As a responsible organisation, we strive to create value for our stakeholders, care for our colleagues and the communities in which we operate, and respect the environment now and for generations to come.
While corporate responsibility values are deeply ingrained in our heritage, we have sharpened our focus on sustainability over the last decade. We are committed to energy efficiency and to reducing our carbon emissions, and this report illustrates the steps we have taken to reduce our energy consumption, manage waste more efficiently, conserve water and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.
Goals have been clearly set to ensure that all of our colleagues are encouraged to “do more for a sustainable future”. To this end, Mandarin Oriental has joined with the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in an industry wide commitment to reduce total CO2 emissions by no less than 50% from 2005 levels by 2035. Emissions reduction is therefore a key focus for the Group as we implement new environmental management processes at our hotels over the coming years. As highlighted in this report, the Group’s hotels have already achieved more than an 11% reduction in energy intensity since measurement began in 2007. The achievement of long-term energy reduction goals is therefore well underway.
As a further example of our commitment to sustainability, the Group officially removed shark’s fin from all restaurants and banqueting menus worldwide at the beginning of 2012. In addition, many of our hotels have implemented sustainable seafood programmes, which we aim to expand upon throughout the Group. In so doing, we are focused on providing guidelines for sustainable sourcing, not just in the area of food and beverage, but throughout our operations.
Mandarin Oriental hotels also actively participate in their communities and enthusiastically embrace their local cultures. As an organisation, we are committed to preserving cultural heritage and supporting the local communities in which we operate.
While we are encouraged by the steps we have already taken towards our environmental and social goals, we recognise many opportunities to further improve our performance. Our environmental and community efforts are designed to make a positive difference in the world, in order to ensure a future that offers the same opportunity for fulfilment that we enjoy today. We embrace this vision and look forward to making it a reality.
Edouard Ettedgui
Group Chief Executive