ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on corporate social responsibility (CSR)-inspired efforts at environmental protection in selected top hotel chains. It offers a conceptual framework, which provides an indispensable context. The chapter discusses the theoretical underpinnings and practical implications of CSR for corporate environmentalism and human resource management (HRM). It describes the method and examines environmental initiatives implemented by selected hotel chains, with special emphasis on their activities in Europe. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is currently the largest hotel chain in terms of the number of rooms. Rezidor Hotel Group, which owns the Radisson Blu brand, introduced the 'Responsible Business' programme in 2001 in response to increasing demands from guests, corporate clients, employees and owners. A network of environmental coordinators was created to facilitate participation of individual hotels in various activities, and feedback on facility performance is continuously provided to team members. The chapter concludes by highlighting its limitations, suggesting further research directions and, critically, making a number of managerial policy recommendations.
