GÜNEŞ HOTEL MERTER’S SUSTAINABILITY MESSAGE
As Güneş Hotel Merter, we are aware of the fact that sustainability efforts in tourism minimize the negative impacts on environmental and cultural heritage and the responsibilities that sustainable tourism brings. We are trying to leave a better world for future generations. In this direction, we continue our work on many issues within the concept of sustainability such as reducing environmental impacts, energy, water and waste management, protecting cultural and social heritage, providing economic and social benefits to local people and protecting the environment. In today’s world where the importance of climate change and global warming is felt more and more every day, we aim to fulfill our responsibility in the best way possible and strive for our employees to adopt environmental awareness. We aim to increase our success every day by focusing on effectively managing sustainability risks and ensuring sustainable growth with long-term strategies.
ABOUT GÜNEŞ HOTEL MERTER
Güneş Hotel Merter offers a unique experience in Istanbul. With the harmony it establishes in experience and service, our hotel offers a unique and relatively undiscovered city environment.
Our mission is quite simple: to inspire our guests from the moment they enter our hotel until the moment they leave. We believe that a hotel is not just a bed, bathroom and mini bar. It is much more than that.
Our hotel is more than just a hotel, it is a lifestyle that appeals to personal tastes where our guests will be eager to spend time. Creative, intriguing, inspiring. You are real painters, Güneş Hotel Merter is a perfect canvas extending to your dreams. We offer an accommodation experience that will continue with you, our guests, even after you check out.
GÜNEŞ HOTEL MERTER SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
As Güneş Hotel Merter, our main goal is to provide the highest level of guest satisfaction in our products and services. While progressing towards this goal, the following items constitute our basic principles;
Legal Regulations
Güneş Hotel Merter undertakes to comply with the legal regulations regarding all its products, service transactions and other activities.
Human Rights
Güneş Hotel Merter undertakes to respect all internationally recognized human rights in relation to its activities and complies with all legislation and agreements within this scope. In this direction, we evaluate all our guests and employees equally, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, opinion, age, social and marital status, family origin, physical or mental disability and sexual orientation.
Employee Safety and Investment in Human Resources
The basis of Güneş Hotel Merter Human Resources processes is the value we give to people, and therefore to our employees. The health, safety and happiness of Güneş Hotel Merter employees are an inseparable part of our strategic goals of growth, profitability and creating new opportunities. All our employees who will contribute to this goal benefit from our equal training opportunities.
Güneş Hotel Merter closely monitors and implements legal obligations regarding the health, safety and working hours of its personnel and business partners; regularly inspects and checks their compliance.
Guest Satisfaction and Safety
Our guests are our reason for existence. We believe that we can increase our competitive power by ensuring guest satisfaction and thus we can reach much better places in the markets we operate in. It is our primary duty to follow up on our guests’ complaints, inform our guests about the issue and turn their complaints into opportunities by solving them.
Children’s Rights
Güneş Hotel Merter has a family and children’s hotel concept. We are aware that children will shape our future. As Güneş Hotel Merter, any kind of exploitation of children is condemned and children under the age of 18 are not employed except for educational purposes. Güneş Hotel Merter undertakes to cooperate with all legal institutions operating in the fields of respect for children’s rights, prevention of child abuse, and assistance to children in need of care and protection, and to ensure that its employees are also aware of this issue.
Respect for the Environment – Energy Saving
We are aware that our energy resources are limited, and we monitor our consumption data to support less energy and water consumption, raise awareness among our employees, and work to ensure continuous improvement of energy efficiency. In order not to harm the environment, we evaluate our waste and hazardous waste in accordance with recycling principles and in a way that does not pollute nature.
Food Safety – Hygiene
Our main principle is to implement a food safety system in the food chain to provide quality products in accordance with food safety policies, to make continuous improvements and to prioritize hygiene requirements.
Our Investors and Business Partners
We try to provide better service than our competitors at optimum cost by determining the expectations and needs of our investors who provide a peaceful and safe working environment to our employees and business partners.
Supporting the Local Economy and Sustainable Purchasing Practices
We are aware of our contribution to the local economy, so we make the majority of our supplies from local producers. For sustainable tourism, we take care to purchase environmentally friendly products and services with high energy, water and waste efficiency.
Social Responsibility
We believe that our work on integrating with the community we are in and taking part in the solution of social problems will contribute to ensuring sustainability in tourism.
According to these principles, our hotel, which competes in both national and international markets, always demonstrates its determination to be a leader, and constantly develops and provides the necessary resources for this purpose.
ENVIRONMENT, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY
As Güneş Hotel Merter, we carry out our activities in accordance with legal regulations, environmental and labor standards. To ensure this;
We determine the effects and risks of our activities in the fields of environment, occupational health and safety, and take the necessary measures to prevent the emergence of these risks or reduce their undesirable effects.
