Male, Maldives – Banyan Group, a leader in sustainable hospitality, unveils its 2024 Sustainability Report—One Banyan, One Sustainable Future. The 19th edition reports on the Group’s advancements in driving action and impact across key environmental, social, and economic dimensions, reaffirming sustainability as a core foundation of its business.
Guided by its founding mission and the belief that travel can be a force for good, the Group’s key progress in 2024 include:
- Accelerating decarbonisation and energy transition: In line with its ongoing commitment to addressing the business’ environmental impact, Banyan Group continued to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and on-site renewable energy. Upgrades in lighting systems, air conditioning and room control units, as well as the installation of solar panels and timer controls across properties, resulted in a 5.7% reduction in emissions intensity per occupied room over 2023.
- Increasing waste management initiatives: Through an increased adoption of waste reduction, recycling and repurposing activities—including food donations, composting of kitchen waste and upcycling efforts—28% of total waste produced was diverted from landfill, a five-point increase from the previous year.
- Upholding responsible water stewardship: As a result of the Group’s approach to water conservation—focused on infrastructure repairs, proactive leak detection, enhanced storage capacity, and water reuse—water efficiency per occupied room improved by 5.1% compared to 2023.
- Championing marine conservation: Restorations and research projects play an important role in the way Banyan Group seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its operations—the expansion of Our Marine Lab in the Maldives alongside the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) in 2024 reinforced its commitment to such conservation efforts.
- Deepening support for local communities: The Group maintained its commitment to uplifting local communities and fostering long-term resilience through education, engagement, and employment opportunities—its signature Seedlings programme nurtured 93 young individuals through training and mentorship, and provided 2,515 internship opportunities. In a continued effort to support heritage traditions and promote rural production to strengthen local economies, the Group expanded its artisan network—commissioning products that supported 306 artisan communities, including 66 newly engaged groups.
- Driving change with Greater Good Grants: To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Banyan Global Foundation funded 30 associate-initiated projects addressing the key material topics identified by the Group. The projects were selected based on criteria including the long-term social, environmental, welfare, and/or financial benefits to the communities where the Group’s hotels and resorts operate. For more information on the projects, visit: Greater Good Grants
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Banyan Group’s purpose, and our journey will continue to evolve as we look to scale increasingly impactful practices in the upcoming years—with more ambitious climate action, deeper community engagement, and greater support for our associates to take action. To achieve this, we have introduced key performance metrics aligned with our identified material issues for all senior level associates in front-line and corporate roles, empowering them to champion our ambitions. As we track our progress in 2025, we will further refine our associates’ roles to more meaningfully support the integration of responsible practices across our operations. Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Group
Angsana Velavaru’ s Progress
Angsana Velavaru’ s 2024 highlights reflect its continued alignment with Banyan Group’s sustainability vision, embracing environmental stewardship, community connection, and team-led impact.
- Coral regeneration and guest engagement: In response to the global coral bleaching event of early 2024, Angsana Velavaru temporarily paused its coral restoration programme. However, the resort’s Marine Lab resumed its efforts in October, ushering in a renewed chapter of conservation. Guests have since been welcomed to participate in guided coral planting sessions, where they play a hands-on role in nurturing reef ecosystems. Since October, approximately 40 coral frames—harbouring over 1,000 fragments—have been transplanted, creating opportunities for awareness, connection, and stewardship beneath the waves.
- Plastic-free pledge in action: Angsana Velavaru continues to advance its commitment to eliminating single-use plastics across the island. A notable achievement was the transition to an in-house glass water bottling system, reducing waste while maintaining guest convenience. Furthering this initiative, the housekeeping team creatively upcycled damaged linen and umbrellas into tote bags and reusable napkins for the associate restaurant – demonstrating both innovation and a hands-on approach to sustainability.
- Zero Net Journey: In alignment with Banyan Group’s carbon reduction ambitions, Angsana Velavaru reached a significant milestone in 2024 with the completion of the second phase of its solar panel installation. This advancement enables the resort to generate over 1,500 kWh of clean, renewable energy each day—contributing to a 3.8% reduction in diesel consumption (land operations) and a measurable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. More than a technical upgrade, this initiative embodies Angsana Velavaru’s steadfast commitment to shaping a low-carbon future, where responsible innovation supports both operational excellence and the protection of the island’s delicate natural environment.
- Community connections: The resort deepened its engagement with local communities through a variety of initiatives in 2024 until now. Educational visits welcomed students from neighbouring islands for marine conservation sessions and hospitality career introductions. As part of ongoing cultural programming, local artisans regularly host traditional craft workshops for guests, while weekly Boduberu performances by local musicians celebrate Maldivian heritage and provide vital support to the island economy. Additionally, through the 2025 Greater Good Grants (GGG) Fund, Angsana Velavaru supported the creation of a fully equipped computer lab for a partner school- enhancing digital access and education for local youth.
- Staff-led sustainability initiatives: In line with Banyan Group and UN Sustainable Development Goals, Angsana Velavaru associates have remained actively involved in both environmental and social initiatives. Joint clean-up campaigns with nearby island resulted in the removal of over 100 kg of waste, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. Throughout the year, associates also championed key global awareness events including Earth Hour, World Ocean Day, and World Tourism Day – marked by resort-wide energy-saving efforts, educational workshops, and reef conservation activities that inspired both team members and guests to take part in collective movement for change,
At Angsana Velavaru, sustainability is not a department – it’s a shared responsibility. We’re proud of our team’s commitment to protecting the incredible natural environment we call home, and to building meaningful bridges with our surrounding communities. Ahmed Zahir, General Manager, Angsana Velavaru
To learn more about Banyan Group’s approach, actions, and journey in addressing material sustainability impacts, visit: Our Mission. To read the full report, visit: 2024 Sustainability Report.
ABOUT BANYAN GROUP
Banyan Group (“Banyan Tree Holdings Limited” or the “Group” – SGX: B58) is an independent, global hospitality company with purpose. The Group prides itself on its pioneering spirit, design-led experiences and commitment to responsible stewardship. Its extensive portfolio spans 91 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 20 plus branded residences in over 20 countries. Comprising 12 global brands, including the flagship brand Banyan Tree, each distinct yet united under the experiential membership programme withBanyan. The founding ethos of “Embracing the Environment, Empowering People” is embodied through the Banyan Global Foundation and Banyan Academy. Banyan Group is committed to remaining the leading advocate of sustainable travel, with a focus on regenerative tourism and innovative programmes that elevate the guest experience.
For more information about Banyan Group, visit www.groupbanyan.com.
Hazel Ooi
Head of Brand Communications – Banyan Group
Banyan Group
