

Hilton Malta have recently been awarded First Prize in “Category A” in the “Environment Award for Industry 2007” by the Centre for Cleaner Technology under the patronage of the University of Malta. The award is designed to recognise and promote organisations that have made a significant contribution to environmental protection throughout 2007.

Category A is Management Awards for Sustainable Development which recognises the important role of management systems approach in delivering continuous improvements in environmental performance. The aim is to highlight policies, practices and processes from all sectors of the industry which are helping to achieve economic and social development while minimising the environmental impact of their operations.

As an awardee, Hilton Malta has applied for the European Business Award for the Environment (EBAE).

Pictured are Mario Morana (we care! Champion), Clement Hassid (General Manager) and Joseph Restall (Chief Engineer) with the award.

Hilton Valencia supports local community

After an extensive search through a vast network of market suppliers and providers, Marco Aragón, Executive Chef of Hilton Valencia, had the opportunity of getting in touch with the COOP of Navarrés, associated to the AVAB (Valencian Group for the Blanqueta Olive). This cooperative represents a small group of agricultural businesses that had been revived and dedicated themselves exclusively to the cultivation of this unique olive variety. These members have prided themselves in using technologies in accordance with environmental protection laws, and applying 100% biodegradable products in their venture, from the glass of the containers to the packaging boxes and labels. Through such dedication to the environment and their product, the Cooperative has successfully managed to expand itself year after year, further integrating the local community.

Today, the Hilton Valencia, always committed and interested in developing new ways to maintain the preservation of our environment, uses this exquisite Blanqueta olive oil on a daily basis in the different restaurants and bars throughout the Hotel.

we care! mountain bikes raises £240 (350€) for Hilton in the Community Foundation

As part of the Hilton Initiative, Miles for Fun, the we care! team donated two we care! mountain bikes for a fundraising event for the Hilton in the Community Foundation. The photo shows Hugh Taylor and Rob Watts (Ops manager Hilton Watford) with Michaela Bishop, winner of one of the bikes.

Kids on Campus - Hilton Malta encourages school kids to go green!

Last September Hilton Malta was the main sponsor for the “Kids On Campus” environment project. Kids on Campus is a University based summer programme that caters for 400 kids from the age of 3 to 11, based on the learning through play philosophy. Hilton Malta we care! Team champion Mario Morana in collaboration with two other state entities in the environment outlined the criteria for the mini projects and judged them to name two winners. First prize was a weekend break at Hilton Malta. Second prize was a Quantum bike kindly donated by our own DO Steve Phillips. The presentation venue was also held at the Hilton Malta with a presentation of a cheque of 500 euros donated by the KOC participants the Minister of Environment for the 3 4 U campaign. The even was a great success. Two olive trees were planted at the Hilton by the two winners..

Hilton Valencia takes care to water we care!

As a newly opened hotel, Hilton Valencia have proved that you can be new and care at the same time! Thanks to the motivation of Begona Campoy (HR Manager) and Amparo Cambronero (Executive Secretary), both pictured next to the we care! board and their Green Team, the hotel has achieved the following in just 2 months!..

• 40% we care! training undertaken
• Toilet flush reminders to press the smaller button to save water
• Fair Trade Coffee Machine for TMs
• Fair Trade Products in vending machine
• Fairtrade sugar sachets in guest restaurants

Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen donates a We Care Mountain Bike for Braille Without Borders.

On Friday 13 July, Alexander Kluit - GM of the Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen donated a We Care Mountain Bike for Braille Without Borders. The team of the Hilton Royal Parc Soestduinen has won the We Care incentive 2006 and all team members received a fantastic mountain bike during a great event. To do something good for the community we decided to give one bike to www.rondjetibet.nl
This bike will be sold to the highest bidder and with the money raised we support this great initiative to help blind children in Tibet. A group of 8 well-known people in Soest will cycle over 1000km in Tibet starting in Lhasa. We helped them a little by donating a real Hilton We Care Mountain Bike!!

