Sustainability

Novotel has an active environmental policy and programmes. We hold Gold status with Qualmark. Our policy is underpinned by our conviction that it is only by making a deliberate attempt to limit our impact we have on our planet that we will be able to pursue our activities in the long term. We work closely with the local community including the Whakatipu Reforestation Trust, Trees for Survival, the Central Lakes Family Centre, Shotover Primary School and our main charity of choice Cure Kids.

Sustainability at Novotel

At Novotel, we are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and our community. We believe that sustainable practices are not just a choice but a responsibility. We strive to integrate this belief into every aspect of our operations. From reducing food waste to conserving water and energy, here are some of the ways we are making a difference:

Minimizing Food Waste

We understand the importance of minimizing food waste, which is why we have implemented various initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint. Our talented culinary team carefully plans menus to minimize food waste, utilizing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. Additionally, we partner with local businesses like ‘Mr. Chippy’ to compost any food waste.

Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and we are committed to conserving it whenever possible. To minimize water usage, we encourage our guests to participate in our towel and linen reuse program, where towels and linens are changed upon request rather than daily. By reducing the frequency of laundry, we are able to conserve water and energy while also reducing the use of detergents and chemicals that can harm the environment.

Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a key priority for us, and we have implemented various measures to reduce our energy consumption and carbon footprint. Our hotel is equipped with energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems, as well as smart thermostats and motion sensors to optimize energy usage.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

In addition to minimizing food waste, we have implemented comprehensive recycling programs for paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclable materials. We actively encourage our guests and staff to participate. By diverting waste from landfills through recycling and composting, we are able to minimize our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Community Engagement

Sustainability is a collective effort, and we are proud to engage with our local community to promote environmental awareness and conservation. We partner with local organizations to support environmental initiatives, such as tree planting events. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference in protecting our planet for future generations.

At Novotel, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it’s a core value that guides everything we do. We are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices and finding innovative ways to minimize our environmental impact while providing exceptional hospitality experiences for our guests.

Avoiding Single-Use Plastics

As of 2023, we have eliminated our single-use plastics. We have switched from plastic to wooden key cards. Our comb, toothbrush, and shaving kits are all manufactured with bamboo products. We are serving butter and jam through large jars instead of individual packets. In these ways and more, we hope to provide a greener experience at Novotel.

How Can You Help?

• Using the recycle bins in your guest room and the lobby
• Using the water station at the bar to fill up reusable drink bottles rather than using single use bottles
• Leave any unwanted clothes with us and we will donate them to Happiness House
• Turn off unneeded lights and power
• Batteries – we can recycle these for you if you leave them in your room
• The hotel has a charging station for electric vehicles
• Choose not to have your towels changed daily and we will make a donation to Trees for Survival
• Choose not to have your room serviced one or all of the days of your stay and we will donate to Cure Kids on your behalf
• Make a donation to LoveQT to support environmental action around Queenstown