PRACTICE LIBRARY
For decades, Hard Rock and the Seminoles have shared a deep commitment to building an environmentally sustainable future. Whether through operational improvements, partnerships with environmental organizations, or best practice collaboration with vendors, we are growing our efforts to sustainably run our businesses. The Practice Library presents short case studies of initiatives that may interest you. They outline:
THE PRACTICE LIBRARY
SAVE THE PLANET
Across our hotels, cafes, and casinos we have learned to better address recycling and waste, as we developed great partnerships to engage communities and raise awareness. To continue our Save The Planet progress, we want to draw upon our global reach. An important first step is to comprehensively inventory our practices – across cafes, hotels and casinos – to improve energy and water efficiency, and to manage waste and food. Initiatives will span everything from new technologies, to F&B innovations, creative community engagements, and delivering compelling guest experiences. The library will be a living resource that is updated regularly, so we want to hear from you.
This inventory presents an immediate opportunity: to share good ideas globally. When one property makes an idea work, other properties who are interested can learn how it was done.
Read More
See Practices
FROM INVENTORY TO IMMEDIATE ACTION
THE PRACTICE LIBRARY PRESENTS SHORT CASE STUDIES OF INITIATIVES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU. THEY OUTLINE:
Initiatives will span everything from new technologies, to F&B innovations, creative community engagements, and delivering compelling guest experiences. The library will be a living resource that is updated regularly, so we want to hear from you.
Tell us what you are thinking about, what you need, and most importantly what you’ve done.
click to Learn about our four core initiatives
ENERGY & EMISSIONS
CASE STUDIES
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
There’s a direct connection between energy use and the environment. When we consume less power, we reduce the amount of harmful emissions and help to conserve the earth’s natural resources and protect ecosystems from destruction. Discover stories of how Team Members around the world are finding ways to reduce energy intake and help contribute to a healthier, happier world.
FOOD WASTE FEED-THE-PIGS PROGRAM
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Sustainable agriculture is a production system that takes into consideration its effect on farm workers, animals, and food. It’s designed to be beneficial to communities in both rural and urban settings, as well as the environment overall. It’s a means of food production focused on the responsible generation of abundant resources, not just for today, but with an eye on ensuring future generations are set up to do the same. Find out how Team Members go above and beyond to manage food and source sustainable inputs at their properties.
WATER DISPENSER
MATERIALS & WATER
RECYCLING PLASTIC
MINIMIZE WASTE
OYSTER SHELL RESTORATION
The Earth’s resources are finite. Human production, use and disposal of materials strains sustainable ecosystems. Responsible use of materials and the conservation of natural resources like fresh, clean water is critical to our and the planet’s health. Learn how Team Members are changing the way they work in order to reduce material use and conserve water.
BUZZING OUR BIO-DIVERSITY
BIODIVERSITY & COMMUNITIES
GROW A NURSERY
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels and includes the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural practices that sustain life. Save The Planet is committed to making a positive impact, not only on a global scale, but at the community level as well. Team Members are out there making a difference in their communities – learn more and get inspired today.
BACK TO PRACTICES
Energy Efficiency
What are you doing?
Conserving energy with technology.
• Director of Facilities • Facilities Manager • Electrician
Who championed this initiative?
Conserving energy is worth it, and within reach.
70-90% reduction in energy usage with LED lights Greenhouse Gas Emissions cut through lower fossil fuel consumption LED lights burn for 2 decades-plus, compared with 2-year life of incandescent bulbs
how does it help?
Impact on Planet:
Reduced load on local power grid Demonstrable impact to convey to the community Reduced utility costs over time
Impact on Community:
Organizing systems to inventory all lighting and energy usage on property Measuring current energy usage as a baseline to track future energy and cost savings Training team members on energy conservation procedures, such as turning off lights off when not in use
keys to success
Issues to address:
Not all LED lights are created equal- Energy Star can help select the best options for your property Determine motion sensors have the biggest practical impact on operations
High cost of introducing LED: can be managed by replacing old lights as they die, instead of installing LED across the property at once Investment cost to recommission HVAC system Investment in motion sensor switches for offices.