Hilton Budapest Westend Zoo--M into we care! action!

On 21 May 2007 the team of Hilton Budapest WestEnd joined the mutual effort of some Hungarian touristical organisation to deepclean a part of Budapest that belongs or links to the sights of our capital. This year we participated in the cleaning of the Zoo which is one of our most popular touristical attraction among families with children.
The Hilton Budapest WestEnd group of 40 people from all hotel departments have been sweeping the pedestrians, raking leafs, painting wooden columns, cleaning windows etc. so with being one of the biggest groups (if not the biggest) we highly contributed to the success of this day!

Hilton Lyon recognised on TV for environmental actions

On 1st February, Hilton Lyon participated in the national French action "5 minutes rest for the planet", initiated by Friends of the Earth.
Mr Gilbert Gouverneur, President of the Rhône Alpes branch, as well as other members of the association, were present at the Hotel during the 5 minutes, where all hotel lights were switched off!
This action was captured on video and appeared on main TV channel, M6 during a feature "6 minutes from Lyon".

To see the video, please visit: http://www.m6info.fr/html/m6_infos/lesix.php?cp=69000

Hilton Lyon plants ahead for next Christmas!

Pictured are Bechir, Didier, Mahjouba, Karine & Sophie from Hilton Lyon, who would like to thank all the we care! volunteers who helped to plant tress near the Rhone under the Churchill bridge, in collaboration with the Town Hall, represented by the assistant Mayor, Madame Moulins. Special thanks to Dominique the gardener!

Hilton Antwerp rewards we care! "department of the month"

Well done to the HR department at Hilton Antwerp (pictured right). By paying careful attention to switching off lights, computers and printers when leaving the office, the HR Team have managed to win the first "we care! department of the month". This monthly award is handed out to the department which has welcomed a new way of acting in line with the we care! programme and is judged by the Green Team, led by Erwin Demaeyer, from their regular "energy walks" around the hotel.

Guests care too.... at Hilton Paris Orly Aiport

After a whole year training our team members, turning off the lights and investing in energy saving initiatives, we have assured our Team Members commitment in the "We Care" project. It was time to share our green initiatives with our guests. This is why we invited 60 of our top business clients to a themed cocktail on the topic of « We Care ». During this cocktail two of our Green Team Members discussed with our guests to present them the project, our results & initiatives, and how we managed to achieve them. This was also a great opportunity to show the trophy we have been awarded for all French hotels by ADEME (Agency for the Environment and Energy Control) for our involvement in preserving the environment. As this is only our start, we are facing new challenges, new targets to achieve, and still lots of efforts to go ahead with this ambitious program. It becomes crucial to involve our guests in the project and make them « think green », as much as possible. Customers and guests have shown a great interest and enthusiasm with these initiatives and confirmed their commitment.

We Care Week in Strasbourg

During the whole month of November, Strasbourg Hilton “We Care Committee” organized an exhibition to draw the attention of all clients attending Hilton hotels in order to make them think a little bit about a major problem which concerns all humans: nature and environment.
The exhibition shows two scenes: a living scene from nature and a dead side of nature. The living side symbolises nature as left by our ancestors: a green scene with fresh herbs, plants, vegetables and fruits, and running water. The dead side shows the actual impact of mankind on nature, a dried fountain, used car oil, rusted cans and plastic bags that is the result of our eagerness to increase our comfort without any respect for the environment in which our future generations will have to live in.
The exhibition has generated a lot of questions and many clients agreed with us by saying that the future of humanity could be compromised if we do not respect others’ lives, and if we do not act now to protect the common inheritance of humanity and leave our future generations a clean and healthy planet. To act now, means we should care on a daily basis by moderating our consumption of energies.
Hubert Reeves, the famous astrophysicist, who was in our hotel during the first week of November, highly appreciated our exhibition and is more than convinced that the hotel industry should make more effort than ever to support all actions towards protecting our nature.