Hyatt Hotels Corporation establishes Green Key as a preferred partner in Asia Pacific

A new cooperation between Green Key and Hyatt Hotels Corporation has been signed, specifying Green Key as a preferred sustainability certification programme for the hotels in Asia Pacific.  

Yakitori Bar, Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of March 31, 2024, the Company’s portfolio had more than 1,300 hotels and all-inclusive properties globally, including over 280 properties in Asia Pacific.

As the world evolves and new challenges emerge, Hyatt has advanced its global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy through World of Care to care for the planet, people and responsible business. The global approach is derived by closely listening to what is most important to colleagues, guests, customers, hotel owners, investors and the communities in which Hyatt hotels operate around the world.

From reducing food waste to the eliminating use of single-used plastic, Hyatt teams across Asia Pacific are accelerating efforts toward Hyatt’s 2030 environmental goals – focused on areas of climate change and water conservation, waste and circularity, responsible sourcing and thriving destinations. Learn more at: https://about.hyatt.com/en/world-of-care.html

Andrew Mensforth, Senior Vice President Operations in Asia Pacific, said:

‘Aligning with World of Care, our global approach to advancing care for the planet, people and responsible business, we are pleased to collaborate with Green Key as we continue our ongoing efforts to cultivate sustainability knowledge across our hotels in the region’. 

Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, also expressed his enthusiasm:

‘It is great to see an important hotel chain like Hyatt recognising the sustainability and educational value of partnering with Green Key, and choosing as a preferred certification programme partner. We are really looking forward to seeing more of Hyatt’s hotels in Asia Pacific adopting the Green Key criteria and validating their sustainability efforts against the certificate’. 

Ecolab Asia Pacific and Green Key International hold a sustainability industry webinar strenghtening the focus on green hospitality

In partnership with Green Key International, Ecolab, the global leader in water and infection prevention solutions, successfully conducted an insightful industry webinar across the Asia Pacific Hotel Industry.

The event explored the future of environmental responsibilities and the ongoing efforts to reduce the hospitality industry's carbon footprint. The webinar featured a compelling discussion on the growing importance of the Green Key certification programme and the progressive shift toward sustainability in the Asia Pacific’s hospitality industry.

Claudia Bogensperger, Green Key International Coordinator and Project Manager, shared the transformational journey the hospitality industry must undertake to become certified and highlighted the pivotal role Green Key plays in guiding the industry toward a greener future. Claudia emphasised Green Key’s dedication to supporting the industry in adopting environmentally friendly and socially sustainable practices.

The webinar also highlighted Ecolab’s innovative approaches to advancing environmental goals, demonstrating real-world applications of their pioneering solutions designed to counteract environmental concerns without compromising productivity.

Ricarda Schneider, Director for Sustainability at Marriott Asia Pacific (excluding China), and Lionel Kapetanakos, Asia Pacific Vice President for Ecolab, were key voices representing seasoned practitioners in the hotel industry.

Schneider remarked, ‘Marriott’s commitment to sustainable development resonates with the core tenets of the Green Key certification programme. These discussions are more than just a dialogue about the future - they are the groundwork for a shift in our industry's approach to the environment. The hotel sector needs to unite more than ever to develop a common vision for sustainability. Together, we can significantly lessen our overall environmental effect and meet the increasing expectations for sustainable practices by combining our knowledge and resources. Collaborating as an industry is essential to bringing about significant and effective change’.

Lionel Kapetanakos from Ecolab added, ‘This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our mission to forge a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Ecolab's science-based solutions, coupled with the Green Key certification programme, provide a clear path for hotels and accommodations to distinguish themselves as environmentally responsible businesses’.

The webinar united thought leaders, business executives and sustainability champions, fostering a shared vision for a more sustainable and responsible hospitality sector.

