Photo Credit: Iberostar Hotels & ResortsIn 2018, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts initiated the transformative Wave of Change movement toward responsible tourism, leading to the creation in 2020 of its ambitious 2030 Agenda and a department that today comprises over 250 people across 44 properties in an effort to reduce waste and implement reuse and recycling efforts. Among its successes, the chain eliminated single-use plastics from all of its properties, and an innovative AI-assisted program saved more than 230 million pounds of organic food waste in 2023.
There’s more: In line with a commitment to protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, Iberostar launched a program in the Caribbean that established eight coral nurseries to contribute to reef restoration and included the planting of over 19,000 mangroves. The chain’s science team also is leading research to identify the most resilient coral species, all in service of a commitment to the earth’s fragile ecosystem.
Among the Parkroyal Collection’s exquisite roster of far-flung properties, the 583-room Parkroyal Collection Marina Bay, Singapore, is a “garden in a hotel” thanks to green initiatives ranging from energy and water consumption to plastic- and food-waste management, sustainability in MICE management, food-supply resilience and more. On-site features include 210 rooftop solar panels reducing almost 148 tons of carbon emission, a water-filtration system that helps eliminate 360,000 single-use plastic bottles a year and sustainable/plant-based menus with locally sourced ingredients.
An extended-stay hospitality company, Mint House places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Over the past 12 months the chain has implemented operational improvements to bolster the implementation of eco-friendly waste management systems, bulk-ordering room amenities to reduce single-use plastics, and maintaining partnerships with sustainable manufacturers and brands to emphasize natural materials. To date, Mint House has achieved a 23 percent reduction in daily CO2 emissions and energy usage, while meeting its goal to produce zero single-use plastic waste.