The New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), The Benjamin Hotel New York and Green Key Global take Sustainability out of the classroom and into the hotel room.
OTTAWA, ON – Green Key Global partnered with the Benjamin Hotel New York City, the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and the Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) to launch the first experiential sustainable hospitality program with NYIT Hospitality Studies students.
Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Koenig, Director of NYIT Global Center for Hospitality Management, a team of ten students collaborated with The Benjamin Hotel in the capacity of a small-group consulting team to assess the property’s environmental initiatives and assist in completing the Green Key Eco-Rating certification program. “One of the many strengths of our curriculum is this type of partnership opportunity with industry leaders that allows our program to offer unique professional experiential learning to students in support of our academic course learning outcomes,” Koenig noted.
Five key areas were reviewed: Corporate Environmental Management, Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Operations, Conference & Meeting Facilities, and Engineering. The students collected and analyzed data, strategized alternative eco-solutions, and delivered recommendations, which led to sustainability improvements and the awarding of a 4 Key Eco-Rating for The Benjamin.
“The Benjamin is known best for its wellness programs, and supporting sustainable efforts is inherent to our guest experience,” said The Benjamin’s General Manager Steve Sasso. “The opportunity to participate in this pilot program was truly valuable. The NYIT Hospitality Studies students demonstrated an eagerness to learn about our operational parameters and also propose relevant, environmentally sound strategies to help us achieve our Four Green Key rating.”
“The hospitality industry continues to address the concerns of today’s environmentally aware traveler,” said Tony Pollard, Managing Director for Green Key Global. “Green Key Global’s goal is to ensure more lodging and meeting entities not only understand that sustainability supports the environment, but it also improves overall fiscal performance and community relations.”
Green Key Global and NYIT will be continuing the program for the upcoming semester.
Photo caption: The Benjamin Hotel New York.
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales.
She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