About Ecolab

A trusted partner for millions of customers, Ecolab (NYSE:ECL) is a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life. Building on a century of innovation, Ecolab has annual sales of $15 billion, employs more than 48,000 associates and operates in more than 170 countries around the world. The company delivers comprehensive science-based solutions, data-driven insights and world-class service to advance food safety, maintain clean and safe environments, and optimize water and energy use. Ecolab’s innovative solutions improve operational efficiencies and sustainability for customers in the food, healthcare, life sciences, hospitality and industrial markets. Find out more at www.ecolab.com

Trinidad’s first certified hotel implements effective waste solutions

Hyatt Regency Trinidad has recently become the first hotel in Trinidad to pass the Green Key certification process. In order to meet the Green Key criteria, the establishment had implemented multiple measures to lower its environmental footprint.

L-R: Videsh Maharaj, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, Willard Harris, Director of Green T&T, Mr. Cliff Hamilton, Chairman of Trinidad Tourism Limited, June Quashie, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Michael Hooper, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering and Lead of Green Team, Hyatt Regency Trinidad 

To celebrate this success and make the hotel’s committment to sustainability more visible for both guests and employees, a certification ceremony has been organised. On the 22nd of May a Green Key flag was officialy raised and the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

Michael Hooper, General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad, remarked:

"We are excited and proud to be the first hotel in Trinidad to be a Green Key certified establishment. This distinction signifies our ongoing commitment not only as part of the growing number of Hyatt hotels worldwide achieving this status, but also as leaders spearheading environmentally responsible practices." 

The hotel had adopted various improvements and strategies to mitigate its negative environmental impacts and comply with the Green Key requirements. That includes incorporating comprehensive recycling programs into hotel’s operating procedures and substiting single-use plastics with eco-friendly alternative.

Also, the energy waste had been addressed thanks to implementing advanced energy-saving systems that reduced the overall energy consumption.

Patrick Borely, Director of Engineering at the hotel, has been the one diligently serving as the hotel's liaison and preparing its application for certification. He commented:

“The Hyatt Regency Trinidad is pleased to have a local operator in Trinidad and Tobago that facilitated and worked together with us to bring the certification to reality. I would definitely encourage other hotels in Trinidad to adopt the Green Key criteria as it would help to lift the sustainability standards of the industry”.

In Trinidad and Tobago, Green T&T serves as the National Operator for the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Green T&T is responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the Green Key program within the country. Working in partnership with government agencies, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality establishments, Green T&T promotes sustainable practices, raises awareness about environmental conservation, and drives the growth of ecotourism. 

During the ceremony, the certificate was handed to Hyatt Regency by Willard P. Harris, Green T&T Director, who summarised:

“As the first hotel in Trinidad to become Green Key certified, Hyatt Regency Trinidad serves as an inspiration and leader in the industry. After almost a year of preparation and fulfilment of stringent criteria, the achievement is significant, and the hotel now plays a pivotal role in fostering a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry”. 

The CEO of Green T&T, Joanna Moses-Wothke added:

"Chain hotels that prioritise environmental sustainability play a critical role in combating global climate change, while simultaneously achieving cost savings and enhancing their brand reputation. We applaud Hyatt Regency Trinidad for their unwavering commitment to obtaining environmental certification and aspire for it to serve as an exemplary model within the industry. " 

This accolade highlights the hotel's dedication to sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. By obtaining Green Key certification, Hyatt Regency Trinidad not only enhances its reputation but also serves as an inspiration for other hotels to pursue similar eco-friendly initiatives. 

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Green T&T

For more information on Green T&T and the Green Key programme, please visit www.green-tt.org or email greenkey@green-tt.org.

If you wish to learn about more initiatives that your business can implement to elavate its sustainability, discover our lastest Good Practices from Green Key certified establishments all around the world.

Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance to become the Green Key National Operator for Australia

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is pleased to announce that Australian Sustainable Destinations Alliance (“SDA”) is taking over the coordinating role for the Green Key programme on the national level.

SDA has been established to meet the growing demand from venues and travellers in the Australian market for sustainability certification programmes with transparent and rigorous standards in the areas of both environmental and social responsibility. Based on those criteria, a decision to establish the national management of the Green Key programme has been made.

