Managing for sustained success of spa

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.”   

• 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 SpaExcellence^SM2010 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