At The Dorchester, we recognise the responsibility we have to provide the best service we can in a way that embodies responsible behaviour. Demonstrating responsibility to our guests, our staff, the wider community, and towards the natural environment is an integral part of our service excellence.
To lead our efforts, our dedicated Corporate Responsibility team is championing action in our workplace, our marketplace, in the community and on the natural environment.
The team draws on staff from across the hotel, exploring ideas for innovation and reporting on progress through a member of the hotel’s executive management team. Like all hotels in Dorchester Collection, we are developing our systems and processes for managing these issues and sharing information on our performance on a regular basis.
We have already undertaken a wide range of initiatives. To reduce energy use, we have installed low-energy light bulbs and installed new refrigeration systems which use about one-third the power of previous equipment. To save water, we have installed sensor and push button taps. Our efforts to measure and manage our carbon emissions were recognized with a Silver Award as part of the Mayor of London’s ‘Green 500 initiative’ in 2009, which sought to reduce carbon emissions among leading London organisations.
We recognize the valuable role we can play to support the wider community – offering our time, the skills and expertise of our staff, and providing our facilities for charitable functions when possible. In 2009 our staff elected to focus fund-raising efforts in support of Cancer Research UK. Fund-raising and other events are continuing throughout the year. Last year, The Dorchester was awarded 'Considerate Green Team of the Year 2009/2010' by the Considerate Hoteliers Association (CHA).
The Corporate Responsibility team were behind The Dorchester’s decision to celebrate its 80th Anniversary by planting 80 ‘Future Great Trees’ in London.