As a registered not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, the core objective of SDA is to empower Australians of all ages and backgrounds to become active environmental stewards through impactful education, engagement, and recognition. SDA hopes to use the stringent sustainability criteria of the Green Key programme as a national benchmark for sustainable practices in the hospitality sector, with the cornerstone elements for achieving this being:

● Empowerment: To equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make a positive impact on the environment.

● Inclusivity: To strive to reach all Australians, regardless of age, background, or location.

● Impactful Education: To deliver engaging and effective programs that foster environmental awareness and action.

● Engagement: To create opportunities for individuals to connect with nature, participate in sustainability initiatives, and advocate for positive change.

● Recognition: To acknowledge and celebrate achievements in environmental stewardship through the Green Key program.

The SDA team is already actively engaged with the promotion of the Green Key programme. The positive reception and strong interest from various stakeholders are believed to reflect the commitment of industry professionals to creating a more sustainable future for Australian tourism.

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For enquiries please contact: greenkey@austsda.org

Ibis & Adagio Doha joins the certified hotels in Qatar

Ibis Doha and Adagio Doha have recently celebrated its Green Key certification. Upon meeting the stringent programme’s requirements, Ibis & Adagio Doha has joined the group of now 22 hotels in Qatar that currently hold the certificate.

To pass the Green Key verification process, the hotel complex that houses two Accor brands, fulfilled more than 100 international criteria related to environmental management, procurement, team involvement, guest information, water conservation practices, washing and cleaning methods, waste management, energy conservation practices, food and beverage quality, air quality, green landscaping systems and similar corporate, social and environmental activities. The engagement of the hotels in green initiatives and their efforts towards enhancing sustainability in everyday business operations have been validated by an independent audit.

Rajiv Tarcar, General Manager- Ibis & Adagio Doha said, “Hospitality is at the crossroads of many activities, making it an important vector for change. At Ibis & Adagio Doha, we believe that it is our responsibility to shape a more sustainable future of travel. Accor has been a pioneer in bringing sustainable development to hospitality for over 3 decades. The team are absolutely committed towards our green commitments, and towards Qatar’s sustainability goals as well as Qatar National Vision 2030’’.  

Since the hotel’s opening in November 2022, the hotel has used biodegradable wooden room access cards instead of plastic key cards and has reduced the use of ‘single use plastic’ by 70%. Furthermore, the hotel’s culinary in partnership with the food and beverage team has reduced food waste by 20% by implementing a number of changes in cooking methods, revision of menus, buffet replenishment techniques, etc. The hotel has also invested in AI tools bringing in food waste management solutions.   

Environmental Development is one of the four main pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030. This accolade and certification for Ibis and Adagio Doha is aligned with our commitment to Qatar National 2030 vision. The vision is for Qatar to become an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living to its people.  

First campsites in Spain certified with Green Key

Green Key Spain is thrilled to announce its two first Green Key certifications of campsites.

The programme operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) certifies six different categories of hospitality establishments. That includes campsites and holiday parks. Now, Spain has obtained its first two certified campsites that meet stringent social and environmental criteria.

The Sandaya Cypsela campsite on the coast of Girona and the Gran Camping Zarautz in Guipuzcoa have been the first ones in the country to pass the independent audits and become certified.

The Sandaya Cypsela campsite is part of a bigger chain of camping sites. The chain has been actively implementing eco-conscious practices in its sites in France, with 37 of its establishments currently holding the Green Key certificate.

An impactful decision had been made to enhance the sustainability of the Spanish camping, leading to the recent certification. In order to raise environmental awareness of its guests, the campsite in the Costa Brava, Catalonia, offers multiple education activities related to the natural environment.

Gran Camping Zarautz in Guipuzcoa is located in the north of Spain, near the estuary of the river Inurritza, in an area of great natural value and in close proximity to a beach. It is open all year round and during the summer it organises the sale of local products to promote the local economy and zero-kilometer food products. 

Spain has been one of the leading countries with the highest number of Blue Flag awarded beaches. Now, the sustainable tourism and hospitality in the country is growing even further with the new Green Key certifications. In addition to these two campsites, there are more hotels being certified with Green Key in Spain. 

