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The Best Sustainable Hotel Chains in the World

As climate change awareness grows, businesses across sectors are increasing efforts to operate sustainably. The hospitality industry, traditionally a resource-intensive sector, is transforming thanks to several innovative hotel chains that prioritize environmentally responsible practices. These hotel chains are not only minimizing their environmental footprint but also redefining what it means to be a sustainable hotel.


1. Scandic Hotels: Pioneers of Nordic Sustainability

Scandic Hotels' Nordic-style design featuring eco-friendly architecture.

Scandic Hotels is a leader in sustainable hospitality in the Nordic region, with over 280 properties across Scandinavia and Northern Europe. The chain was among the first globally to introduce an environmental policy in the 1990s, and sustainability has been a core value ever since.


Environmental Practices:


Scandic sets a high standard for energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Over 90% of the energy used in its hotels is sourced from renewables such as hydropower and wind. The chain implements measures like food waste reduction programs, low-flow showers and toilets, and energy-efficient lighting. Scandic aims to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2025 compared to 2019 levels.


Social Responsibility:


Beyond environmental efforts, Scandic focuses on inclusivity and community support. The hotels are designed to be accessible for guests with disabilities, and Scandic collaborates with local suppliers and participates in various social initiatives.


Recognition:


The chain has received numerous awards for its sustainability efforts, including the Nordic Ecolabel, and is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainable hospitality.


2. 1 Hotels: Eco-Luxury Redefined

Biophilic design at 1 Hotels with reclaimed wood and lush greenery.

1 Hotels is a high-end, eco-luxury brand with locations in major cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles, as well as international destinations. The brand integrates sustainability into every aspect of the guest experience.


Design Philosophy:


The design emphasizes natural elements, with reclaimed materials like stone, wood, and organic textiles. Live plants throughout the hotels create a calming, biophilic environment that connects guests with nature.


Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction:


The hotels utilize solar power, LED lighting, and energy-efficient HVAC systems. Single-use plastics are eliminated, and reusable water bottles and in-room recycling programs are encouraged.

Sustainable Dining:


1 Hotels focuses on sustainable food sourcing, offering farm-to-table dining options featuring fresh, organic produce from local farms.


Community Engagement:


The brand extends its sustainability efforts beyond hotel walls by organizing beach clean-ups, tree planting events, and other community-focused initiatives.


3. Six Senses Resorts: Luxury Meets Sustainability

Eco-luxury suite at Six Senses with natural light and solar-powered amenities.

Six Senses Resorts is known for eco-conscious luxury, with stunning locations worldwide, including Portugal, Thailand, and the Maldives. The brand emphasizes wellness and environmental stewardship.


Environmental Practices:


Six Senses aims to eliminate plastic use and now provides guests with purified water in glass bottles. The resorts rely heavily on solar energy and grow their own organic produce for onsite dining.


Guest Involvement:


The Six Senses Earth Lab encourages guests to participate in sustainability initiatives, such as composting and organic gardening.


Holistic Approach:


The brand integrates cultural preservation and social responsibility into its wellness programs, often incorporating traditional healing practices and supporting local communities.


4. Wildflower Farms: Sustainable Luxury in the Hudson Valley


Wildflower Farms' low-impact guest cabins surrounded by nature.

Nestled in New York's Hudson Valley, Wildflower Farms is a boutique hotel that merges eco-friendliness with luxury, emphasizing sustainable agriculture.


Farm-to-Table Experience:


The resort's farm allows guests to harvest vegetables and learn about sustainable agriculture. Meals feature fresh ingredients sourced directly from the farm.


Low-Impact Design:


The hotel’s architecture uses organic materials that blend seamlessly with the landscape. Efforts focus on waste reduction, water conservation, and energy-efficient technology.


Community Involvement:


Wildflower Farms collaborates with local farmers, artists, and food producers to foster a sustainable community-based economy.


5. Tordrillo Mountain Lodge: Sustainable Wilderness in Alaska


Tordrillo Mountain Lodge powered by renewable energy in remote Alaska.

Tordrillo Mountain Lodge offers a luxurious off-grid experience in Alaska, accessible only by helicopter or floatplane, making sustainability a necessity.


Renewable Energy:


The lodge operates on renewable energy, including solar and hydropower, and encourages guests to follow eco-friendly practices during their stay.


Eco-Friendly Activities:


Guided tours and activities like heli-skiing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing are designed to minimize environmental impact.


6. Southern Ocean Lodge: Ecotourism on Kangaroo Island


Southern Ocean Lodge's solar panels overlooking the Southern Ocean.

Located on Kangaroo Island, Southern Ocean Lodge is an eco-lodge that combines luxury with sustainability, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean.


Sustainable Operations:


The lodge utilizes renewable energy sources like solar panels and collects rainwater. Energy-efficient design and self-sufficiency are essential due to its remote location.


Regenerative Tourism:


After being destroyed by bushfires in 2020, Southern Ocean Lodge is being rebuilt with a focus on regenerative tourism, aiming not just to reduce impact but to actively improve the local environment and community.


7. Hacienda Peña Pobre: Historical Luxury in Mexico City


Hacienda Peña Pobre’s historic architecture with eco-friendly design elements.

Hacienda Peña Pobre blends history with sustainability in Mexico City, prioritizing responsible tourism and local ecosystem preservation.


Sustainable Design:


The hacienda's restoration incorporated eco-friendly materials, combining traditional architectural elements with modern sustainable practices like recycling programs and energy-efficient lighting.


Local Partnerships:


The hotel collaborates with local artisans and suppliers to support regional economies and engage in neighborhood-based environmental initiatives.


These hotel brands prove that sustainability and luxury can coexist. From adopting renewable energy and reducing waste to supporting local communities, these hotels offer eco-conscious travelers the chance to enjoy comfort while making a positive impact. Choosing to stay at such hotels means supporting a movement towards sustainable travel and ensuring that future generations can experience the same natural beauty.

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