We create goals and programs for the continuous development of our environment, occupational health and safety management system, review them and make the necessary resource investments.
We fulfill the requirements of legal regulations regarding environment, occupational health and safety.
We carry out the necessary controls and take precautions to prevent and eliminate the formation of hazardous environments that may cause accidents and diseases and environmental pollution resulting from our activities.
We train our employees and ensure their participation.
We encourage our suppliers to comply with environmental, occupational health and safety standards and regulations in line with our policy and we take care to cooperate in these areas.
We expect our guests to be informed about our environmental sensitivity and to contribute to respecting and protecting nature during their holidays.
QUALITY POLICY
As Güneş Hotel Merter, we believe that we can increase our competitive power by ensuring customer satisfaction and that we can reach much better places in the markets we operate in.
Our goal is to provide the services we have committed to in the best way with high quality.
In order to achieve this, we receive the most valuable support from our expert employees.
We evaluate the feedback that may come from customers, employees and other parties fairly and impartially with a customer-focused perspective, beyond legal regulations.
The conscious implementation of our current quality and complaint handling system by each of our employees will contribute to the continuous improvement of our service quality and customer satisfaction.
OUR ENVIRONMENTAL APPROACH
We respect the environment and people in order to be respected in the world. Without compromising the comfort of our guests, we aim to control the amount of water, electricity, energy, chemicals and solid waste and to minimize the damage that may occur to the environment and natural resources. With the measures we have taken in the light of sustainable tourism principles, the use of natural resources has been reduced, and the aim has been to update the practices in order to minimize and, if possible, eliminate the damage to the soil, water and air.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
RECYCLABLE WASTES
Waste management is a management style that includes processes such as reducing waste at its source, separating it according to its characteristics, collecting, storing, recovering, transporting, disposing of it and controlling it after disposal processes. As Güneş Hotel Merter, our primary goal in our Waste Management System is to reduce the amount of waste, manage our waste well and dispose of it with the least harm to the environment, and to recycle the recyclable ones.
Our staff is given information training on the importance of waste separation and waste separation is monitored by the relevant departments.
We provide separation boxes and bags in general areas and floor carts on the floors where the guest rooms are located to ensure that they separate their waste. We inform them about the Waste Management System we implement in our hotel and encourage them to reduce the amount of waste and separate the waste that occurs.
All recyclable packaging waste and organic waste collected are delivered to licensed companies, thus contributing to recycling.
We prioritize supplying large packaged products wherever possible in purchases, thus trying to prevent excess packaging waste.
In most single-use breakfast products, large packaged boxes and buckets are purchased to reduce packaging waste.
We store our vegetable waste oil and hazardous waste in the manner prescribed by law and send them to licensed companies for disposal/recycling.
Refillable soap dispensers are used in the general areas of our facility.
In the chemicals used in room cleaning, a concentrated product is selected and a dosing system is used. In this way, more effective results are obtained with less dosage and we protect the environment with minimum waste.
In order to reduce our paper consumption, we make our correspondence and announcements via e-mail as much as possible. Updates made on documents can be announced through our quality network through the document software we use. Documents that need to be recorded according to our management systems and legal standards are created electronically if possible and stored on the computer.
There was a 40% decrease in paper (A4, A3) consumption between 2021 and 2022.
OUR WASTE MANAGEMENT EFFORTS
In 2020, due to the impact of pandemic conditions, mask and glove waste began to be defined as a new type of waste. In line with this, special waste bins were purchased and positioned at certain points. A system suitable for the waste area was established for tracking the waste and sending it after waiting for 3 days at the facility. This practice was regulated by the ministry and is no longer used.
OUR GOALS
After the pandemic period, switching to the use of multi-use American service instead of paper American service
Reducing paper consumption in entry procedures by implementing the online check-in system
Continuing staff awareness-raising activities, receiving external training
WASTE AMOUNTS
Evaluation;
In 2022, we generated 60% less waste compared to 2021. During the pandemic period, the consumption of single-use products increased in order to comply with legal requirements. This also caused an increase in the amount per person.
The vegetable waste oils collected in 2021-2022 were delivered to the recycling company for biodiesel fuel production.
Evaluation;
The waste oils collected in 2021-2022 were regularly delivered to the institution we have an agreement with and their motat entries were made.
HAZARDOUS WASTES
In order for the hazardous wastes generated in our hotel to be disposed of without harming the environment, we collect the hazardous wastes generated in our departments in our hazardous waste rooms under appropriate conditions, label them and deliver them to licensed companies for legal disposal or evaluation. We provide training to our staff on this subject and keep warning and informative posters in the personnel areas.
We inform our staff about how to store hazardous wastes.
Evaluation;
The batteries and accumulators in stock in 2021 and the contaminated packaging were delivered in 2022.
