Think planet initiative on track at Radisson Blu Martinez Beirut

"We are so proud of the achievement," said Konstantinos Kourotsidis, general manager at Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel Beirut.

"Together with the owners, the team has been whole heartedly committed to make this happen," he added.

The hotel's five year plan comes with clear targets and activities to reach the aim of 25% energy saved by 2016. In its first year, the hotel replaced 95% of its regular light bulbs with LED bulbs and new kitchen equipment was installed to help reduce electricity consumption.

Staff training sessions on smart energy saving habits in housekeeping, kitchen and meeting areas and at home, made staff ambassadors for 'Think Planet' in their own communities.

"We have an obligation to hand over a healthy planet to the generations that follow. It is the right time to change our habits and our perspective. Taking such steps might sound costly to implement but in the long run it is the right investment for any corporation," added Kourotsidis.

Radisson Blu Martinez is the first hotel in Lebanon to be given the 'Environmental Achievement Certificate' by the Ministry of Environment, for their environmental initiative and forward thinking approach.

In its second year the hotel joined the 'Zero Waste Act' campaign, with special bins deployed in all offices to recycle paper, plastic, glass and cans. This initiative helped to create a better and healthier environment not only at the hotel but also in Beirut and Lebanon. Adding to this, on Saturday March 23rd Radisson Blu Martinez will take part in the 'Earth Hour' global initiative through various activations to be announced later.

'Think Planet' is an ambitious and pro-active programme which focuses on creating smart energy habits which can be easily implemented. In 2001, Rezidor was one of the first international hotel companies to introduce a group-wide programme consisting of three main pillars: health and safety of guests and employees, respect for social and ethical issues within the company, and a reduced environmental footprint.

Rezidor actively partners with third-party eco labels such as Green Key, supports the charity organization World Childhood Foundation, and has signed the United Nations Global Compact. In 2010, 2011 and 2012, Rezidor was awarded as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the US-think tank Ethisphere.