Eliminate. Circulate. Regenerate.
Climate change is not all about renewable energy: It is also about redesigning our economy to reduce waste and pollution, circulate "stuff," and regenerate where possible. The impressive Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been preaching the circular economy gospel for quite some time now. And thankfully, it seems to be spilling over into the hospitality sector as more and more hotels begin focusing on minimizing waste, circulating, reusing, and up-cycling where possible.
Amsterdam’s Conscious Hotels are committed to utilising all things cradle-to-cradle certified, recycled or second hand and some of their hotels are powered solely by wind. Another green pioneer, 1st Hotel, prides itself on its biophilic design, energy efficiency, and its reuse-repurpose philosophy.
And, of course, the impressive Fogo Island Inn, is a trailblazer in regenerative hospitality, recognized for initiatives uplifting the local community, minimizing resource and energy consumption, and rainwater collection) and managing a zero-waste kitchen.
We are thrilled to see these pioneers rethinking hospitality and incorporating resource-efficiency and regenerative practices into their hotels.
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1st Hotels
WORLDWIDE
This eco-forward hotel chain is all about sparking conversations and showcasing best practices in sustainable hospitality: from living green walls, reclaimed furnishing, and lobby farmer's markets to an obsession with locally-made artwork. The hotel chain is a stickler for proper waste, water, and energy management and is committed to eliminating, composting, or reusing waste as biofuel where possible. Each of the 1st Hotels throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific was designed and built with a strong focus on reusing, repurposing, and incorporating reclaimed wood and natural elements.
Circular credentials:
100% of its hotels are minimum LEED Certified.
100% Certified Carbon Natural since 2018 (All U.S. operating properties).
Offset 19,171 tons of CO2.
Donated more than half a million dollars to various charitable partners, including Housing Works, Oceanic Global, and The Nature Conservancy.
Photos courtesy of: 1st Hotels
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Fogo Island Inn
FOGO ISLAND INN, NEWFOUNDLAND
Conceived as a social enterprise, Fogo Island Inn and its parent organization Shorefast is about reinvesting its surplus (100% of it) into the community. Much of the inn focuses on minimizing its environmental impact while maximizing its impact on the island community. With cutting-edge technology, self-sustaining systems were integrated into the design to reduce and conserve energy and water consumption. Rainwater is collected and filtered, and reused. Solar panels provide hot water to heat the floors, and recycling and composting programs ensure nothing goes to waste. Sustainability is not a trend at Fogo Island Inn; it's a way of life evident in everything from its design and operations to its dogged commitment to revitalizing the community.
Circular credentials
100% of operating surpluses are reinvested into the community.
The ultimate goal is to develop a place-based solution for carbon offset, which would directly benefit Fogo Island.
Designed by Newfoundland-born architect Todd Saunders, the Inn was carefully constructed using a low-impact foundation, and design that feels purposefully temporary.
Photos courtesy of: Fogo Island Inn
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Conscious Hotels
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
The Conscious Hotels scattered about Amsterdam are redefining luxury through a responsible lens. From sustainable furniture, water-saving systems, and locally sourced organic products, every aspect reflects their commitment to sustainable hospitality.
Circular credentials
Conscious Hotels utilize energy-efficient designs and renewable energy sources (solar and wind turbines), to minimize their carbon footprint and reduce energy consumption.
Prioritise sustainable and eco-friendly materials, including furniture and carpets made from recycled or renewable materials.
Implement water-saving shower heads, like low-flow fixtures and water reuse technologies, helping to reduce water consumption throughout the hotels.
Photos courtesy of: Conscious Hotels