For more information, please visit: www.llaveverde.org 

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman sets its sustainability benchmark with the Green Key certification

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman proudly announces its Green Key certification. The first certified hospitality establishment from the Cayman Islands enhances the eco-tourism offer of the destination.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

"Achieving the Green Key certification is not just an honor; it’s a call to further action for a greener hospitality industry" said Marc Langevin, General Manager. "The certification highlights the resort’s dedication to environmental responsibility, allowing it to showcase its proactive efforts in adopting sustainable practices."

The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has been delighted to share some of its diverse initiatives that have been implemented to elavate the establishment’s sustainability efforts.

The certified establishment also seeks to promote sustainability and grow staff engagement through the REACT (The Ritz-Carlton Environmental Action Conservation Team) programme. Once per month, the employees are invited to join a panel that aims to discuss, evaluate, and provide feedback on environmental and sociocultural projects. This way, the resort ensures wider community outreach and the integration of staff ideas into the Ritz-Carlton’s sustainability strategies. Educational initiatives and action days are employed to promote responsible behavior, such as a "No Bin Day" that encourages minimal food waste among staff.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Also, the resort's procurement strategy encompasses environmental stewardship and support for local industries by sourcing products that are organic, eco-labelled, fair-trade labelled, and locally produced. This includes a range of items such as local beers, spirits, and organic honey, reflecting the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman’s dedication to sustainable sourcing.

Apart from that, the certified establishment has integrated multiple eco-friendly practices into its day-to-day business operations that help to minimise the resort’s environmental impact, while saving both costs and natural resources.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

For instance, Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman rigorously monitors its water usage and performs regular audits on that matter. By ensuring that over 75% of its all showers and taps do not exceed 9 liters and 8 liters per minute respectively, the establishment has successfully surpassed its sustainability targets.

Additionally, rainwater is collected from roof run-offs and later used for irrigation, minimising the resort’s dependence on processed water.

However, this is not the only waste-minisiming initiative that Ritz-Carlton has implemented. The establishment has proudly phased out single-use tableware in favor of sustainable alternatives - such as wooden cutlery and seaweed-based takeaway boxes. The organic waste is also repurposed through cooperation with local community projects, most notably Beacon Farm which utilizes the green waste provided by the resort for composting.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Last but not least, the Ritz-Carlton has adopted late conservation technology like high-efficiency dishwashers that consume only 0.52 gallons of water per basket. As all the other initiatives, this is part of the resort’s broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.

About Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Nestled on the famous Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offers guests an unparalleled luxury experience, integrated with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.

The resort, the first and only property in the Caribbean to earn Five Stars for its hotel, spa, and restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert in the Forbes Travel Guide, is home to 369 luxuriously appointed rooms handcrafted by acclaimed Champalimaud Design. An elegant spa offers a bespoke collection of revitalizing and relaxing treatments, while six dining venues present guests with a diverse array of epicurean delights. In addition to a spectacular Greg Norman-designed nine-hole golf course, the resort also offers golf enthusiasts a state-of-the-art indoor simulator using Trackman technology.

© Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Ideal for events of all sizes, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is home to the island’s largest ballroom as well as an interactive culinary studio. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment family programming allows guests of all ages to discover the incredible flora and fauna of Cayman, while Starfish Cay water park, tennis and basketball courts and an indoor game room ensures guest young and old are entertained.

The Caribbean’s largest luxury suite configuration, Seven South offers nearly 18,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space replete with elegant interiors, personalized service, and amenities as well as breathtaking panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Encompassing up to 9 bedrooms, including the three-bedroom Grand Penthouse, the private enclave is perched atop the resort’s Ocean Tower evoking a sense of being on top of the world. Each year, the resort and Chef Eric Ripert, welcome some of the world’s finest chefs and most discerning guests for Cayman Cookout.

More information about The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is available at www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman or by phone at +1 (345)943-9000.

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott attains the Green Key certificate

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott is thrilled to announce its attainment of the Green Key certificate, a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices within the hospitality industry.  

Green Key is recognised as the foremost standard for excellence in environmental and social sustainability within the hospitality sector. By obtaining the certification, Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott solidifies its commitment to guests, assuring them that their choice to stay with us actively contributes to positive environmental and social impacts.  

