THE GREEN WATCH
➔ Citybase sets the standard with new green credentials
Parker, managing director of Citybase, “but it’s important to have independent verification. ISO certification gives us just that. It also helps us constantly review and improve what we do and how we do it, so that we’re always meeting our clients’ needs.” Citybase claims to be the
CITYBASE Apartments has been awarded double ISO certification following comprehensive reviews and reporting of processes throughout 2011. The serviced apartment specialist has secured ISO 14001 Environmental
THAI TRIALS BIOFUELS
THAI Airways recently became the first carrier in Asia to operate a biofuel flight, with a passenger service flown by a B777-200 between its capital city Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Revenue from the flight
is being reinvested in the developing renewable energy practices, with Thai bringing together petroleum producers, research firms, educational institutions, aircraft and engine manufacturers and government bodies, to take part in the long-term development project. Called Sustainable Biofuels Development for the Aviation Industry (SBDAI), it aims to create both demand and supply through clear national policies on the use and development of biofuels.
Management Standard and ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, helping demonstrate the company’s commitment to sustainable working practices and service. “Everybody likes to think
they provide clients with a quality service,” says Davor
only serviced apartment booking agency to be ISO- certified. The company’s director of sales and opera- tions, Sandra McLaughlin, says it puts them in line with like-minded clients. “Many of our corporate clients have been through the ISO process and know just how demanding it is. They in turn want to deal with companies who share their vision and believe in meeting the same high standards,” she says.
EASYJET'S ELECTRIC EVOLUTION
Five minutes with... Dawn Thomas
PROFILE
General Manager RADISSON EDWARDIAN MERCER STREET HOTEL, COVENT GARDEN, LONDON
Dawn joined the Mercer Street Hotel, formerly the Mountbatten, in 2008 to oversee its £15million refurbishment. She was previously hotel manager for the Radisson Edwardian May Fair and remains one of central London’s very few female general managers.
What is your most memorable business travel trip and why? America’s West Coast wins it hands down. I travelled to San Deigo, LA and Santa Barbara on business and extended my stay by a further week so I could experience it personally with my husband. The region offers something for everyone and really understands the importance of business travellers.
What is your worst business travel experience and why? I’m fortunate enough not to have had a particularly bad business travel experience, but I do find airports very tiresome – they're a means to an end.
What is your favourite destination worldwide and why? I am an avid fan of New York, for both business and pleasure. It’s very similar to London with its vibrant culture and anything goes attitude – a real home from home!
What three items do you never leave home without when on business? My mobile phone to keep in touch, a quality notebook for appointments and an airport Priority Pass, which is great for both long and short haul flights.
What single thing could be done to improve your business travelling life? Shorter check-in times – the less time spent at airports the better!
EASYJET is set to begin trials of a new Electric Green Taxiing System in collaboration with aerospace technology experts Safran and Honeywell. The low-cost carrier is the first airline to trial the technology. Around four per cent of its annual fuel consumption is used during taxiing due to its short sector, high frequency flights. With an average of 20 minutes spent taxiing per flight, the fuel usage adds up to 3.5 million miles a year.
Trials of the new system will
begin next year with a view to the technology being fitted on new aircraft and retrofitted on existing planes from 2016. An Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) allows aircraft to taxi without the use of its engines. Ian Davies, easyJet’s head of engineering and maintenance, says, “We are always seeking innovative ways of reducing our environmental footprint as well as our operating costs so this technology is of great interest.”
What destinations would you like to visit next and why? I have always been fascinated by Japan. It has so many great attributes including its food, gardens, culture and architecture, never mind the fact it's the technology capital of the world.
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