Green Key label for Pentahotel Leuven
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for everyone, not least travellers who are booking hotel rooms.
Pentahotel Leuven recently obtained the Green Key label that promotes sustainable travel, meetings and leisure. We interviewed Tim Evens, Senior Sales Manager Flanders, on their journey to earning the Green Key.
What persuaded you to apply for the Green Key label?
At Pentahotels, we see the importance in taking care of our planet and are fully aware of our ecological footprint. We provide around-the-clock service; our doors never close and the lights are always on to welcome our guests. This means a lot of energy consumption. We started the process back in February 2022, and when Visit Leuven and Leuven Convention Bureau organised a partner event on sustainability, they provided us with tricks and tips. This gave us that extra incentive and helped us prepare our proposal to earn the Green Key.
What were your biggest challenges?
We’ve had a few, indeed. To save water we installed water-saving fixtures (faucets, shower heads and toilets); we are no longer using single-use plastic material and our housekeeping and kitchen staff now sorting so much more. To avoid food waste, we consider what we prepare more carefully, taking into account the number of guests in house. Our general environmental awareness has certainly increased. Nevertheless, the measures do not have an impact on the comfort of our guests as that obviously remains our top priority.
And finally, what can guest do to contribute?
The daily housekeeping of the rooms has a considerable impact on the environment so we offer a ‘Green Room’ option to our guests who are staying for longer than one night. With this option, guests can agree not to have their rooms cleaned every day during their stay. In return, they are offered a voucher for a drink which they can enjoy while they relax in the comfort of our Pentalounge. Of course, our guests are under no obligation to take us up on this offer but so far almost all our guests have had a positive attitude towards the initiative and are happy to do their bit.
