The Sustainability Report “In search of hospitality in harmony with nature” aims to measure, share and accelerate the progress of Relais & Châteaux and its chefs, hoteliers and restaurateurs. Not only that: it also wants to highlight the great positive contribution that the hospitality sector can make to the environment, to diversity and to local communities and economies
Relais & Châteaux is increasingly committed to sustainable development. In fact, it renews the invitation to associates to commit themselves and act collectively through 3 concrete actions.
Namely: the adoption of an action plan for sustainable development, based on 3 fundamental pillars and 15 objectives between now and 2025 and 2030. And, moreover, the implementation of a complete and international reporting system based on 60 indicators and the publication of its first Sustainability Report.
The 3 pillars for sustainable development
Environmental protection is a fundamental axis of the association’s action plan, with particular attention to the issues of global warming, water consumption, biodiversity and pollution caused by the use of plastic.
Another priority is sustainable cooking and control of the entire life cycle of the dish, favoring local suppliers and supply chains and the preservation of the culinary heritage.
Finally, in terms of social and corporate empowerment, the association places the emphasis on gender equality, diversity and employee working conditions. But also on “geotourism” and the involvement of the local community in favor of the environment to which each residence is strongly linked from a geographical and natural point of view, but also from a historical and economic point of view.
The 15 goals for 2025 and 2030
The association has defined 15 key objectives for 2025 and 2030 around the 3 pillars. Some members have already achieved them and Relais & Châteaux is sure that many others will follow their example.
Among the commitments undertaken:
*For the climate: the association puts decarbonization at the heart of its action plan, encouraging homes to monitor their carbon footprint. By 2025, 50% of associates will measure their greenhouse gas emissions, against 12% who have already done so in 2021.
The fight against global warming is such a deeply felt topic that Relais & Châteaux has set a very ambitious goal such as reduction of energy consumption by -40% by 2030. Responsible procurement is also among the monitored parameters.
*In the kitchen: the culture of local and organic products is already a reality for the association and 30% of the restaurants already serve organic, seasonal and locally grown vegetables. A percentage that Relais & Châteaux wants to increase to 50% by 2025.
*For gender equality: 42% of the ten highest paid figures in each house are women. Although this is already a very encouraging result, the association aims for true parity – 50% – by 2030.
Social inclusion is also a theme dear to the association, and in the homes it translates into concrete projects. For example, the Orto & Aia Felice of the Hotel Borgo San Felice (Castelnuovo Berardenga), the program of the Allianz UMANA MENTE Foundation which offers an employment opportunity to young people with disabilities and in disadvantaged conditions.
The Sustainability Report
The first Sustainability Report: “Searching for hospitality in harmony with nature” provides a comprehensive snapshot of associates’ sustainable development practices. In fact, it covers numerous areas such as the management of natural resources, environmental protection, gastronomic culture and social responsibility.
The Report transparently shares the results of an extensive reporting process. In fact, it was conducted with the collaboration of 283 associated residences (about 50%) on over 60 indicators, with data referring to 2021.
It also measures the contribution of its associates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically highlighting a significant impact on 6 of these.
We talk about responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), life under the sea (SDG 14) and on land (SDG 15), gender equality (SDG 5) and reducing inequalities (SDG 10).
The survey will be reconducted on an annual basis, to measure and report progress year on year.
About Relais & Châteaux
Founded in 1954, Relais & Châteaux is an association of 580 hotels and restaurants worldwide that are owned and managed by independent entrepreneurs. Relais & Châteaux members are animated by the desire to safeguard and promote the richness and variety of cuisines and hospitality traditions.
In 2014 Relais & Châteaux presented a Manifesto to UNESCO which ratifies this will and commitment to protect the cultural heritage of each territory and the environment.
Info
www.relaischateaux.com
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