Green Key International and Shilla Hotels have begun shaping a new partnership that places education, behavioural change and long term sustainability at the centre of hotel management. The company has expressed a strong commitment to developing sustainability practices that are embedded in local culture and local hotel operations.
During recent discussions, Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Director of Green Key International, emphasised that the heart of Green Key is not only in the registration of consumption and reduction of use of resources, but also in education. He explained that any true progress depends on the education of all stakeholders and noted that meaningful change requires awareness, knowledge and a shared sense of responsibility. Daniel Schaffer, CEO of the Foundation for Environmental Education, added that the challenge lies in placing emphasis on behavioural change, education and public awareness. He highlighted that changing minds remains difficult but essential.
Shilla Hotels shares this ambition. The Group aims to develop initiatives that speak to long term commitments and is working towards ambitious sustainability goals, including carbon neutrality by the year 2050 and improvements to existing practices such as reducing plastic wrapping in favour of more efficient and environmentally responsible solutions. Shilla Hotels also plans to strengthen governance through the creation of an ESG Community.
The Company already runs a wide range of projects that support communities and the environment. These include Delicious Jeju, programmes centred on employee welfare, and Unexpected Luck, a Jeju based customer service initiative offering complimentary rooms in the event of travel delays. Their Offline Environmental Activities bring together students and volunteers in environmental projects, while their Shilla Eco Bags, the use of electric vehicles and the transition from plastic to paper bags demonstrate the group’s intention to integrate sustainability into everyday operations.
The collaboration aims to support Shilla Hotels in developing sustainability initiatives that lead to measurable progress and long-term behavioural change. By combining Shilla’s commitment to innovation with Green Key’s expertise in education and responsible operation, both organisations aim to inspire guests, staff and communities across Asia to adopt more sustainable habits.
A special thank you to Daniel Lee Rhi, Marketing Senior Manager, and Jooyoung Lee, Marketing Director, for sharing their insights and choosing Green Key as collaboration partner.
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