Months of diligent effort and a rigorous audit process have culminated in this significant achievement. Throughout this journey, Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott has made noteworthy efforts toward sustainability, implementing various initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental footprint and fostering local biodiversity conservation. Notable changes include the transition from plastic-wrapped products to sustainable alternatives, as well as proactive measures to protect and preserve the surrounding ecosystem.  

"We are overjoyed to receive the Green Key certificate, as it underscores our steadfast commitment to sustainability," said Ms. Sinead O Reilly-Henell, the General Manager of Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott. "This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to operate as a responsible steward of the environment while providing exceptional experiences for our guests." 

Qabila Westbay Hotel by Marriott extends heartfelt gratitude to our guests, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout this journey toward sustainability: ‘Together, we continue to strive towards a greener future, one where environmental responsibility and hospitality excellence go hand in hand.’

Novotel Itu receives the Green Key certification as the first resort in Brazil

Novotel Itu Golf & Resort has recently obtained the Green Key certificate as the first resort in Brazil. The establishment has thereby become the Accor's 50th sustainability certification in the Americas. 

To mark this achievement, a certification ceremony took was organised, bringing together representatives from Green Key, Accor, along with the mayor of the city of Itu and authorities from local secretariats and the press. The significant role of the collaboration agreement between Green Key International and the Accor hospitality group was also highlighted. In Brazil, the certification procedure is coordinated by the Green Key National Operator, Instituto Ambientes em Rede (IAR).
 
In the process of meeting the Green Key criteria, Novotel Itu Golf & Resort has implemented several socio-environmental practices to minimise its impacts on the environment. Thanks to the elimination of all single-use plastic items, almost 215 thousand units of pet bottles and plastic cups in 2023 alone was saved. In addition, the resort has reduced its water consumption by 50% and reused more than 4 million litters for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. For its operation, Novotel Itu uses 100% energy from renewable sources from the Free Energy Market and has around 200 solar panels for water heating. 

Apart from its environmental practices, the resort also carries out and gets engaged in various social initiatives, thanks to its partnerships with local non-profit institutions. For example, Novotel Itu organises fundraisers to support the NGO Realidades, which promotes housing improvements for vulnerable families in the Itu region. Also, a collaboration with the NGO Aspa has been established, resulting in a part of hotel's pet stay rate being donated to support abandoned dogs taken in by the non-profit institution.

Carlos Jacobina, general manager of Novotel Itu Golf & Resort, expressed pride in achieving the Green Key certificate, emphasising the resort's ongoing commitment to sustainable practices:

"For us at Novotel Itu Golf & Resort, receiving Green Key certification is more than recognition; it is validation of our ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future. We are proud to make history as the first resort in Brazil to achieve this milestone and we intend to advance even further with new practices in our hotel to contribute to the environment and society”.

Leana Bernardi, national coordinator of Green Key, also emphasised the importance of this achievement:

“We are firmly convinced that efforts to reduce the environmental footprint in the hospitality industry play a crucial role in preserving our country's natural beauty. We observe a growing interest among tourists, managers of tourist establishments and public authorities in this direction. In addition to being an indicator of the institutions' commitment to sustainability, the program proactively responds to the growing demand from conscious tourists who seek accommodation options with environmental, social and responsible values”.

With Novotel Itu, Accor has officially reached the milestone of 50 sustainable certified hotels in the Americas. Antonietta Varlese, SVP of Sustainability and Communication at Accor Americas expressed her proud that the company's commitment to promoting sustainability in its operations, in line with ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, brings measurable results.

About

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers destination hotels designed as comforting, energizing places where guests can take a break and enjoy the moments that really matter. The brand's wide range of hotels, suites and resorts offer a wide range of services for business and leisure guests, including spacious, modular rooms with natural, intuitive design; 24/7 buffet service with nutritious options; dedicated meeting spaces; attentive and proactive team; family areas for younger guests; multipurpose lobbies and accessible fitness centers. Novotel, which has more than 530 locations in more than 60 countries, is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group with more than 5,500 properties in more than 110 countries.