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It can be difficult to find a hotel that combines luxury and social responsibility, but these major hotel brands value sustainability and the environment in addition to comfort. While no one is perfect, travelers at these hotels will feel a little less guilty about their carbon footprint thanks to practices that focus on water conservation and meaningful community involvement – and beyond.
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1 hotels
“We design our spaces and places to preserve the surrounding natural environment and culture – while doing all the good we can.” This is 1 Hotels’ mission when it comes to its sustainability practices. All 1 hotel locations are at least LEED certified and prioritize carbon offsetting. 1 Hotels also launched Certified Sustainable Gatherings, a program that creates memorable events with minimal environmental impact and diverts 90 percent of waste. 1 Hotels also donates to various charity partners, including Oceanic Global and NRDC.
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Accor Group
Accor Hotels is dedicated to sustainable hospitality thanks to its Planet 21 program, a global strategy focused on positive hospitality for people and the planet. Accor places great emphasis on energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation, alongside initiatives such as reforestation and sustainable procurement. With ambitious goals to achieve net zero carbon emissions and eliminate single-use plastics, Accor combines luxury with environmental responsibility, offering eco-conscious travelers unparalleled stays that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
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Auberge resorts
Each Auberge Resort is dedicated to responsible luxury and sustainable social practices. Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley is dedicated to eco-friendly initiatives such as environmental health, resource conservation and community. Auberge's The Lodge in Blue Sky, Utah uses no single-use plastics and has its own wastewater treatment plant and organic, regenerative farm. The brand's Commodore Perry Estate supports Austin-based nonprofit Urban Roots and grows over 25,000 pounds of fresh food.
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Banyan group
In 2023, Banyan Group released a sustainability report highlighting its mission to travel responsibly and operate sustainable spaces. In addition to reducing emissions by 22 percent and planting nearly 13,000 trees, Banyan Group was also awarded the National Geographic Traveler Golden Award for Sustainable Contribution. The Banyan Group has 80 resorts in 22 countries, all with the aim of protecting the environment. Banyan Tree Puebla in Mexico is a place where guests can experience Banyan's “Stay for Good” program, which offers travelers immersive experiences that foster a deeper connection with the community.
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Beyond green hotels
Beyond Green is the self-proclaimed “most sustainable hotel on Earth” – and we can see why they stand by that statement. Beyond Green has properties around the world and in the United States, including California, Nevada and Florida, targeting those who travel well and with purpose. All members have stopped using single-use plastic and are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint. Beyond Green also places a strong emphasis on biodiversity conservation and community engagement. For example, the Post Ranch Inn in California was designed and built with the preservation of existing trees in mind.
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Hyatt
Hyatt Ziva Riviera in Cancun.
Hyatt's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its World of Care initiative, which prioritizes environmentally friendly practices at all hotels around the world. From energy-efficient designs and use of renewable energy to water conservation and waste reduction, Hyatt hotels set the standard for eco-friendly hospitality. Outstanding locations such as Alila properties are characterized by sustainable architecture and materials from the region. By collaborating with communities and implementing innovative solutions, Hyatt ensures every guest experience is consistent with its vision of a healthier planet for future generations
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Independent collection
Independent Collection Hotels are committed to sustainability and incorporate eco-friendly initiatives across their various hotels. Through the EarthView program, the collection focuses on energy efficiency, waste reduction and water conservation tailored to each location. By supporting local communities, implementing green building practices and offering eco-conscious guest experiences, these hotels strive to reduce their environmental footprint. Rooted in responsible hospitality, Independent Collection Hotels combine sustainability with authentic local charm to have a positive impact on guests and the planet.
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IHG Hotels & Resorts
IHG Hotels and Resorts has low-carbon hotels that are energy efficient and above global standards. They also have properties that are certified sustainable throughout North America. Guests can also donate their IHG One Rewards points to nonprofit organizations that partner with IHG. IHG has also launched its Journey to Tomorrow business plan to reflect its commitment to responsible travel, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Marriott Hotels & Resorts
Marriott demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through its Serve 360 initiative, which focuses on reducing environmental impact and promoting a greener future. Key achievements include energy-efficient building designs, waste reduction programs and a promise to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Famous eco-friendly hotels like Element by Westin emphasize sustainable stays with features like energy-saving technology and eco-friendly materials. Marriott's commitment ensures that travelers enjoy luxurious accommodations while contributing to meaningful environmental protection worldwide.
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Six senses
“Sustainability is not something we do, but who we are.” Since its founding in the mid-1990s, Six Senses has been dedicated to sustainability initiatives such as plastic freedom and community. Each of its locations is home to an organic garden, and since 2003, Six Senses has been bottling its own still and carbonated water. Six Senses La Segesse in Grenada features an Earth Lab where guests can participate in workshops on making products with natural ingredients, learning how to reduce consumption and supporting the ecosystems in which they live.
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Tanzerra Resorts
The Tides Inn in Virginia and the Enchantment Resort in Arizona are two properties in Tanzerra's portfolio that reflect the company's progress toward sustainability. There is a major coastal restoration project at Tides Inn to prevent erosion and increase habitat for birds and aquatic life. At Enchantment Resort, Tanzerra partnered with the National Forest Service to create the Boynton Canyon Preservation Fund, dedicated to the preservation of Boynton Canyon and its hiking trails.
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Viceroy Hotels & Brands
Sustainability is a top priority for Viceroy Hotels & Brands. The company consciously uses measures to reduce its carbon footprint, including recycling, composting and low-flow water fixtures. Viceroy Snowmass in Colorado has been awarded LEED Gold status and also has a green purchasing policy that focuses on sustainable, environmentally friendly products. Other Viceroy locations include Chicago, Santa Monica and Los Cabos.
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Virgin Hotels
Virgin Hotels is on a mission to redefine hospitality with sustainability at its core. Across all locations, the brand incorporates environmentally conscious practices such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, low-flow faucets and LED lighting. The Chicago hotel, a LEED Gold-certified property, exemplifies this commitment through the use of sustainable building materials, robust recycling programs and a focus on waste reduction through initiatives such as refillable pump bottles in guest rooms. Virgin Hotels combines luxury with innovation, paving the way for a greener future in hospitality.
All Green Matters approved The nominees are elected by Green Matters The selection is made by the editorial team and the winners are chosen based on reader votes. Readers can vote once a day for each category. To find out more, read our Terms and Conditions.