CSR and Sustainability

🌿 The Athenaeum Hotel and Residences, London, completed an £80,000 reinvestment in its 329-square-meter living wall, first installed nearly 20 years ago. The wall contains plant life equal to 16.5 medium-sized trees, removing 757 kg of CO₂ and producing 559 kg of oxygen annually. It enhances biodiversity with new species like Viburnum tinus and Ligustrum vicaryi and uses recycled textiles. Over 1,000 Narcissus bulbs were added for spring.

🚀 Emirates and ENOC Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Dubai Airshow to explore Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiatives at Dubai Hub. The partnership aims to address supply chain and infrastructure needs, with a goal of supplying 1% of jet fuel from locally produced SAF by 2031. SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% and be blended with conventional fuel. This collaboration supports UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 ambition.

📖 Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) launched its first sustainability Call-to-Action Report in London, UK, during its 35th anniversary in 2025, showing a commitment to sustainable luxury hospitality. The Considerate Collection expanded to 82 hotels in 40+ countries, adding 24 properties in 12 months. By 2027, SLH's 650+ member hotels in 90+ countries will follow 10 Minimum Standards of Sustainability. The Considerate Connections Retreat was held in Morocco in September 2025.

🥃 Glengoyne Distillery, a sustainable Highland whisky maker, released the Glengoyne Wetlands Single Cask on 28 October 2025, featuring only 500 bottles at £190 each. This 61.1% ABV whisky is made from Sherry Butt No. 190257, filled on 8 June 2009. Proceeds go to the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. The launch follows the 2021 release celebrating the distillery's wetland sustainability efforts. The bottle features art by Elin Manon, and sales support conservation work.

💡 The Wesley Euston Hotel achieved Eco-Smart Platinum Accreditation, advancing from Gold, for energy and water efficiency, and carbon reduction efforts. The hotel installed energy-efficient lighting, low-flow taps, and smart meters, reducing electricity use by 4% from August 2023 to August 2025. General Manager James Barr emphasized sustainability and responsible practices. Additionally, The Wesley holds Green Key and Green Tourism certifications and offers a Green Meeting package. Its sister hotel in Camden achieved Eco-Smart Gold Accreditation.

📈 Hilton, November 2025: Hilton was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work® for the second time in three years. Research shows 74% of UK consumers believe employee care improves product quality, and 72% are likelier to recommend such companies. Since 2022, Hilton created 2.5 million learning opportunities and supported over 140 workplace opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Hilton ranks No. 1 in 17 countries, including the USA, France, and Italy.

📍 Mondrian Ibiza and Hyde Ibiza, two of three hotels on the island, received the Green Key certification from the Foundation for Environmental Education for their sustainability efforts. Located in Cala Llonga, the hotels excel in energy efficiency, waste management, and local collaborations. Their practices include solar panel installation, LED lighting, and a high recycling index. They support local cancer events and the Cala Llonga community, promoting awareness of local ecosystems.

🌳 Barry Sternlicht's 1 Hotels, part of Starwood Hotels, revamped its loyalty program by replacing points with tree plantings and charity donations, doubling membership to 200,000 since July. Members receive a planted tree upon joining, and 1% of spending goes to environmental causes. With only 14 properties, 1 Hotels focuses on community-building as average loyalty nights have dropped from 1.8 to 1.0 since 2016, despite program memberships rising. Skift Research notes travelers typically join 15 programs but engage with few.

☀️ AEI and Wewise, in November 2025, collaborated with Adare Manor in Co. Limerick, installing a 60 kWp solar PV system. This initiative aims to save 15 tonnes of CO₂e annually, featuring a six-year payback and EV chargers for staff and guests. Spanning an 840-acre estate, Adare Manor emphasizes sustainability, reducing its carbon footprint, and enhancing CSR commitments. This project exemplifies renewable energy's transformative impact on the hospitality sector, offering faster ROI and competitive advantages.

🍳 Robert Pearce, executive chef at Down Hall Hotel, won Innovative Chef of the Year at the 2025 MIA Awards on 6 November. His initiatives in innovation and sustainability included the Woodland Table and interactive workshops, leading to a 3% food cost reduction and eliminating 25 tonnes of waste. His efforts maintained a 94% staff retention rate. Down Hall also boasts awards like AA Hotel of the Year 2024/25 and four AA Red Stars.