“Sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a cornerstone of excellence for luxury. As stewards of some of the most beautiful and sought-after locations in the world, we are committed to continuing to innovate while setting the highest standards in luxury hospitality,
from the unique experiences we create for our guests, to the impact we have on the planet and the communities where we operate.” says Laurent Kleitman, Chief Executive Officer of
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. “Our dedication to sustainability is reflected in the significant progress we have made in various areas, including energy efficiency, single use plastic
elimination, and responsible sourcing.”
Key Highlights from This Year’s Report:
- AI-Powered Food-Waste Management
- To combat food waste, Mandarin Oriental has adopted Winnow, an AI-driven food-waste-management system, across all its kitchens. This technology leverages data analysis to optimize menus and portions, significantly reducing food waste.
- Energy Reduction
- Despite an increase in the number of hotels, Mandarin Oriental has achieved a remarkable 22% reduction in energy intensity per square meter from a 2012 baseline. Additionally, the Group has doubled its renewable energy usage from 4% to 8% during the same period.
- Elimination of 99% Single-Use Plastics
- Mandarin Oriental has nearly eradicated single-use plastics from its operations, achieving a 99% elimination rate. This initiative has removed nearly 1,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually, underscoring the Group’s dedication to responsible waste management.
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Mandarin Oriental is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. To achieve this, the company is actively supporting the development of the Net Zero Methodology and contributing to industry-wide progress through its involvement with the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.
Responsible Sourcing
Mandarin Oriental has made notable advancements in responsible sourcing. All coffee, tea, vanilla, cocoa, and sugar are verified by global assurance partner LRQA. The Group also adheres to the latest WWF Endangered Seafood Guide, avoiding 19 species listed on its Endangered Seafood Avoid List. Over 90% of the Group’s eggs are sourced from cage-free chickens, with a target of reaching 100% by 2024. Additionally, innovative partnerships with leading suppliers have led to the creation of eco-friendly guest room amenities, including plastic-free options for sanitary bags, shower caps, and shavers.
Supporting Communities
In 2023, Mandarin Oriental launched a group-wide initiative granting colleagues a paid day off for volunteering. This resulted in a 150% increase in volunteer hours year-on-year, demonstrating the Group’s commitment to community engagement.
Juliet Kinsman, editor of the report, author and founder of Bouteco, stated: “We hope that this
report’s exponential effect increases the positive impact of those who read it since, as well as
sharing Mandarin Oriental’s own data, it communicates the key themes in sustainability in an
easy-to-read way. We hope that its straight-talking style helps readers better understand what
matters and why when measuring sustainability, encouraging other hotels, businesses, and
individuals to be inspired to improve and advance their own practices.”
Tags: AI, carbon emissions, communities, Environmental, ESG, food waste., Food-Waste Management, governance, Hong Kong, Laurent Kleitman, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Policies, technology, sustainability, Bouteco