In December 2022, hazardous waste and printing toner wastes were delivered to the institution we have an agreement with.
CHEMICAL USE
Cleaning by taking the environment into consideration means cleaning hygienically and at the same time negatively affecting health and the environment as little as possible. The damage to the environment can be minimized not only by using environmentally compatible cleaning products but also by using these products economically and adjusting their dosage well. In this way, the total damage of chemicals to the environment can be significantly reduced.
Our laundry is washed in the laundry room within our hotel. The necessary maintenance of the washing machines is carried out periodically and thus we reduce our chemical consumption.
We check that the pest control company we receive service from outside uses products that do not harm human health and the environment. We try to reduce chemical consumption caused by pesticides by trying to benefit more from natural measures (fly trap, adhesive paper, etc.).
The general chemicals we use have high biodegradability and we especially evaluate this criterion in new purchases.
Studies on reducing chemical use;
Our employees have been trained on the use of chemicals and the measures to be taken in case of spillage/scattering of hazardous chemicals.
Sensor disinfectants were preferred in general area hand disinfection systems and consumption was tried to be kept at an optimum level.
Evaluation;
Total chemical consumption decreased by 39% in 2021 compared to 2022. These are the results obtained with Ecolab products.
On the other hand, the removal of decorative pillows and bed shawls on beds due to the pandemic provided a small decrease in chemical consumption due to washing.
Chemical use has decreased with Ecolab dosage systems in our dishwashers.
ENERGY MANAGEMENT
One of the most important steps regarding sustainability is to ensure energy efficiency.
In our facility, first of all, values related to energy use are monitored and problems are intervened daily. Sections where excessive consumption occurs are determined and possible saving measures are determined.
Low-consumption equipment and systems are preferred.
Long-term improvement is achieved by using automation management and monitoring resources.
Energy savings are constantly analyzed through maintenance, supervision and monitoring.
ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS CONSUMPTION
We aim for all electronic products we purchase to be energy-efficient and for all our employees to receive training on energy saving.
The following studies are carried out and their continuity is ensured regarding energy saving in our hotel.
In our hotel, instead of incandescent bulbs, energy-efficient lighting or LED lighting is used in all rooms and general areas to save energy and reduce the amount of hazardous waste.
The hotel’s building environmental lighting, heating and cooling systems are controlled and controlled by automation.
Motion-sensitive sensor lighting is used in applicable guest common areas.
Many areas within the facility are designed to reduce energy consumption by taking advantage of daylight.
Electronic key cards are used in our rooms.
All electrical devices are maintained and cleaned at certain intervals to minimize potential energy losses.
Photocell-based self-opening and closing doors are used where possible, and energy consumption that will occur with heating/cooling loss is reduced.
The placement of heating and cooling devices is planned in a way that will not reduce energy efficiency.
Laundry working hours are set within the program.
Consumption reduction efforts;
Conversion of compact and fluorescents to LED lighting has continued.
Meters have been installed in natural gas consumption areas and area monitoring has been provided more effectively.
OUR GOALS
Continuing energy efficiency increasing applications in our hotel
Continuing to purchase devices with reduced environmental impacts and high energy efficiency
Continuing the trainings on saving measures carried out every year to reduce energy consumption rates
Continuing to develop energy consumption reduction projects
Ensuring the conversion of all fluorescent, PLC and compact lighting used in the hotel to LED lighting
Electricity and natural gas consumptions are constantly monitored and recorded. There are separate meters in many sections of our facility and thanks to these meters, separate monitoring can be done for each section. The data obtained from these monitorings has started to be recorded quarterly and annually.
Evaluation;
In 2021, air conditioning plants adjusted due to the pandemic were set to operate with 100% fresh air. This situation caused air conditioning plants to consume 35% more. Work is planned to reduce energy consumption in this system.
In 2022, total electricity consumption decreased by % compared to 2021.
In 2022, natural gas consumption decreased by 15% compared to 2021.
WATER CONSUMPTION
In order to reduce overall water consumption without compromising on health, hygiene and guest satisfaction, we use water-saving equipment; we inform our guests and train our employees on this issue.
The following studies are carried out and maintained in our hotel regarding water saving:
In addition to low-flow special taps and shower heads, we prevent unnecessary water use by using photocell or timed taps, showers and urinals.
We reduce flush water use through low-volume reservoirs.
We train our staff to detect and prevent water leaks from room toilets, and we expect our guests to report these leaks to us.
Towel and sheet changes in the rooms are carried out in line with guest requests and guests are informed about this. If there is no guest request, changes are made every two to three days.
Reducing water consumption;
The importance of water resources is emphasized in staff trainings and informative signs are hung in staff areas.
