For 25 years now, the Hospitality Awards have been recognizing the most daring and exemplary initiatives in the international hotel industry. This week, the focus is on the Best Innovative Environmental Protection Initiative category, which recognizes the most innovative projects in sustainable development and environmental protection. An award that embodies the sector’s ability to evolve in order to reduce its ecological footprint.
Valuing the sustainable transition of our industry
This award recognizes hotel initiatives that have a measurable impact on the planet, its resources and its flora and fauna. Candidate projects must demonstrate an innovative approach, rigorous management and a tangible contribution to reducing the industry’s environmental footprint.
Whether it’s biodiversity, resource management, education or waste reduction, this category honors projects aimed at a more sustainable future.
The Best Innovative Environmental Protection Initiative category is divided into two sub-categories:
- Corporate: for initiatives carried out at the level of a hotel group or international network.
- Locals: for projects implemented at the level of an individual establishment, whether independent or part of a group.
Different but complementary visions
2024 Winner – Sunlife Marine Conservation (Mauritius) – Corporate
Sunlife’s Marine Discovery Programme is a model of organic growth and scientific innovation. Launched with no budget under a coconut tree, this project has become a complete marine laboratory, mobilizing over 10,000 participants around the preservation of coastal ecosystems.
In five years, it has planted over 2,000 coral fragments on 3,000 m², integrated AI and 3D structures, and collaborated with international partners such as Australian Aid. The initiative combines research, education and eco-tourism to strengthen marine and community resilience in Mauritius.
2023 Winner – Minor Hotels : Nature-Based Hotels Long Term Conservation Project – Corporate
With direct responsibility for unique ecosystems, Minor Hotels has set up an ambitious program involving 58 hotels and 47 conservation projects worldwide. The aim: to protect dozens of endangered species through scientific partnerships, community action and tailor-made projects.
By 2023, 94% of nature-based hotels were actively involved in a long-term project. Some actions include leasing protected land and scientific publications. The initiative demonstrates how hospitality can become a key player in conservation.
2022 Winner – Accor: creation of sustainable accessories lines- Corporate
Faced with the lack of viable alternatives to plastic, Accor has co-developed a line of eco-responsible accessories, in conjunction with its long-standing suppliers. The initiative, a pioneer in the sector, favors materials such as bamboo, wood and kraft paper, and is based on the 3R principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Products are no longer systematically placed in rooms, but are available on request, encouraging sensible consumption. This global strategy has enabled Accor to meet its sustainability commitments by the end of 2022.
2023 Winner – B&B HOTEL Guimarães (Portugal) : first CREE certified hybrid building – Locals
To mark its 700th establishment, B&B HOTELS has inaugurated the first eco-designed CREE System-certified hotel in Portugal, reducing its carbon footprint by 60% and saving 33% in raw materials. Its lobby incorporates 300 kg of fishing nets and 1,500 kg of recycled plastic, and 50% of its structural elements are reusable.
Driven by a global ambition – zero single-use plastic by the end of 2023 and the creation of a sustainable certification with SOCOTEC – the project illustrates how a local establishment can embody responsible innovation and set new standards for sustainable hospitality.
Why apply in 2025?
Today, more than ever, the hotel industry is being called upon to take action on climate issues. Participating in this category means:
- Promote a pioneering project to an international audience
- Demonstrate your concrete commitment to the planet
- Inspire the entire industry with measurable results
- Join a network of players committed to the sustainable transformation of the sector
Your initiative could become a model for tomorrow’s hotel industry. So don’t wait any longer and apply now.
