SDG Initiatives at Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel
Tokyo Bay Ariake Washington Hotel has been undertaking initiatives related to the environment because we consider them essential to our sustainable growth as a company. This is based on our corporate mission statement to contribute to the creation of an affluent and prosperous society by providing a wholesome place for our guests to relax and enjoy heartwarming service.
These initiatives are in line with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established to create a sustainable society.
To contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, we will continue to solve social issues and create a sustainable society through our business.
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A set of international goals adopted at the United Nations Summit in September 2015 for the period until 2030, which consists of 17 goals and 169 targets to eradicate poverty and create a sustainable society. All stakeholders, including companies, governments, and NPOs, are expected to work together to put the plan into execution.
Reduction of plastic use in guest room amenities
At WHG Hotels, we provide toothbrushes that are made of rice husk biomass material in our guest rooms.
The material for the handle contains rice husks, reducing plastic waste by approximately 35%.
For shaving razors and hairbrushes, please inquire at the front desk.
Elimination of plastic straws
As part of our efforts to address the global problem of marine pollution, we have replaced the plastic straws that we provide at our restaurants and banquet halls with paper or biodegradable plastic straws.
We have also replaced plastic spoons with paper spoons.
Eco-friendly housekeeping services for guest rooms
In order to protect the global environment, we encourage guests who are staying more than one night to opt for eco-friendly housekeeping services for your rooms.
By reducing the energy footprint of housekeeping and cleaning services, we are dedicated to working with our guests to reduce CO2 emissions.
We also provide full housekeeping services at your request.
Services provided: towel replacement, toothbrush replacement, and trash disposal
Services not provided: room cleaning, bathroom cleaning, bed making, and bed sheet replacement
Reduction of food loss at breakfast buffets
Food loss is a problem that occurs when food that is still good enough to consume ends up being discarded. To solve this problem, we replenish the dishes according to the number of customers, and transfer some of the dishes into smaller serving containers 30 minutes before the buffet ends.
In addition, we are also a member of the Tabekiri Co-operative of Koto Ward.
* What is the Tabekiri Co-operative?
Restaurants operating in Koto Ward that are working to reduce food loss are registered with the Tabekiri Co-operative of Koto Ward to raise awareness of the need to reduce food loss in the community.
Reduction of food loss at banquet halls
As part of the 3010 Movement organized by the Ministry of Environment, we encourage our guests to enjoy their food in the first 30 minutes after the opening toast, and in the final 10 minutes before the event ends.
We are working to reduce the amount of leftover food at our banquet halls in order to reduce food loss in Japan, which is estimated at 6.43 million tons per year.
Normalization
The concept of normalization states that people with disabilities can live together while appreciating each other’s individuality. We train and develop our staff to act with appropriate understanding toward the physically challenged and the elderly based on this concept.
To achieve this, we offer sign language training, create normalization handbooks, and conduct various training programs.
Participation in the SDGs Exploratory Learning Town Ariake project
Together with learning facilities outside of schools in the Ariake district, the SDGs Exploratory Learning Town Ariake project was launched to deepen children’s learning.
From the hospitality perspective, which is the strength of hotels, we create opportunities for children to think about the experiences they gain at each facility and take action that will lead to the next step.
Coffee in guest rooms
All coffee that we serve in our guest rooms is made with products certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization established to protect nature, improve the livelihoods of agricultural producers and people living in forest areas, and create a sustainable world. By using certified coffee beans, we are helping to protect the global environment and support the agricultural community.
Universal rooms
From the hotel entrance to the guest rooms, the entire building is flat and accessible.
In addition, universal rooms are available, service dogs are allowed in the building, and wheelchairs are available for rent.
Gender equality in the workplace
About half of the staff at our hotel are women.
Therefore, we strive to create a work environment where employees can continue to work even after marriage or childbirth, as well as hold positions of responsibility regardless of gender.
In addition, we established a work-life balance consultation desk in January 2017 to create a workplace that motivates employees to work.
Kurumin certification based on the Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising Next-Generation Children
Bunkyo Ward Work-Life Balance Promotion Company (Fujita Kanko Inc.)
The first company in the hotel industry to join the IkuBoss Corporate Alliance.
Training and development of foreign staff
To handle the increasing number of inbound tourists in recent years and to provide a greater sense of ease among guests visiting Japan from overseas, approximately 40% of our hotel staff are foreign nationals. We are working to create an environment where everyone can play an active role regardless of nationality, age, or gender, and where everyone can advance their career based on their individual abilities. In addition, we also conduct regular Japanese language training to improve customer service skills.
No smoking in all guest rooms
In line with the enforcement of the Health Promotion Act, we introduced a total ban on smoking in all our guest rooms from June 2021 to prevent secondhand smoking.
LED and power saving
We contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions by installing LED lights in all our guest rooms and actively saving electricity in the backyard.
Paperless workplace
We encourage a paperless workplace by digitizing our paper documents, and by reusing scrap papers.
Through this initiative, we are helping to reduce deforestation, improve operational efficiency, and reduce global warming.
Diversity
Twice a year, we hold a nationwide meeting for diversity promotion members to report on the activities at each office and share case studies of the initiatives.
We believe that diversity and inclusion activities reflect our employees’ desire to improve the company, and that the initiatives at the individual office level will spread nationwide, eventually leading to a change in the corporate culture of the entire group.
Fire drills
To ensure the safety of our employees and guests, we conduct fire drills twice a year to prepare for disasters.
100% natural aroma diffusers
The aroma diffusers installed in our hotel lobby use 100% natural oils. They are also highly antibacterial and antiviral, providing a safe and comfortable space for our guests.
Recycled materials and global/universal design for bath amenity bottles
The bath amenities in our guest rooms are made of 100% recycled PET plastic bottles to ensure a sustainable society. The use of these bottles reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 63% compared to conventional PET plastic, which is derived from crude oil. In addition, the bottles have tactile markings and labels in four languages on them, making them compliant with global/universal design requirements.
No unused toilet rolls
We place signs in guest rooms to encourage our guests to use up the toilet paper. We also collect and place half-used toilet rolls in employee restrooms to reduce waste of resources.
Water conservation
We have installed shower heads in our guest rooms that save approximately 25% of the water used. We ask for your cooperation to help conserve water so that we can continue to use safe water.
We aim to be corporate citizens that treat people and the earth with kindness, reducing our environmental impact and creating a recycling-oriented society.
Fujita Kanko has been undertaking initiatives related to the environment and diversity in sense of values since our founding because we consider them essential to our sustainable growth as a company. This is based on our corporate mission statement to contribute to the creation of an affluent and prosperous society by providing a wholesome place for our guests to relax and enjoy heartwarming service. These initiatives are in line with the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established to create a sustainable society. Through our initiatives in achieving the SDGs, we will continue to solve social issues and create a sustainable society.