The newly remodeled InterContinental New York Barclay hotel remains steadfast in its mission to become New York’s most sustainable hotel, setting the goal to be among the first hospitality properties worldwide to align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN’s plan outlines 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) to abolish poverty, combat inequality, and address climate change over the next 15 years.
To honor the UN initiative’s first humanitarian and sustainable goals, the Barclay plans to donate guestroom toiletries to the Clean the World Foundation, which serves impoverished communities affected by disease as a result of poor hygiene. As part of SDG #3 (Good Health and Well-Being), the hotel has partnered with St. Mary’s Kids to assist in improving the health and quality of life for children with special needs or life-limiting conditions. In alignment with SDG #14 (Life Below Water), the hotel is also joining forces with the Billion Oyster Project, an organization that works to grow oysters, build reefs, and monitor water quality.
Additional programming includes donations to New York-based food rescue nonprofit City Harvest; a partnership with Bottomless Closet, which provides interview clothing and coaching for disadvantaged women entering New York’s workforce; a collaboration with the New York Institute of Technology and the City College of New York to offer internships and management development programs with students interested in hospitality; and a partnership with New York’s Repeat Roses, a business that collects and repurposes florals from weddings and other ceremonies for nursing home, hospitals, and hospice care facilities.
