When COVID-19 struck, the world came to a standstill and the hospitality business underwent a very public environmental and social re-evaluation – one that was and still is greatly needed. This year Earth Day centres on the theme of “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlighting society’s growing dedication to ending plastic pollution and reducing plastic production by 60% by 2040. The hospitality industry is responding to this call by implementing new initiatives aimed at reducing single-use plastics, minimising food waste, and introducing waste charging schemes. Below are a few hotels leading the charge in sustainability, often going above and beyond to achieve their goals.
1. The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts
The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts epitomise sustainable luxury with a holistic approach encompassing environmental stewardship, responsible supply chains, and impactful social initiatives. Through renewable energy adoption, electric boats, and EV chargers, they’ve slashed carbon footprints and promoted sustainable transportation. In line with their wellness program, Aujasya by The Leela, the establishment of in-house water bottling plants represents a significant stride in curbing single-use plastic. This endeavour is poised to eradicate 3.2 million plastic bottles annually, resulting in a reduction of 157 metric tonnes of carbon emissions. Additionally, Tishya by The Leela, provides 100% vegan, bamboo-based amenities, replacing 28 tonnes of single-use plastic.
2. CGH Earth
CGH Earth views tourism as a catalyst for environmental consciousness and advocacy, and across its properties, CGH Earth champions green practices as a standard, emphasising the principles of recycling, reusing, and reducing waste, water, and energy consumption. Plastic usage is minimised through innovative measures such as employing reusable cloth bags as bin liners in guest rooms and mandating vendors to eschew plastic packaging in favour of reused containers. Purified water is provided in glass bottles, while guest amenities like shampoo and soap containers are crafted from eco-friendly materials such as china clay and terracotta.
3. Alila Diwa Goa
Alila Diwa Goa is known to have introduced Goa’s first automated sustainable drinking water bottling facility, eliminating over 350,000 single-use plastic bottles annually and cutting carbon emissions by 50 metric tonnes. Embracing a circular economy model, the resort provides guests with clean, alkaline water in sterilised glass bottles, reducing both plastic waste and transportation emissions. All dining venues have phased out plastic straws in favour of biodegradable alternatives, while outdoor events feature compostable Areca plates and bowls made from fallen palm leaves. You will also find wooden key cards and eco-friendly bathroom amenities for your rooms.
4. ITC Hotels
From the structural design to the daily operations, ITC Hotels leads by example in fostering a greener future. Twelve of their prestigious properties have achieved the remarkable feat of being certified as the world’s first Twelve LEED Zero Carbon hotels, showcasing a dedication to carbon neutrality. Moreover, ITC Mughal in Agra, ITC Sonar in Kolkata, and ITC Rajputana in Jaipur have earned the distinction of being the first three hotels to receive LEED Zero Water certification. Guided by the ethos of Responsible Luxury, they continue to pioneer initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic and have reduced the usage of single-use-plastic from 150 touch points across hotel operations. This has helped eliminate an estimated 2.5 lakh kg of plastic per year.
5. LaLit
The Lalit hotels stand at the forefront of sustainable hospitality practices, integrating eco-friendly initiatives across their properties. Through the widespread adoption of LED lights and sensor options, they prioritise energy efficiency and source electricity from renewable sources like windmills and solar panels, which account for up to 80% of their energy needs. To combat plastic pollution, The Lalit has replaced plastic bottles with glass alternatives. Additionally, the installation of a state-of-the-art RO facility ensures a sustainable and healthy water supply.
6. Hyatt
Hyatt hotels are committed to reducing single-use plastics through various efforts across properties. For example, hotels are currently focused on transitioning to large-format bathroom amenities at properties across the globe. Additionally, hotels are working to make more hydration stations available to guests. Several properties, like Park Hyatt Hyderabad and Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, even bottle water in reusable containers as a way to replace single-use bottles of water.
Cover Image Credits: Amanoi
