Hong Kong's Lanson Place Causeway Bay and sustainable urban hospitality

Lanson Place Causeway Bay and sustainable urban hospitality 

Following an extensive renovation and a strong relaunch in March 2024, Lanson Place Causeway Bay in Hong Kong has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to green practices, now officially recognised with a Green Key certification. 

The hotel’s dedicated Green Committee plays a central role in driving progress, identifying environmental risks and setting clear, actionable goals across departments. Since reopening, the hotel has implemented 16 departmental goals focused on reducing energy, water use, and carbon emissions, while enhancing recycling and waste management systems. Team members also undergo regular training to foster a shared culture of environmental awareness. 

Sustainability touches every part of the guest experience at Lanson Place: 

• Paperless operations: From e-registration and digital invoices to in-room dining menus displayed on TV and digital press libraries, the hotel has dramatically cut paper consumption. 

• Water-saving technologies: Dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads ensure efficiency without compromising comfort. 

• Smart climate control: Rooms automatically adjust to an energy-efficient 23°C when unoccupied thanks to an intelligent Room Control Unit (RCU). 

• Plastic-free hydration: The NORDAQ water filtration and bottling system eliminates single-use plastic bottles from the hotel entirely. 

Sustainability continues at the table with a thoughtfully curated menu featuring: 

• Organic, locally and responsibly sourced ingredients. 

• A wine and beverage list that champions organic, biodynamic, and sustainable options. 

• Partnership with ecoSPIRITS, a zero-waste distribution platform that removes single-use packaging from the spirits supply chain. 

Behind the scenes, Lanson Place is equally committed: 

• Recycling of glass, aluminium, coffee capsules, and lightly used soap. 

• Used cooking oil is repurposed into biodiesel. 

• Food waste is processed by an Environmental Protection Department-certified partner, with 5,132 kg recycled between March and December 2024 alone. 

“As we celebrate this Green Key certification, we look forward to building on our success and striving for even greater accomplishments in the future,” - Danny Tse, Area General Manager.  

About Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 

Following a major transformation and enhancement, the hotel reopened in March 2024 to offer a sanctuary of warmth, attentiveness and style nestled in the heart of Hong Kong. Reimagined by award-winning French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, the luxury hotel features 188 rooms, suites and penthouse residences as well as Salon Lanson, an exclusive dining destination with a private setting. Perfect for business and leisure travellers, whether for short or extended stays, the hotel boasts sophisticated meeting and event spaces, a 24-hour Fitness Centre, and a Laundry Room. Conveniently located, it offers easy access to the Central and Admiralty business hubs, all reachable within 15 minutes via public transportation. 

 For more details, visit lansonplace.com/causewaybay.  

Le Manoir de la Goëletterie, a Green Key holiday center

Le Manoir de la Goëletterieetterie, located in Saint-Malo, is proud to announce that it has been awarded Green Key certification for the first time for the year 2025. 

Le Manoir de la Goëletterie, an 18th-century Breton manor, welcomes school groups, group stays, as well as private and professional events in a unique and preserved setting. Nestled in the heart of a 2.5-hectare park, the Manor offers 120 beds spread across 33 rooms, high-quality dining, and fully equipped, flexible event spaces. 

Since 1985, their mission has been to create a unique experience based on the art of hospitality, providing warm, attentive, and thoughtful service. Now more than ever their focus is towards sustainable hospitality, so we’re happy to welcome them to the Green Key community as they receive our certification for year 2025.  

Situated in a well-preserved natural environment, Le Manoir de la Goëletterie has implemented several Good Practices to minimise its environmental impact. These include responsible waste management, the use of sustainable products and educational programmes that raise awareness among young people about environmental issues and food waste. 

 “This certification reflects our commitment to educating all generations on the importance of protecting our planet while providing them with unforgettable stays.” says Myriam Durand, Director. 

Le Manoir de la Goëletterie is dedicated to continuing the development of sustainable practices and inspiring its visitors to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. 

“We firmly believe that every small action counts and that, together, we can make a difference.” 

Want to know more about Le Manoir de la Goëletterie? Visit their website here.  