OUR GOALS
Continuing training activities to raise awareness among our personnel to reduce water consumption
Preventing water leaks by revising infrastructure at needed points
Reducing water consumption by removing bathtubs in hotel rooms
PURCHASING
Importance is given to the recycling of packaging materials in food and beverage purchases.
In purchases, priority is given to suppliers with ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certificate or an environmental certificate accepted on an international platform.
As central purchasing, sustainable purchasing approach has been adopted and a parallel procedure has been established with this approach.
In purchases, we prioritize the supply of large packaged products wherever possible, thus trying to prevent the formation of excess packaging waste.
SUSTAINABILITY ACTIVITIES
ZERO WASTE
We have been certified by the ISTANBUL GOVERNORATE OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY, PROVINCIAL DIRECTORATE OF ENVIRONMENT, URBANIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE.
Our hotel has carried out and will continue to carry out studies towards our 2023 goals in many areas with the understanding of sustainable environment and sustainable development.
Environmental Trainings
Environmental trainings are provided to our employees in line with annual training programs. Trainings are carried out internally and externally. All our employees have been made aware of the environment with the trainings given periodically by our Environmental Officer.
It is aimed to raise the awareness of our employees who use chemicals in order to ensure the standardization of chemical consumption by receiving chemical trainings from our supplier companies.
Our environmental engineer has provided trainings on efficient energy consumption, and with these trainings, our employees have been informed about the energy efficiency studies in our facility and guided on how they can contribute to these studies.
Fire Fighting
We are carrying out studies to prevent damage in the event of any fire. In this context,
Our employees have been given fire training.
Emergency teams have been formed.
Fire drills have been organized.
Cargo bag collection
As the Güneş Hotel Merter team; our priority is always our children.
In this context, we have participated in the “Cargo Bags in the Box, Children to School” campaign organized by MNG Cargo. All cargo bags arriving at our hotel are collected in this box and forwarded to MNG Cargo. Through this campaign, we support the construction of new schools and our education system.
Local Information
We contribute to the promotion of our region by providing information on local transportation opportunities, nearby residential areas, and historical beauties on the information boards located in our facility.
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION
Personnel Services
We provide transportation for our personnel working in different shifts with our service vehicles free of charge.
Personnel Cafeteria
All food served in the personnel cafeteria is free of charge for our employees. Within the 14-day menus, at least 4 types of meals, salad varieties and desserts / fruits and drinks are offered.
Employee Health
There is an on-site physician in our hotel that our employees can benefit from. They are provided with free support from the On-site Physician on certain days of the week.
Laundry Use
All our employees’ work uniforms and all kinds of work-related clothing are cleaned free of charge.
Equality
There are members of different religions, languages and races in our company and hotel, both as guests and staff. Our basic principle is that no one should be subject to discrimination in terms of gender, religion, language and race. This issue is also explained in the orientation trainings provided by the HR department and the staff is ensured to adopt it. In addition, employee rights and the importance given to this issue are emphasized in the orientation trainings provided by the HR Department.
Career Management
We provide internship opportunities for tourism students to gain experience in working life. We support our employees with trainings and career management programs. We aim to train our employees as much as possible and meet the required positions within our own organization.
Employee Suggestions and Opinions
A Personnel Satisfaction Survey is conducted once a year in order to evaluate the suggestions and opinions of our employees. The survey results are meticulously evaluated and necessary improvements are planned.
In addition, our employees can express their suggestions and opinions at routine times through the personnel Suggestion and Complaint Box.
Organizations
At the end of each year, a “Personnel Night” is organized, which all employees attend with their spouses to relieve the tiredness of the year and to get closer.
Every month, employees whose birthdays are celebrated with a birthday party and a cake is cut.
Trainings
Internal and external trainings with different contents are provided in our facility in line with the annual training plans. These trainings aim to increase the competence and knowledge level of our personnel.
- Orientation training
- On-the-job training
- Occupational health and safety training
- First aid training
- Fire training
- Environmental protection training
- Energy efficiency and savings training
- Management system training
- Personal development training
- Hygiene and food safety training
GUEST COMPLAINT AND REQUEST MANAGEMENT
As Güneş Hotel Merter, “Guest Focus” is our basic principle. We act with the aim of 100% guest satisfaction and work with all our efforts to meet their needs and expectations.
Since production and consumption occur simultaneously in the service sector, errors are inevitable. However, successful compensation for service errors will be possible by being aware of the existence of complaints, creating processes that produce fast solutions and are based on the concept of justice regarding the management of these complaints, informing our staff and guests about these processes and implementing these processes effectively.
Our guests can report their complaints during their stay at the hotel or after they leave the hotel. This feedback is followed by the relevant department managers, evaluated in our meetings and remedial activities are determined.
The complaints and requests that our guests report to us during their stay are recorded through our Guest Relations Management program. Performance criteria such as our guest’s satisfaction with the result and the response time to the request are monitored through this system.