Cost & Contributions
Assess property’s lighting needs and current systems Train team members that energy conservation is the sum total of many small actions Plan for systems to convert based on replacement schedules, to stagger high capital investment Contact local energy company to take advantage of incentive programs for technologies
How can others do it too?
HOW CAN OTHERS DO IT?
COST & CONTRIBUTIONS
HOW DOES IT HELP?
KEYS TO SUCCESS
HOW DID YOU DO IT?
Replacing old light fixtures with LED Installing motion detectors and automatic shut-down systems for all office lighting Recommissioning HVAC system to achieve maximum energy efficiency
BACK
Director of Facilities Facilities Manager Electrician
How do you do it?
Key to success
How does it help?
1.
2.
3.
4.
FOOD WASTE FEED-THE-PIGS
Collecting and diverting food waste from employee cafeteria and banquet kitchen to a local pig farm.
• Hard Rock Atlantic City’s Food & Beverage team • Coastal Farms • New Jersey Atlantic County Utilities Authority (NJACUA)
Pigs are natural recyclers. Working with our local pig farmers to collect food waste is a sustainable way to keep food scraps in the supply chain and out of the landfill
Reduces transport and landfilling of food waste Reintroduces excess food into the food chain Food waste takes much longer to degrade then other compostable items
Builds partnerships with local farmers Supports NJACUA efforts to reduce solid waste from landfills Save food waste disposal costs for the property
Detailed SOP for Hard Rock staff to properly divert and collect waste Collaboration with local partner, Coastal Farms Transportation partner for logistics of food waste processing
Refrigerated storage required until pick up.
• 32 gallon designated bins • Signage
Partner with local farmers Create detailed SOP Train teams to divert food waste from trash Locate available refrigerated storage space Organize team members to store and clean bins, and coordinate pick-ups with pig farm
Food waste is separated from trash in the employee cafeteria Waste bins are stored in refrigerated trash coolers Local farmers collect waste The farm “cooks” diverted food in vats at the temperature required to pasteurize it The feed is given to the free-range pigs at the farm
Hard Rock Atlantic City’s Food & Beverage team Coastal Farms New Jersey Atlantic County Utilities Authority (NJACUA)
Refrigerated storage required until pick up
32 gallon designated bins Signage
5.
Stewarding Mgr Marco Negron
Reducing plastic waste by installing water stations and re-fillable bottles, eliminating use of plastic water bottles.
Housekeeping
As leaders, we start by helping our teams understand why Saving The Planet is a top priority. Then we can focus on what actions to take. The biggest danger we face is thinking that someone else is going to save it for us.
2,726,097 plastic bottles eliminated since hotel opening September 2018 Avoids waste created by single use plastics, which do not biodegrade Cutting bottles reduces use of oil to manufacture, transport, store, dispose of plastic
$1,326 USD saved (RM 5479) monthly on purchase of water bottles 13,140 plastic bottles saved/month
Choosing the right locations for stations, on landings near elevators throughout the hotel Properly installing stations’ wall-mounts with proper hook-ups Track savings from elimination of plastic bottles
Need to procure specific washer machine for the flask bottles Currently using a small dish washer machine, with adjusted trays
$48,451 USD cost (RM 200,295) to implement $264 USD ongoing monthly costs (RM 1,091) for seal tape and cleaning chemicals
Procure bottles: Desaru acquired 1,460 of 750 ml bottles, from local vendor SANIEURO SDN BHD Modify or procure new cleaning equipment: • Each clean bottle sealed with tape • Special yellow microfiber cloth needed for cleaning • Sanitizing for water dispenser takes 5 minutes, four
Water stations now available at every elevator landing Refillable bottles are distributed in hotel rooms Processes were created to clean bottles and sanitize dispensers
Procure bottles: Desaru acquired 1,460 750 ml bottles from local vendor SANIEURO SDN BHD Modify or procure new cleaning equipment:
Each clean bottle is sealed with tape Special yellow microfiber cloth needed for cleaning Sanitizing for water dispenser takes 5 minutes, four times a day
Install water stations at appropriate locations Create SOPs for housekeeping, cleaning glasses and flask, cleaning water dispenser Schedule Engineering Team to check water filters once a month.
