Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has achieved World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Climate Savers Program targets, reducing its operational CO2 emissions by 20 percent below 2006 levels. It is the first hotel brand to meet this environmental goal.
WWF’s Climate Savers Program was designed to inspire companies to change their thinking about climate solutions. This leaves member companies better placed to avoid carbon-related risks while realizing opportunities within their long-term business strategies.
“According to the United Nations, emissions generated directly from the tourism sector account today for 5 percent of global CO2 emissions, but may be higher. When Fairmont joined WWF’s Climate Savers Program in 2009, our mandate was to help address this issue as part of our longstanding commitment to sustainability,” says Jane Mackie, vice president of the Fairmont brand. “Achieving this goal is a testament to our colleagues’ commitment to their local communities. Thanks to their hard work, and through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates, we have removed as much CO2 as is generated by 13,569 passenger vehicles.”
To meet the Climate Savers agreement, Fairmont undertook a wide variety of initiatives globally. The brand created and implemented a green procurement policy and supplier code of conduct and educated and encouraged top suppliers to provide products in accordance with the policies. They also updated design and construction standards to incorporate and reflect leadership in LEED standards.
Fairmont hotels around the world also took unique approaches to the challenge of reducing the brand’s carbon footprint, upgrading infrastructure and changing behaviors to reach the company’s goal. Colleagues organized sustainability teams, leading the process as proactive, engaged partners in the program.
“Fairmont was very motivated through our partnership with WWF to help tackle climate change, achieve significant CO2 reductions, and deliver results worldwide,” says Allison Long, Fairmont’s business analyst for environmental affairs. “We are pleased with the results achieved thanks to our dedicated colleagues and are excited to be the first luxury hotel brand to reach the Climate Savers Program targets.”
