WATER: A RESOURCE WE MUST PROTECT TOGETHER
If it is true that health passes through water, then we live in a world that needs to be healed. The ecosystems that provide humanity with freshwater are disappearing at an alarming rate, victims of climate change, exploitation and pollution.
These are the symptoms of what experts call a “water crisis”. According to the United Nations, at least 50% of the world’s population faces water scarcity. It is therefore desirable to develop specific and measurable objectives and implement national plans to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and prevent drought and desertification.
The World Travel & Tourism Organization estimates that tourism accounts for between 3.5% and 5.8% of global water consumption, a relatively low figure compared to other sectors, although it is very high in destinations with higher water stress.
In particular, water consumption in the travel industry is increasing for those water-intensive facilities, such as swimming pools and spas. However, high water consumption is also measured in hotel rooms and encompasses essential activities, such as tap water for drinking and washing hands, showering and bathing. A key facility of notable importance is also the irrigation of gardens. Finally, laundry operations are estimated to represent up to 47% of the total water usage in a hotel.
Among the various aspects on which Lefay’s environmental commitment focuses, water consumption is one of them. To dramatically reduce water consumption from the main water supply of each Resort, the water supply system has been calibrated and designed in minute detail. All toilet flushing systems and bath taps are equipped with devices that regulate the water quantity in output, reducing the consumption compared to standard facilities. In addition, all rainwater that falls on specially drained areas is collected in tanks and used to irrigate green areas.
As far as laundry is concerned, efforts have been made to significantly reduce the number of washes per room by implementing a policy of changing linen and towels only on request. In addition, resort laundries have been upgraded with an ozone laundry system, a technology that provides deep tissue sanitisation at low temperatures, reducing detergent consumption and shortening wash times.
These are small gestures, but when seen in the wider context of our collective responsibility for our planet, they could make a difference and inspire other industries to embrace a culture of conservation of our shared resources. For a better world.
