Review of Environmental, Social, and Labor Issues
Environmental and Labor Issues:
Environmental Classification and Issues: This is a category III project according to the IIC’s environmental and labor review procedure because it could produce certain effects that may be avoided or mitigated by following generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The main environmental and labor issues related to this project include efficient water and power use, fire prevention and firefighting, safety and emergency response, solid waste and liquid effluent management, labor practices, and corporate social responsibility.
Efficient Water and Power Use: The project includes measures for the conservation and efficient use of water and energy, including the installation of low-flow faucets and showerheads, rainwater collection and storage for landscape irrigation, an intelligent system to control power consumption in rooms and other areas, and efficient lighting.
Fire Prevention and Firefighting; Safety and Emergency Response: The project will be in compliance with international and local environmental, health and safety regulations, and all related permits will be obtained. Fire prevention and firefighting measures include a water pumping system, heat sensor alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, hoses, and fire extinguishers. These systems are inspected regularly to ensure proper operation; employees receive training in fire prevention and firefighting and take part in drills in coordination with the local fire department. The firefighting system is in compliance with U.S. National Fire Protection Association standards, as well as with Holiday Inn safety standards. The local fire department carries out yearly inspections and certifies that the electrical and gas systems, evacuation routes, and fire safety measures comply with safety standards. In addition, the hotel has an emergency plan in place.
Solid Waste and Liquid Effluent Management: Solid waste generated at the hotel is collected and sorted. Glass, plastic, paper, and cardboard are stored temporarily for subsequent recycling; other waste is picked up for final disposal in authorized sites operated by the municipality. Domestic wastewater is channeled to the municipal sewage system operated by ENACAL (Empresa Nicaragüense de Acueductos y Alcantarillado Sanitario).
Labor Practices and Corporate Social Responsibility: The sponsor is in compliance with local labor laws, adheres to International Labour Organization core principles, and will ensure that contractors provide workers with all necessary safety equipment and follow safe labor practices. The sponsor has been recognized nationally for its community outreach and social responsibility programs; it created a foundation to help sick and underprivileged children.
Oversight and Compliance: The sponsor will continue to implement its Environmental Management Plan covering the environmental protection, safety, and labor issues discussed herein. It will also continue to submit annual reports with monitoring data covering efficient water and power use, fire prevention and firefighting, safety and emergency response, solid waste and liquid effluent management, labor practices, and corporate social responsibility. During the life of the project, the IIC will monitor ongoing compliance with its own environmental and labor review guidelines by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to the IIC by the company and by conducting periodic site reviews as part of project supervision.
