In keeping with the theme of this inSPIRE EDIT, we've rounded up some of the luxury brands represented by our community, who are driving sustainability as part of their brand's mission and vision. We'd love to hear from you if you have any exciting plans centred around sustainability so that we can share these also, to inspire others.  

Travel with Purpose by Hilton Brands Globally

Hilton Brands Globally (including Waldorf Astoria, LXR & Conrad Hotels and Resorts luxury brands) are working to operate and grow sustainably whilst reducing the consumption of natural resources through their Travel with Purpose Programme. 

Commenting on their Travel with Purpose Programme, Kate Walsh, Director of Sales, Luxury EMEA said: “We continue to have huge interest from customers on how we can support their individual ESG objectives, including helping them with ways to reduce their carbon footprint. 

“We’ve experienced very strong growth in our Carbon Neutral Business Meeting offering since it was announced last summer, with companies valuing the ability to offset the carbon footprint of their meetings and events at participating locations through our partnership with social enterprise South Pole” 

Driven by demand, the number of hotels offering Carbon Neutral Business Meetings has grown to more than 770 around the world since the launch of 60 locations in EMEA less than a year ago, and this number is expected to continue to grow.

Hilton are seeing growing interest in carbon emission reports so that companies can manage their own carbon impact. Since 2008 Hilton have used LightStay, their proprietary cloud-based sustainability measurement platform, to measure, monitor and report their environmental and social impact across the global portfolio.

Measures could include, for example:

• Taking advantage of menus designed with plant-based ingredients

• Reducing use of plastic by serving beverages in pitchers and drinking glasses

• Cutting down on food waste by swapping buffets for action/live stations and build-your-own options

• Donating excess food to local food banks serving the community

Gold Membership of the Green Globe Certification for Constance Hotels and Resorts

Whilst the wellbeing of their guests remains a key priority, Constance Hotels and Resorts are committed to taking every step possible to preserve the environment around them. They are working to increase the sustainability of their operations through positive contributions to biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation and community development.

In 2013, they started an environmental sustainability performance programme to promote their environmental credentials and work towards obtaining the Green Globe Certification; the world’s leading certification for sustainable operation and management of travel & tourism worldwide. Today they proudly hold a Gold Membership of the Green Globe Certification.

Djaved Fareed, Corporate Sustainability Manager at Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, comments: “Sustainable tourism is a commitment for the Constance Hotels, Resorts & Golf, and for several years now, we have been engaged in a series of practical social initiatives and green programmes. We are committed to conserving our surrounding natural environment and believe that eco-hospitality is possible.

“Since 2013, one of our main priorities has been to leverage eco-consciousness in our hotels as well as in our behaviour. We initiated a series of eco measures; adopted leading sustainable best practices and developed green initiatives to become the best eco-luxury hotels brand of the Indian Ocean. Within 5 years, we managed to obtain our Green Globe certification and we are now the first hotel group in the Indian Ocean to be a Gold member of the certification. Our four key areas are: environmental, socio-cultural, quality and health & safety.

“We put nature at the heart of the traveller experience. Environmental commitment is central to the TRUE BY NATURE concept, a perfect alliance of premium service and respect for biodiversity. 

“As part of sparking interest in green issues and empowering its guests, Constance Hotels and Resorts has drawn together a network of naturalists and biologists who work to protect the ocean floor and  endangered endemic species, as well as raising guest awareness and providing them with educational information about local plants and wildlife.

“Constance Hotels & Resorts outlines the contours of contemporary hospitality by focusing on the ethos of sustainability to deliver the perfect combination of luxury and ecology – and embraces its responsibilities and leading the way with innovation in sustainable tourism.“

Some of the many actions that Constance Hotels & Resorts are working on to maintain their Gold Membership status include environmental awareness, careful management of energy, water and waste, sustainable procurement and marine life conservation. 

Gold certification by EarthCheck for The Alpina Gstaad 

In recognition of its unwavering commitment to the care of people and the planet, The Alpina Gstaad was the first Swiss organisation to receive the coveted Gold certification by EarthCheck – the leading global group for scientific benchmarking, certification and consulting in the field of travel and tourism since 1987.

Since embarking on this journey towards a more holistic approach to sustainability in 2016, the hotel earned its first Silver certification in 2017 before undergoing a rigorous audit and certification process for five consecutive years to secure the highest certification.

Ms Jasmina Kühne, EarthCheck Coordinator of The Alpina Gstaad says: "With environmental and community development at heart since inception, The Alpina Gstaad aspires to be a global platform for creativity and cultural innovation, a place where both guests and hosts are inspired by engaging conversations and events that spark dialogue on some of the world's most pressing issues. We are guided by our passion for mental and physical wellbeing, to offer regenerative and transformative hospitality to those who seek it." 

The Alpina Gstaad believes that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, and as luxury service providers, they pledge to conduct fair and sustainable business practices that continue to develop their immediate local community and extend to those they do business with outside of the Saanenland in Switzerland. 

Royal Lancaster London commits to Personal, Social and Environmental integrity

Driven by their vision statement; 'We Always Care', the Royal Lancaster London not only delivers enriched experiences for their guests and employees but also strives to minimise their impact on the environment, to ensure that they have a positive effect in their neighbourhood at the centre of London. From the beehives on their roof to the energy-efficient kitchens in their basement, they are committed to reducing energy consumption, conserving natural resources, increasing recycling and reducing waste.

As part of their CSR work, they are also helping the local community and in particular charities within Westminster including West London Mission; COSMIC (Children of St Mary’s Intensive Care); Woman’s Trust; Orion Orchestra and Sleepsmart through various fundraising activities and events. They also encourage and motivate their employees to get involved in charitable activities from fundraising events and challenges and through volunteering in our local community.  

Mandarin Oriental Commits to Eliminating Single-Use Plastic Across its Global Luxury Portfolio

As a supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Mandarin Oriental is well recognised for delivering service excellence across its portfolio of luxury hotels and for operating its hotels and residences responsibly and sustainably.

In March 2021, the organisation pledged to eliminate all single-use plastic, across its entire portfolio of luxury hotels, by the end of March 2021. Having completed a thorough stock inventory, the Group identified 23 of the most common items of single-use plastic currently in use across the portfolio.

James Riley, Group Chief Executive says, “Plastic waste is one of the gravest environmental concerns affecting our planet today. While our relatively small footprint limits our contribution to the world’s plastic reduction, as one of the most iconic luxury global hotel groups we are in a strong position to drive important changes in the industry.”

The Group's other initiatives are outlined in the company's latest Sustainability Report and are supported by the dedication and hard work of Mandarin Oriental's 12,500 colleagues who continue to identify impactful ways to respond to the local community and environmental needs.

If you have a CSR initiative that you would like to share to inspire the inVOYAGE community, please get in touch by emailing pamela@four-pr.com