Minor Hotels has achieved a new sustainability milestone, with 20 of its hotels earning the Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification. The milestone highlights Minor’s ongoing efforts and commitments towards sustainability and corporate responsibility across its portfolio, which is spread across 56 countries.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort in Thailand’s Chiang Mai became Minor’s 20th property to achieve the Platinum certification. The Platinum certification is awarded to properties scoring 90% or more in an assessment of environmental, social, and cultural measures set by the Green Growth 2050 Global Standard.
The resort joins 19 other Anantara, NH Collection and Avani properties operated by Minor to secure the top-tier certification. Most of these hotels are located in Thailand, as well as in the Maldives and the U.A.E., Minor said in a statement.
Anantara Chiang Mai Resort excelled in areas, such as sustainable design and construction to operations and resource conservation. Featuring a tropical architectural design by Kerry Hill, the resort makes full use of natural ventilation and shade, thereby significantly lowering energy consumption.
The resort also strives to eliminate single-use plastics, implement an efficient waste management system and recycle greywater for irrigation.
One of the key areas of the Green Growth 2050 measures is social and community impact. Anantara Chiang Mai has made significant contributions to social and community development by creating local employment opportunities and supporting Chiang Mai’s artisans and farmers.
“We constantly implement the latest energy-saving technologies as they arise, and partner with local suppliers to minimize our carbon footprint. With this Green Growth 2050 Platinum recognition, our guests can now take comfort in the fact that they are engaging in the highest level of responsible tourism when they stay with us,” said Pitak Norathepkitti, general manager of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.
Aligning with international benchmarks — encompassing the main statutes of the UN Global Compact, UNEP Green Economy Principles, UN Declaration of Human Rights, ILO Labour Standards, and UNWTO Ethics in Tourism — the Green Growth 2050 Platinum certification reflects the Minor’s initiatives to ensure its properties foster positive impacts on their surroundings and communities.
The Green Growth 2050 evaluation consists of more than 450 indicators to measure sustainability. As its internal policy, Minor has set a Gold certification or above as its minimum requirement for all its Anantara and Avani properties.
Not just a mere number, the 20th Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification symbolizes Minor’s journey towards sustainability and the positive impact it is trying to make on the planet, the company said.
“Achieving our 20th Green Growth 2050 Platinum Certification showcases our commitment to not only meet but exceed the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility. We are proud of this achievement and remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable tourism,” said John Roberts, group director of sustainability & conservation for Minor Hotels.
Minor has pledged to becoming a net-zero organization by 2050 and set intermediate goals of minimizing energy and water intensities and carbon dioxide emissions. The group currently has over 540 hotels in operation across the world.