More from the World Savers Awards Winners

LIVEBLOGGING THE WORLD SAVERS CONGRESS

More favorite quotes from our World Savers Award winners:

Accor’s Hélène Roques, winner for health initiatives
“We have learned three key lessons from our work: 1) There’s no need to wait for national regulation to make conservation mandatory. If we reduce waste, we reduce our own costs. 2) Involve employees in sustainable practices. Offer them a way to contribute and save their planet, and you will see their passion for their communities. 3) Give opportunity to guests to contribute to social programs, you will see how the trend of sustainability will accelerate, becoming more important even in this crisis. Multiply effects of these practices with the participation of guests…It’s in our interests and out moral obligation to include the planet in our business plans.”

Ritz-Carlton president Simon Cooper, large chain overall winner
“From 1983, our mission statement clearly talked about service to our communities and environment…Three years ago we formalized it on a global basis….Ten days ago we announced a partnership with Americas Promise to tackle the drop out rate of North America’s children from disadvantaged communities…Every single Ritz-Carlton will adopt a school in North America.”

Willard Intercontinental Hotel General Manager Hervé Houdré, city hotel overall winner
“Sustainable development isn’t just a marketing opportunity…Our properties consume a lot of energy and generate a lot of waste. So it’s time to focus not only on bottom line, but also on societal and environmental bottom lines…Economic crisis is not an excuse - in fact it’s the perfect time to implement practices because it saves on costs…When you develop a serious sustainable strategy, you gain new clients who want to stay at a place that is in tune with their sensibilities…Our clients have evolved, so it’s up to each and every one of us to think every day about how we can help to make our descendants proud of us.”

Ecoventura owner Santiago Dunn, cruise line overall winner
“Conservation costs time and money. Some may ask why with profits under fire in this environment, are stepping up with our efforts? We believe that we are only as healthy as the animals and people in our environment…When the world returns to its financial health, there will be two types of companies left: ones that exist for purpose, and others for profit.”