Are you curious about other Green Key Good Practices? Find more here.  

Green Key intro sessions for interested establishments

Discover the Green Key advantage: Join our introductory online sessions on Tuesday 6 May 

Are you a hospitality establishment looking to boost your sustainability credentials? Green Key International invites you to explore the benefits of certification through our upcoming Introduction to Green Key for interested establishments on Tuesday 6 May 2025. 

Two Sessions Available 

To accommodate different schedules, we’re offering two identical sessions: 

• Session A: Tuesday 6 May 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM (CEST). Register here 

• Session B: Tuesday 6 May 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (CEST), Register here 

Whether you're a hotel, campsite, restaurant, or another establishment, this is your chance to learn more about our famous certification. 

Meet the Speaker 

The sessions will be hosted by Finn Bolding Thomsen, International Green Key Director, who will guide participants through the key elements of the programme and share insights from his extensive experience in sustainable tourism. 

 What to Expect 

Each one-hour session will include a concise yet comprehensive introduction to the Green Key programme. Topics will include: 

• Overview of Green Key criteria and certification process 

• Participation costs and available support tools 

• The benefits of joining the Green Key community 

• Guidance on how to get started 

• Key contact information for follow-up 

After the presentation, we’ll open the floor to a Q&A session, giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions and engage directly with Green Key International representatives. 

 Who Should Attend? 

These online sessions are ideal for interested establishments considering Green Key certification or simply wanting to learn more about sustainable operations in tourism and hospitality. 
Registration is free but required to receive the links.  

• Register for Session A 

• Register for Session B 

Join us on Tuesday 6 May and take the first step toward a more sustainable future for your business. 

Benerg joins the Green Key network

Green Key and Benerg Oy have entered into a partnership aimed at raising awareness and demand for food waste-to-energy solutions among the hospitality industry.   

Green Key x Benerg partnership

The partnership focuses particularly on supporting Green Key applicant establishments around the world, helping them meet Green Key criteria related to sustainable energy, waste disposal, and reduction.  

Benerg Oy, based in Helsinki, operates in the EU region with scalable and modular solutions starting from 60kg of food waste daily to 120kg.  

Benerg deploys scalable building-scale biogas machines to the hospitality industry to convert food waste into electricity with remarkable efficiency. Our technology can deliver up to 1 million kWh of energy with 120kg of food waste daily. With this technology, hotels can save money on energy bills, reduce their carbon footprint, and eliminate food waste disposal costs. 

About Benerg  

Benerg Oy was established in 2024 as a result of 4 years of research and development, focusing on flourishing and maintaining biogas production per kg of food waste. Benerg has 4 different capacity machines for the hospitality industry, starting from 60kg to 120kg.  

Key Features 

• Daily Capacity: Processes between 60kg - 120kg of food waste per day (plant-based, animal-based, or mixed). 

• Energy Generation: Produces 915,000 kWh/year (enough to power 250 households annually). 

• CO₂ Reduction: Avoids 96 tonnes of CO₂e/year (equivalent to planting 4,400 trees). 

• Organic Fertilizer: Produces 30 tonnes/year of nutrient-rich fertilizer. 

• Compact Design: Fits in small spaces 

• Smart Monitoring: IoT-enabled for real-time performance tracking. 

For additional information about Benerg, please visit www.benerg.io. 

Castara Retreats: responsible hospitality of an eco-boutique resort in the Caribbean

Perched on the hillside where the rainforest meets the Caribbean Sea, Castara Retreats offers 17 treehouse-style eco-lodges, each designed in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The resort’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond architecture—it is a living-in-the-landscape experience where guests are immersed in nature while supporting a community-driven tourism model. 

For the second consecutive year, Castara Retreats has been awarded Green Key certification, reaffirming its commitment to regenerative tourism and sustainable hospitality in the Caribbean.  

