Trinidad’s first certified hotel implements effective waste solutions

Hyatt Regency Trinidad has recently become the first hotel in Trinidad to pass the Green Key certification process. In order to meet the Green Key criteria, the establishment had implemented multiple measures to lower its environmental footprint.

L-R: Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Willard Harris, Director of Green T&T, Mr. Cliff Hamilton, Chairman of Trinidad Tourism Limited, June Quashie, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Michael Hooper, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering and Lead of Green Team, Hyatt Regency Trinidad 

To celebrate this success and make the hotel’s committment to sustainability more visible for both guests and employees, a certification ceremony has been organised. On the 22nd of May a Green Key flag was officialy raised and the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

Michael Hooper, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad, remarked:

"We are excited and proud to be the first hotel in Trinidad to be a Green Key certified establishment. This distinction signifies our ongoing commitment not only as part of the growing number of Hyatt hotels worldwide achieving this status, but also as leaders spearheading environmentally responsible practices." 

The hotel had adopted various improvements and strategies to mitigate its negative environmental impacts and comply with the Green Key requirements. That includes incorporating comprehensive recycling programs into hotel’s operating procedures and substiting single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternative.

Also, the energy waste had been addressed thanks to implementing advanced energy-saving systems that reduced the overall energy consumption.

Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering at the hotel, has been the one diligently serving as the hotel's liaison and preparing its application for certification. He commented:

The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is pleased to have a local operator in Trinidad and Tobago that facilitated and worked together with us to bring the certification to reality. I would definitely encourage other hotels in Trinidad to adopt the Green Key criteria as it would help to lift the sustainability standards of the industry”.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Green T&T serves as the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Green T&T is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Green Key program within the country. Working in partnership with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality establishments, Green T&T promotes sustainable practices, raises awareness about environmental conservation, and drives the growth of ecotourism. 

During the ceremony, the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency by Willard P. Harris, Green T&T Director, who summarised:

As the first hotel in Trinidad to become Green Key certified, Hyatt Regency Trinidad serves as an inspiration and leader in the industry. After almost a year of preparation and fulfilment of stringent criteria, the achievement is significant, and the hotel now plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry”. 

The CEO of Green T&T, Joanna Moses-Wothke added:

"Chain hotels that prioritise environmental sustainability play a critical role in combating global climate change, while simultaneously achieving cost savings and enhancing their brand reputation. We applaud Hyatt Regency Trinidad for their unwavering commitment to obtaining environmental certification and aspire for it to serve as an exemplary model within the industry. " 

This accolade highlights the hotel's dedication to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. By obtaining Green Key certification, Hyatt Regency Trinidad not only enhances its reputation but also serves as an inspiration for other hotels to pursue similar eco-friendly initiatives. 


Green T&T

For more information on Green T&T and the Green Key programme, please visit www.green-tt.org or email greenkey@green-tt.org.

If you wish to learn about more initiatives that your business can implement to elavate its sustainability, discover our lastest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments all around the world.