times a day
Install water stations at appropriate locations Create SOPs for housekeeping, cleaning glasses and flask, cleaning water dispenser Schedule Engineering Team to check water filters once a month
Minimizing garbage sent to landfill by separating waste and collecting plastic caps from beverage bottles.
Team member Graciela Escarcega leads efforts with Vallarta’s Culture Club, and manages relations with the Ángeles en Libertad.
Life does not demand that we be the best, only that we do our best
Reduces plastic waste on property and in the community Promotes recycling
Improves the lives of those who cannot afford medical devices and supplies, including the families of some team members.
Participation from all property team members maintains enthusiasm for ongoing cap collection.
The foundation needs a high volume of plastic caps to raise funds for medical support. The recycling facility is six hours away in Guadalajara, so shipments of caps are only cost-effective at high volume thresholds.
The only significant investment is staff time to collect caps and work with the community partner.
Find a local affiliate charity that recycles plastic caps – this initiative is global! Find a team member to champion Prioritize cap recycling as a volunteer commitment through Culture Club and Save The Planet Present a plan with objectives to team members Track and report results, and see if team members’ families may benefit from the charity’s services
Caps are donated to Ángeles en Libertad, a charity that sells them, and uses funds to provide medical support for people in need.
Organizes quarterly collection of plastic caps from the hotel and team members’ homes, and from clean-up days on the property and beach Weighs caps and delivers them to the Ángeles en Libertad warehouse, where they are separated by color
Our Save The Planet Team:
Our Partner, Ángeles en Libertad:
Sells the caps to a recycling provider Uses proceeds to pay for medicine, medical devices, and consultations for community members
Minimizing garbage sent to landfill by separating waste and collecting plastic caps from beverage bottles. Caps are donated to Ángeles en Libertad, a charity that sells them, and uses funds to provide medical support for people in need.
Find a local affiliate charity that recycles plastic caps – this initiative is global! Find a team member to champion. Prioritize cap recycling as a volunteer commitment through Culture Club and Save The Planet. Present a plan with objectives to team members. Track and report results and see if team members’ families may benefit from the charity’s services.
Our Save The Planet team:
Our partner, Ángeles en Libertad:
What is garbage for some creates a livelihood for others
86% or 819,684 kg total annual waste is recycled 16% or 129,597 kg of total annual waste is sent to landfill
Vallarta is able to benchmark and report its waste diversion based on EarthCheck standard $8,650 USD (₽174,374 pesos) donated to causes supporting employees and the community
Team member buy-in, to avoid misdirecting waste into wrong streams. Ensuring your municipal infrastructure or waste providers can manage separated waste streams.
Ensuring all new team members are trained properly as soon as they join. Ongoing communications is needed to reinforce information and messages.
• Purchase trashcans, visual stickers • Creating/maintaining space for waste separation
Create a collection center area that is large enough to separate different stream Provide different types of bins for different waste streams Divide area into PET, carton and paper, glass, aluminum, create a chamber for organic waste and another for dry non-recyclable waste Train all team members to identify waste types and separation processes Create process for stewards to ensure all wastes are appropriately diverted
Analyze waste produced by operations Collect data for solid waste, organic waste, recycling waste to determine baseline volumes and costs Apply standards from Earth Check’s benchmarking platform, data base
Develop practice recommendations:
Establish processes to separate waste across the hotel Train staff to understand goals, and to separate waste correctly Label appropriate bins with stickers identifying waste type to be disposed Weigh waste daily, collect data Track compliance against Earth Check’s benchmarking standard, necessary for certification Sell all recycled material to providers, use funds raised to help employees and the community
Reducing waste sent to landfill by applying a comprehensive system based on "Earth Check" standards.
