The new 2010 edition of The International Standards of SpaExcellence(SM)2010 released this month addresses sustainability and the environment in a number of places.
Julie Register, Managing Director at SpaQuality outlined them for Vision Spa Retreat:
- Sustainability and the environment are considered in the Intention and Strategy section when evaluating the business viability and planning for the Spa quality system.
“Spa executive management considers the available natural resources and ensures the protection and availability or replacement of these resources. The Spa evaluates the nature, scale and potential environmental impact of its activities, products and services. The Spa plans for the reduction of consumption, waste and pollution.”
and
“At defined intervals, Spa executive management evaluates the results of the Spa's approach to protecting natural resources and the environment for adequacy and effectiveness.”
“At defined intervals, Spa executive management evaluates the results of the Spa's approach to protecting natural resources and the environment for adequacy and effectiveness.”
- Sustainability and the environment are considered in the planning and managing of Operations Support section as a safety consideration:
“The Spa establishes and manages a plan to identify potential risks, hazards, emergency situations and potential accidents that can have an adverse impact on Guests, staff and the environment and for assessing, responding to and controlling the risks. The Spa ensures safety from biological, physical, thermal and chemical hazards throughout its facilities, and during routine and non-routine activities of staff and Guests.”
These issues are further discussed in the Guidance and Examples sections. It is recommended that:
- concern for the environment be part of the Spa's culture
- the Spa supports and has a positive impact on issues that are important to it including the environment
- the Spa be committed to using environmentally sustainable operating practices to enhance the health of our planet
- environmental performance, impact and sustainability be one of the key performance indicators for the Spa.
“It's in the Spa’s best interest to protect natural resources and ensure that it knows what its impact is on our environment. The Spa should measure its progress toward reducing its impact on the environment and identify trends. Setting goals and measuring its performance for activities and programs such as recycling, reducing energy consumption, converting to non-toxic substances, conserving water, etc. is an effective way to communicate their importance to the Spa's staff and Guests.”
- the Spa consider environmental impact when it makes changes to its spa menu, facilities, equipment, products, and supplies.
- the Spa consider environmental impact when it disposes of damaged or expired goods.
“Whatever can have an adverse impact on Guests, staff, or the environment ultimately will have an adverse effect on our Spa business.”
The International Standards of SpaExcellenceSM2010 also references The Green Spa and the (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ .
For more information or to obtain a copy contact: Julie Register Managing Director, Operations SpaQuality LLC Email: Register@SpaQuality.com Website



