Mandarin Oriental Recognised with Three Prestigious Sustainability Awards at WSTHA 2025, Showcasing Its Commitment to Eco-Friendly Luxury and Cultural Preservation – Travel And Tour World

Report on Mandarin Oriental’s Sustainability Achievements and Alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Mandarin Oriental was recognized with three significant awards at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) 2025. This report analyzes these achievements, highlighting the group’s strategic alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The awards underscore the company’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices into its luxury hospitality model, focusing on energy efficiency, cultural preservation, and comprehensive policy implementation. These initiatives serve as a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating a tangible commitment to global sustainability targets.

Analysis of Awards in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The accolades received at the WSTHA 2025 ceremony in Dubai directly correspond to several key SDGs, reflecting a holistic approach to sustainability.

1. World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative 2025

   • SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): This award recognizes the group’s efforts to improve energy efficiency, directly contributing to Target 7.3, which aims to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • SDG 13 (Climate Action): By reducing energy consumption, Mandarin Oriental actively mitigates its carbon footprint, addressing the urgent need for climate action.

2. World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project 2025

   • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): This initiative aligns with Target 11.4 to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The project supports Target 8.9 by promoting sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.

3. World’s Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative 2025

   • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): This award highlights the development of a robust framework that guides responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and other sustainable operational practices.
   • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The implementation of such policies demonstrates a commitment to collaboration with stakeholders, including suppliers and industry bodies like the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, to achieve sustainability goals.

Comprehensive Sustainability Strategy and SDG Alignment

Mandarin Oriental’s commitment extends beyond the award-winning initiatives to encompass a broad range of operational practices that support the SDGs.

Waste Management and Responsible Consumption (SDG 12, SDG 14)

• Elimination of Single-Use Plastics: A 99% reduction in single-use plastics has prevented over 930 metric tons of plastic waste annually, contributing to the reduction of land and marine pollution.
• Waste Minimisation: Ongoing strategies include recycling, composting, and reducing food waste, directly supporting the principles of a circular economy and responsible production patterns.

Ethical Sourcing and Supply Chain Management (SDG 12, SDG 2, SDG 15)

• Responsible Sourcing: The group maintains 100% responsible sourcing for core commodities, verified by third-party auditors, ensuring sustainable and ethical supply chains.
• Sustainable Food Practices: Sourcing 93% of eggs from cage-free suppliers demonstrates a commitment to animal welfare and sustainable agriculture (Target 2.4).

Community Engagement and Social Responsibility (SDG 11, SDG 1)

• Employee Volunteerism: In 2023, employees dedicated over 78,000 volunteer hours to more than 500 local community initiatives, fostering sustainable and resilient communities.

Forward-Looking Strategy: Roadmap to 2030

Mandarin Oriental has established a clear roadmap with environmental targets for 2030, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the SDGs.

Commitment to Climate Action and Resource Management

• Carbon Emission Reduction (SDG 13): The company is measuring Scope 3 emissions to facilitate deeper decarbonisation throughout its value chain.
• Water Conservation (SDG 6): Initiatives to reduce water usage and increase water recycling address critical challenges related to clean water and sanitation.

Conclusion

Mandarin Oriental’s success at the WSTHA 2025 awards is a testament to its comprehensive and action-led sustainability strategy. By embedding the principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals into its core operations—from energy and water management to cultural preservation and supply chain integrity—the group is setting a new standard for responsible luxury. Its transparent reporting and ambitious 2030 targets demonstrate a clear commitment to creating positive environmental and social impact, positioning Mandarin Oriental as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable tourism.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article mentions Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to “water conservation” by “reducing water usage across its properties and increasing water recycling,” which directly addresses the sustainable management of water resources.
2. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The hotel group won the “World’s Leading Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative 2025” award. The article highlights its commitment to “improving energy efficiency” and “renewable sourcing,” which are central to SDG 7.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article highlights the award for the “World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project,” reflecting the company’s efforts in “preserving local cultures and traditions.” This aligns with protecting cultural heritage. Additionally, the engagement in “local community initiatives” supports the creation of inclusive and sustainable communities.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • This is a central theme. The article details efforts in “waste minimisation,” the “elimination of single-use plastics,” “responsible sourcing” of commodities, and sustainable food practices like using cage-free eggs. These actions directly promote sustainable consumption and production patterns.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • By focusing on reducing its environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions, Mandarin Oriental is taking direct action to combat climate change. The article explicitly mentions the goal to “reduce its carbon footprint” and measure “Scope 3 emissions to enable deeper decarbonisation.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors.
   • The article’s mention of “reducing water usage” and “increasing water recycling” directly corresponds to this target of improving water-use efficiency.
2. Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
   • Mandarin Oriental’s award for its “Sustainable Energy Efficiency Initiative” and its strategy for “property-led optimisations in energy efficiency” align with this target.
3. Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • The award for the “World’s Leading Sustainable Cultural Heritage Project” and the stated effort in “preserving local cultures and traditions” directly support this target.
4. Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
   • The company’s success in eliminating “99% of single-use plastics” and its broader strategies for “waste minimisation” through recycling and composting are concrete actions towards this target.
5. Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
   • Mandarin Oriental’s “transparency and action-led sustainability strategy,” “detailed roadmap with environmental targets,” and the award for its “Sustainable Policy Initiative” exemplify the adoption of sustainable practices and transparent reporting mentioned in this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator for Waste Reduction (Target 12.5):
   • The article provides specific, measurable data: “successfully removed 99% of single-use plastics from its operations” and “a saving of over 930 metric tons of plastic waste annually.”
2. Indicator for Responsible Sourcing (Target 12.2):
   • The article states that the company maintains “100% responsible sourcing for its core commodities” and that “93% of the eggs used across its properties are cage-free.” These percentages are clear indicators of progress.
3. Indicator for Community Engagement (Target 11.a):
   • Progress is measured through “over 78,000 volunteer hours were dedicated” and support for “more than 500 local community initiatives” in 2023.
4. Indicator for Climate Action (Target 13.2):
   • An implied indicator is the company’s commitment to “measuring Scope 3 emissions,” which is a key step in managing and reducing a company’s full carbon footprint.
5. Indicator for Sustainable Policy (Target 12.6):
   • The existence of a “detailed roadmap with environmental targets set for 2030” and winning the “World’s Leading Sustainable Policy Initiative” award serve as qualitative indicators of a robust sustainability policy framework.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: travelandtourworld.com