All stewards.
Who champions this initiative?
Team member buy-in, to avoid misdirecting waste into wrong streams Ensuring your municipal infrastructure or waste providers can manage separated waste streams
Keys to success
Ensuring all new team members are trained properly as soon as they join Ongoing communications is needed to reinforce information and messages
Purchase trashcans, visual stickers Creating/maintaining space for waste separation
Create a collection center area that is large enough to separate different stream. Provide different types of bins for different waste streams. Divide area into PET, carton and paper, glass, aluminum, create a chamber for organic waste and another for dry non-recyclable waste. Train all team members to identify waste types and separation processes. Create process for stewards to ensure all wastes are appropriately diverted.
Recycling Shell from our Buffet and returning them to the beds, creates new habitats, improves water quality and helps protect our shorelines.
Eliminates transport and landfilling of food waste Enhances health of local water basin Cultivates future growth of multiple species in ecosystem
Builds partnerships with local education entities (Stockton/Rutgers) Saves cost of food waste disposal
Food and Beverage management team collaborated to create an SOP for kitchen staff, describing how to handle and store shells Assigning a designated area to store shells until each week’s pick-up Successful coordination with local partners who return shells to local ecosystems
Ensuring logistics provided by pick-up partner Identify storage space until pick up
• 32-gallon designated bins • Team member-training • Reduces food waste removal costs for property
Reach out to local Fish & Wildlife or local non-profit Create SOP: shell collection, storage Train kitchen staff Implement procedure: for partner to transport shells to curing site; curing procedure; methodology for return of shells to local estuary
Set up a collection procedure at the Buffet and identified space and location for shell storage Scheduled weekly pick-up with New Jersey Fish & Wildlife. The shell cures 6 months to 1 year at their location close to the Mullica River. Shells are moved to a barge to “plant” in the Mullica River. Young oysters attach to the old shell, grow to adulthood to filter and help improve the ecosystem Joined partnership with the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Foundation, Stockton University Marine Biology, Rutgers University and The Jetty Rock Foundation
Collecting shucked shellfish top shells from our restaurants for “re-planting” in local waters to enhance and help oyster beds and ecosystems thrive.
Food & Beverage Team
32-gallon designated bins Team member-training Reduces food waste removal costs for property
Reach out to local Fish & Wildlife or local non-profit Create SOP: shell collection, storage Train kitchen staff Implement procedure: for partner to transport shells to curing site; curing procedure; methodology for return of shells to local estuary.
Fresh Harvest Chef Jeff Slotterback
Sustaining local bio-diversity by tending 320,000 bees and a garden on the cafe’s rooftop in downtown Manchester U.K.
Managers and team members in the Manchester cafe.
As individuals we are motivated to work for a better tomorrow. As a business we have the privilege to combine and grow individual efforts. Collectively we can boost our impact.
Organized team members to manage bee-hives and a roof-top garden that included a chicken coop, wild flower meadow, habitat for ground beetles, orchard and herb garden Partnered with community groups, including the Manchester Bio-Diversity team, the building’s landlord, and the local cathedral Engaged the head bee-keeper at the Manchester Cathedral to train managers and team members to ‘keep bees’
Maintaining hives in urban areas helps to counter threats to bee population and support Manchester’s ecosystem Improved bee habitats help to sustain pollination, wild plant growth, biodiversity, and wild-life habitats
Guest engagement in cafe £3000 from honey sales donated to local charities; harvested vegetables donated to Cathedral to feed homeless people Advanced the City of Manchester’s environmental priorities Promoted effort with Bez, musician from prominent local band, The Happy Mondays Earned local media coverage Won local “Bio-Diversity Hot Spot” award from the City
Listening to team feedback, they gave the idea for hive and garden Team member ‘buy-in’ Collaboration with city projects Planning events to sell honey, drinks/food made with honey, and a retail display showing for pins
None, because planning was effective.
