Platinum sustainability win
Former Prime Minister John Key was on hand to congratulate The Langham Hotel, Auckland, this week, for being awarded platinum certification for its sustainability efforts.
International sustainability organisation EarthCheck, operates the programme for the tourism and travel industry, and The Langham became the only luxury hotel in the Australasia region to be awarded the status and the only company in New Zealand to achieve prestigious platinum level. John Key unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
Over the past ten years, the hotel, in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, has invested in projects such as roof-top bee hives to help pollinate the inner city’s flora. This year, it plans to partner with vodka maker 42Below, to turn leftover citrus slices from drinks and cocktails into soap.
Carmen Ng, director of sustainability for Langham Hospitality Group, said the ideas enhanced a group-wide energy efficiency and recycling programme.
‘‘Sustainability is about more than the environment. It includes community, wellness, health and safety and reliability.’’
The hotel’s sustainability manager Helene Pacalin said it was important that guests had the chance to engage with the programme.
She said: ‘‘We are constantly looking at ways to do things better and minimise the hotel’s impact. We are investigating the option of our own water bottling plant for example, so we can eradicate single use plastic water bottles and we are also investigating the potential of investing in solar power. The office spaces are about to become bin-less because we know this has proved to reduce waste.’’
Managing director Franz Mascarenhas, said the award proved it was possible for luxury to be sustainable.
‘‘Sustainability is good for everyone – our employees, our guests and the environment. It is also important for New Zealand tourism because it positions ourselves as a premium ecodestination.’’
JAYNE ATHERTON