As part of the Green Key recertification celebrations, team members and guests took part in a commemorative herb planting activity, using compost generated from Castara Retreats’ own sustainability efforts. These fresh, locally grown herbs and ingredients bring vibrant, nourishing flavours to Caribbean Kitchen, the resort’s in-house restaurant, where dishes are made from scratch with care and a commitment to sustainability. Guests and team members also explored the resort’s evolving butterfly garden, a biodiversity initiative designed to support pollinators and native plant life, reinforcing Castara Retreats’ dedication to conservation. 

Speaking at the event, Director of Green T&T, Willard P. Harris, praised Castara Retreats for setting a high standard in sustainable hospitality: 

“At the very core of Castara Retreats’ triumph lies a visionary sustainability policy and a brilliantly crafted action plan. These are not mere documents, but the very heartbeat of your operation, guiding every decision with purpose and passion.” 

Harris further highlighted the resort’s deep integration with the Castara community: 

“What truly makes Castara Retreats a shining star in the tourism industry is your profound connection to the local community. You have woven yourselves into the very fabric of Castara, ensuring that the fruits of sustainable tourism nourish the entire region. This is not just business; this is a beautiful symbiosis of commerce and community.” 

Maisha Oben, General Manager of Castara Retreats, expressed pride in the team’s efforts to maintain and strengthen the resort’s sustainability: 

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our team. The journey to being recertified was not easy, but with every step, we stayed true to our ethos—respecting nature, integrating sustainability into every action, and reinforcing our responsibility to both our guests and the local community. Let us continue this journey to be an exemplar for Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.” 

The resort’s next steps include expanding its sustainable initiatives, deepening its conservation efforts, and continuing to foster meaningful connections with the local community. 

About Castara Retreats 

Nestled in the heart of Castara, Tobago, Castara Retreats is an eco-boutique resort designed for guests to "live in the landscape." Its 17 treehouse-style, self-catering lodges blend rustic luxury with a deep commitment to sustainability, creating a seamless connection to nature. 

With a vision to be a regional leader in sustainable hospitality, Castara Retreats is shaping a resilient, prosperous, and inclusive model for tourism. The resort actively uplifts local culture, protects the environment, and supports sustainable economic growth, fostering a “community of practice” that shares in the transformative power of responsible travel. 

What did you think of Castara Retreats’ good practice planting activities ? Do you have your own brilliant good oractice that you would like to share with the network?

Click the link below to submit news and good practices with Green Key International and the entire network. We would love to see that! 

Green Key (FEE) and ATTA announce partnership to promote sustainable travel practices

ATTA and FEE have created a Memorandum of Understanding with the goal of jointly promoting sustainability awareness, fostering practical implementation, encouraging community engagement, and activating market participation among the members of both organisations. This collaboration will benefit the members of ATTA and FEE (Green Key and Blue Flag programmes), while aiming to build more sustainable destinations and companies.

““The collaboration between ATTA and FEE will lead to the development of more resilient and eco-friendly travel destinations and continue setting a high standard for the industry.””

— Daniel Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer of FEE

By leveraging each other's strengths and resources, this partnership will enhance the visibility and impact of sustainability initiatives. It will provide a robust framework for members to adopt and showcase best practices in environmental stewardship. Additionally, it will facilitate deeper community involvement, encouraging local populations to actively participate in sustainability efforts. This concerted approach is expected to drive market activation, creating a competitive edge for businesses that prioritise sustainable practices. 

According to Shannon Stowell, CEO of ATTA, "Sustainability is no longer an option; it is a necessity for the future of travel. This partnership between ATTA and FEE represents a significant step toward equipping more destinations and businesses with the tools and knowledge to implement meaningful change. By working together, we can create a more responsible and resilient tourism industry that benefits communities, protects our planet, and enhances the traveler experience."

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About Foundation for Environmental Education

The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is one of the world’s largest Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries. With a network of over 50,000 educational institutions, the Eco-Schools, Learning About Ecosystems and Forests and Young Reporters for the Environment programmes empower young people to create an environmentally conscious world through experiential, project-based learning. The Green Key and Blue Flag programmes are globally recognised for promoting sustainable business practices and the protection of natural resources. With over 40 years of impactful experience in ESD, FEE’s strategic plan, GAIA 20:30, prioritises impactful action across all five programmes to address the threats of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution. 