~1,000 volunteer hours from 12 team members £2.50/jar: bottle, package, sell honey Food products for the event were donated by suppliers
Do you have space, climate for bees? Recruit motivated team members Worked with local honey producers to prepare honey for sale/consumption Develop a pin strategy to raise awareness and support sales, create display and promotional material to sell honey in the Rock Shop Leverage local relationships to generate attention Engage local government officials, community groups to promote efforts
Organized team members to manage beehives and a roof-top garden that included a chicken coop, wild flower meadow, habitat for ground beetles, orchard and herb garden Partnered with community groups, including the Manchester Bio-Diversity team, the building’s landlord, and the local cathedral Engaged the head bee-keeper at the Manchester Cathedral to train managers and team members to ‘keep bees.’
How did you do it?
Listening to team feedback: they gave the idea for the hive and garden Team member ‘buy-in’ Collaboration with city projects Planning events to sell honey, drinks/food made with honey, and a retail display showing for pins
Maintaining hives in urban areas helps to counter threats to bee population and support Manchester’s ecosystem Improved bee habitats help to sustain pollination, wild plant growth, biodiversity, and wild-life habitats.
Do you have space, climate for bees? Recruit motivated team members Work with local honey producers to prepare honey for sale/consumption Develop a pin strategy to raise awareness and support sales, create display and promotional material to sell honey in the Rock Shop Leverage local relationships to generate attention Engage local government officials, community groups to promote efforts.
6.
Guest engagement in cafe £3000 from honey sales donated to local charities; harvested vegetables donated to Cathedral to feed homeless people Advanced the City of Manchester’s environmental priorities Promoted effort with Bez, musician from prominent local band, The Happy Mondays Earned local media coverage. Won local “Bio-Diversity Hot Spot” award from the City
Growing a nursery to feed oxygen to the atmosphere, reduce our carbon footprint, and support local charities.
Chief Gardener, Gardening team, Culture Club, and Save The Planet team.
Caring for plants and trees is a human responsibility, and a way we can express gratitude for life.
Plant and take care of new trees and ornamental plants Transfer plants and trees at the right stage of growth Donate them to schools, parks, and children’s home, Pasitos de Luz
360 plants donated in 2020 Oxygen from plants reduces Vallarta’s green-house gas emissions Data-driven practice based on Earth Check Benchmarking
$2,942 USD (₽59,300 pesos) average annual donation to Pasitos de Luz Team members visit children at the home, track the growth of donated plants, share gardening skills Schedule plant and tree donations as an event to celebrate "International Tree Day" and generate awareness All of the hotel’s ornamental plants are sourced from the nursery, reducing expenses
Motivated team members who care for the nursery, led by a GM who loves nature, and champions its preservation.
Securing adequate space to start the nursery. Protecting the nursery from animals who will eat the plants.
Plastic bags and soil, plant pots are re-used buckets from kitchen’s supplies.
Organize team members through Culture Club, Save The Planet team Dedicate space on the property for the nursery Procure seedlings for trees and plants from local suppliers Harvest and donate plants and trees throughout the year Sell the nursery’s remaining plants and trees to team members at discounted prices, with all funds donated to local philanthropic causes
Team members:
Plant and take care of new trees and ornamental plants Transfer plants and trees at the right stage of growth Donate them to schools, parks, and children’s home, Pasitos de Luz.
$2,942 USD (₽59,300 pesos) average annual donation to Pasitos de Luz Team members visit children at the home, track the growth of donated plants, share gardening skills. Schedule plant and tree donations as an event to celebrate "International Tree Day" and generate awareness All of the hotel’s ornamental plants are sourced from the nursery, reducing expenses
