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Six Senses Leads in Sustainability with High Certification from Management Union
Monday, January 20, 2025
Six Senses has attained the premier degree of certification from Management Union, a corporation acknowledged by the International Sustainable Tourism Council. This achievement follows a rigorous analysis by Management Union that scrutinized Six Senses’ strategic method to sustainability, their initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts, their enhancement of cultural heritage, and their efforts to spice up social and financial benefits for native communities.
Jeff Smith, Six Senses Vice President of Sustainability, shares, “GSTC Certification is a mark of trust and credibility in sustainability. While this certification is issued globally, it marks a proud moment for our individual Six Senses properties included in this certification and their sustainability teams, who work proactively to provide uncompromising hospitality, environmentally cognizant operations, an outstanding guest experience, and high levels of engagement among colleagues and the local community.”
The GSTC Certification stands as a good mark of sustainable practices throughout the journey and tourism sector, combating the prevalence of “greenwashing” in hospitality. This certification course of, requiring detailed third-party audits of resort operations and administration methods, confirms the validity of sustainability claims by demanding quantifiable and constant actions. Certifications are issued for 3 years, encouraging ongoing enhancement and accountability.
Jeff provides: “Sustainability is ingrained in the Six Senses culture and has been from the very beginning in 1995. It is an important component of every decision we make – from the way we run our hotels, to how we design their architecture and interiors, the amenities and supplies found within them, and our pursuit for Plastic Freedom, through to the impact we have on the local communities and ecosystems, and the legacy we leave with guests.”
Remodeling requirements into outcomes
The GSTC Standards assess sustainable strategies in 4 principal domains: strategic sustainability efforts, minimizing environmental detriments, enriching cultural heritage, and amplifying native socio-economic advantages.
Every Six Senses resort is guided by a devoted Sustainability Director who champions initiatives that contribute positively to the atmosphere. Their Earth Labs are hubs of innovation and schooling, specializing in tasks reminiscent of marine conservation, sustainable farming, and renewable power utilization like photo voltaic or biomass, in addition to in-house water bottling processes.
Furthermore, every resort dedicates a Sustainability Fund amounting to 0.5% of its complete income from visitor reservations to assist substantial native initiatives.
Strategic commitments to the planet
By way of constructing and design, Six Senses strives for at the least a LEED Silver certification for brand spanking new properties, having achieved LEED Platinum at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Purple Sea—making it the primary in Saudi Arabia to safe the best degree of LEED certification—and Six Senses Vana, the inaugural retreat in India to obtain this commonplace. Six Senses Rome additionally boasts a LEED Gold certification.
Advancing eco-friendly practices
Persevering with its dedication to an environmentally pleasant future, Six Senses has launched the Journey to Plastic Freedom Playbook, aiming to eradicate plastic from the hospitality sector. This initiative, beginning within the Nineteen Nineties, has led to the event and dissemination of 82 efficient options for decreasing plastic use throughout the trade.
Celebrating cultural integration
Whether or not it’s collaborating in conventional actions with monks in Bhutan, studying historic Sadu weaving in Saudi Arabia, or participating in Fijian ceremonies, Six Senses immerses its company in genuine native experiences, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for various cultures.
Empowering communities
Past environmental efforts, Six Senses focuses on social tasks and enhancing native economies by way of practices like using native workers, sourcing native merchandise, and supporting native companies and artists. Partnerships with native NGOs, colleges, and hospitals assist strengthen neighborhood providers and enhance entry to important assets, selling sustainable neighborhood growth.
Enhancing IHG’s sustainability commitments
As a part of the IHG Lodges & Resorts household, Six Senses performs a pivotal position within the broader Journey to Tomorrow initiative, aiming to make a big influence on societal and environmental sustainability whereas delivering distinctive visitor experiences.
