Millennium retains eco-friendly status

Rotorua's Millennium Hotel has retained its Enviro Award Gold status as well as its 4 Star Plus hotel rating from Qualmark.

A founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Tourism Charter, over the past 12 years the hotel has been continually working towards best practice, as more and more travellers make accommodation decisions based on eco-friendly operations.

General manager Pipiana Whiston acknowledged it had been a team effort.

"I am delighted that all our staff made a contribution to our continued environmental commitment which has secured our Enviro Award Gold rating for a third time. Millennium Hotel Rotorua has had many green initiatives in place which have become second nature in our day to day operations," she said.

Ms Whiston said constant monitoring ensured the hotel would become more environmentally efficient and sustainable.

"Millennium Hotel Rotorua completes an international carbon footprint assessment annually which monitors improvements in waste, water, and energy consumption. So we are motivated to continue to find further ways to enhance our business practices to protect the environment for the future."

Qualmark Enviro Awards recognise businesses that go beyond benchmark standards. To achieve Gold standard, the hotel must undertake significant initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts, take a pro-active role in conservation and be an exemplary advocate of responsible tourism.

In addition to having in-room recycling and "Going Green" initiatives in place, the hotel has a guest recycling area and grows herbs and vegetables for the hotel kitchen.

It has undertaken to help preserve and regenerate native bush in Mamaku, in association with Canopy Tours and participates in the Rotorua Sustainable Charter Restoration Project, involving staff volunteering to plant native trees. The hotel is also an active supporter of community groups including Women's Refuge and the Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust.