Six Senses has obtained the best stage of certification by Management Union – a certification physique accredited by the World Sustainable Tourism Council. Six Senses properties* underwent an intensive audit by Management Union to confirm their efforts in sustainability planning, lowering detrimental environmental impacts, enhancing cultural heritage, and maximizing social and financial advantages for surrounding communities.

Jeff Smith, Six Senses Vice President of Sustainability, shares, “GSTC Certification is a mark of belief and credibility in sustainability. Whereas this certification is issued globally, it marks a proud second for our particular person Six Senses properties included on this certification and their sustainability groups, who work proactively to supply uncompromising hospitality, environmentally cognizant operations, an excellent visitor expertise, and excessive ranges of engagement amongst colleagues and the local people.”

The GSTC Certification is a revered seal of sustainable journey and tourism, providing an antidote to “greenwashing” within the hospitality trade. The in depth certification standards purpose to present credibility to sustainability claims, guaranteeing they’re each measurable and could be upheld via significant motion. Certification relies on third-party audits of motels and company processes by accredited auditors, and is granted for a interval of three years, offering a steady dedication to enchancment and accountability.

Jeff provides: “Sustainability is ingrained within the Six Senses tradition and has been from the very starting in 1995. It is a crucial part of each resolution we make – from the way in which we run our motels, to how we design their structure and interiors, the facilities and provides discovered inside them, and our pursuit for Plastic Freedom, via to the influence we have now on the native communities and ecosystems, and the legacy we depart with friends.”

Turning standards into impacts

The GSTC Standards confirm sustainable practices throughout 4 key areas: efficient sustainability planning, lowering detrimental environmental impacts, enhancing cultural heritage, and maximizing social and financial advantages for surrounding communities.

Devoted Sustainability Administrators at every Six Senses lodge lead every property’s net-positive influence. Earth Labs function a spot devoted to engagement and innovation, speaking the work taking place on and off website at every property, for instance, marine conservation, forestry or farming initiatives, harnessing renewable power from photo voltaic or biomass, and bottling ingesting water.

To additional assist native initiatives on the bottom, every resort allocates a Sustainability Fund comprising 0.5 p.c of whole lodge income coming straight from visitor bookings that goes in the direction of significant and measurable initiatives exterior the partitions of the lodge.

Planning for the planet: efficient sustainability planning

Six Senses goals for LEED (Management in Power and Environmental Design) Silver certification at the least for all new motels. It has achieved LEED Platinum at Six Senses Southern Dunes, The Crimson Sea, the primary lodge in Saudi Arabia to be awarded the best obtainable accreditation and at Six Senses Vana, India’s first retreat to have attained this environmental design customary, plus LEED Gold at Six Senses Rome, throughout the UNESCO listed-Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. Issued by the Inexperienced Constructing Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED places properties via a rigorous third-party overview.

Turning the tide: lowering detrimental environmental impacts

Six Senses has additionally been making strides in the direction of a way forward for plastic-free hospitality via the launch of the Journey to Plastic Freedom Playbook. A journey which started within the Nineties with visitor facilities and ingesting water, this initiative noticed Six Senses spearhead a marketing campaign to analysis and purpose to take away plastic inside hospitality. This resulted in 82 tried and examined options throughout 4 important working areas which have been recorded and shared with the broader hospitality trade.

Genuine experiences: enhancing cultural heritage

Distant or city, Six Senses weaves into the native material. Whether or not becoming a member of monks to gentle butter lamps; enjoying archery or celebrating annual tshechu festivals in Bhutan; studying the artwork and craft of Sadu weaving, which holds immense historic and financial significance in Saudi Arabia; or dancing with warriors whereas passing across the yaqona in Fiji, Six Senses brings family and friends collectively to have fun native traditions and beliefs. These moments of connection forge a shared understanding and spirit of togetherness.

Folks energy: maximizing social and financial advantages for surrounding communities

When individuals consider sustainability, they typically consider environmental credentials. However Six Senses additionally targets social duty and native socio-economic growth, beginning with an area hiring coverage and native sourcing of merchandise. Resorts incorporate native meals and influences, constructing menus round them. They buy native artwork and artifacts and invite artisans to share native tradition.

To extend the monetary influence, Six Senses additionally companions with native NGOs, colleges, or hospitals to make sure native providers are developed and entry to life’s necessities akin to clear water or training is improved. Native expertise coaching achieves lasting advantages as a part of a ripple impact.

Supporting IHG’s broader sustainability technique

Six Senses joins different IHG Resorts & Resorts within the mission to drive optimistic change for individuals, planet and communities, as a part of IHG’s bold Journey to Tomorrow plan. Six Senses is a trailblazer on this space, offering distinctive visitor experiences whereas prioritizing sustainable practices throughout the properties and their native communities.