（Source : The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group）
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which owns and operates luxury-class hotels, resorts, and residences worldwide, has released its 2023 Sustainability Report. This report summarizes the progress made in strengthening their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies.
Over the past year, 11 of the group’s hotels have obtained certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), with the aim of achieving certification for all hotels by 2025. Additionally, they have reduced energy consumption by 22% from the 2012 baseline, and implemented responsible sourcing of key mass-produced foods, verified by their international assurance partner, LRQA. These are some of the major initiatives undertaken by the group.
The report also highlights other key initiatives and their outcomes. For instance, to address the significant issue of food waste, they introduced the AI-powered food waste management system “Winnow” in all hotel kitchens. This system uses data analysis to optimize menus and portion sizes offered to guests, significantly reducing food waste. The group has also succeeded in eliminating 99% of single-use plastics from their operations, with ongoing efforts to address the remaining 1%. This initiative has led to the removal of approximately 1,000 tons of plastic waste annually, demonstrating the group’s commitment to responsible waste management. Furthermore, all coffee, tea, vanilla, cocoa, and sugar provided by the group have undergone responsible sourcing verification by LRQA. They have made significant progress in responsible sourcing activities and are committed to avoiding 19 species listed in the latest endangered seafood guide by WWF (World Wildlife Fund). Over 90% of the eggs used by the group are sourced from cage-free chickens, with a target of reaching 100% by 2024. Additionally, through innovative partnerships with major suppliers, they have developed eco-friendly guest room amenities that do not use plastic, such as hygiene products, shower caps, and razors.
The group also supports local communities. In 2023, they introduced a group-wide initiative granting paid leave for employees to participate in volunteer activities, resulting in a 150% increase in volunteer hours compared to the previous year, further strengthening the group’s commitment to community engagement.
Regarding the report, Juliet Kinsman, the report’s editor, commented, “By sharing unique data from Mandarin Oriental and conveying key themes in sustainability in an accessible way, we hope the report will exponentially increase positive impact among its readers. The report’s candid approach aims to help readers better understand what is important in measuring sustainability and why, inspiring other hotels, businesses, and individuals to improve and advance their practices.”
Laurent Kleitman, Group CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, added, “Sustainability is not just a responsibility but a cornerstone of luxury excellence. As stewards of some of the world’s most beautiful and sought-after locations, we promise to continue innovating, from the unique experiences we offer our guests to the impact we have on the planet and communities where we operate. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in significant progress in areas such as energy efficiency, eliminating single-use plastics, and responsible sourcing.”
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group operates 40 hotels and 12 residences in 26 countries and regions, adhering to an operational philosophy that respects Asian traditions and regional characteristics. They aim to achieve sustainable growth and strengthen their position as an innovative leader in the hospitality industry.
Here are the details.