About the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA)

The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), established in 1990, is the largest global network of adventure travel leaders with around 30,000 individual guides, tour operators, lodges, travel advisors, tourism boards, destination marketing and management organisations, outdoor educators, gear companies and travel media who share a belief and commitment to sustainable tourism. ATTA’s mission is to empower the global travel community to protect natural and cultural capital while creating economic value that benefits both trade members and destinations. ATTA offers a portfolio of strategic solutions and a robust ecosystem of events around the world. ATTA has specialised expertise in research, education, media, and promotion.

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Six Marriott International hotels receive Green Key certification in Mexico

On 29 January, Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort in Los Cabos, received Green Key certification. Additionally, on 6 February, four more hotels—Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, and Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center in Puerto Vallarta—were awarded the certification, bringing the total to six Marriott International hotels in the programme. With these additions, Mexico now has 248 certified hotels.

The hotels have implemented measures focused on the sustainable use of water and energy, as well as proper waste management. Thanks to these actions, they comply with the Green Key International criteria and demonstrate their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.

Among the numerous good practices promoted, the following stand out:

• Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort in Los Cabos, has a composting project that has produced 351 kg of compost, which is used as organic fertiliser for the soil and green areas.

• Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa has maintained an orchard for five years, using the harvested fruit in its restaurant to ensure zero-kilometre sourcing.

• The Westin Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta, Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, and Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center simultaneously implement the Blue Flag programme to keep their beaches clean and ensure proper environmental management for their preservation.

These hotels follow in the footsteps of Sheraton Buganvilias Resort & Convention Center, the first Green Key-certified hotel in Mexico. For more than 10 years, this site has continuously worked to meet the certification scheme’s requirements and was also a pioneer in obtaining both Green Key and Blue Flag certifications in the country.

A sincere thank you to Green Key Mexico for its leadership in overseeing the programme at a national level and for its dedicated coordination with Green Key-certified establishments, culminating in the successful achievement of 248 certified establishments as of February 2025.

Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan Becomes Armenia's First Green Key Certified Establishment

On 20 December,2024, the Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Green Key-certified establishment in Armenia.  

This achievement not only marks a significant step forward for the hotel itself but also represents an important moment for Armenia’s tourism sector as it embraces sustainability. 

The certification ceremony was attended by notable guests, including H.E. Ambassador Eric de Muynck, Ambassador of Belgium; Mrs. Sabina Nováková, First Secretary andDeputy Head of Mission of the Czech Embassy; and representatives from the Ministry of Economy, the United Nations, the Armenian Hotel Association and other distinguished guest. Their presence highlighted the importance of this accomplishment for Armenia and the international recognition Green Key certification brings. 

The process has been coordinated by Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development of Communities (ISSD) NGO, the National Operator of Green Key program in Armenia. ISSD’s work ensures that more Armenian businesses can become part of this global movement for sustainability. Together with ISSD, we work to create a greener future for the country.  As several other hotels in Armenia are undergoing the certification process while others are planning to, 2025 might be a very promising year for the sustainable path of Armenia's hospitality industry  

The ISSD’s primary goal is to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly practices among accommodation providers in Armenia's Lori, Tavush, Shirak, and Gegharkunik regions. Through a series of targeted activities, the ISSD sets clear objectives to drive change. Some of the main activities include:  

• providing training of local professionals,  

• developing sustainability plans,  

• implementing awareness raising campaigns,  

• developing case studies. 

ISSD encourages a broader shift towards sustainability; by combining environmental responsibility with financial benefits, they aim to boost business opportunities for hospitality service providers, positioning Armenia as a leading green travel destination. 

Penta Hotels ends year in sustainable style as all German properties earn Green Key certification

Penta Hotels has taken a significant step on its sustainability journey, with all of its German properties now proudly holding Green Key certification as of December 2024.

The brand’s properties in Brussels, Liège, and Leuven had earned Green Key certification in recent years, and now all hotels in Germany have followed suit, marking a major milestone in Penta Hotels’ ongoing efforts to achieve certifications for all its properties.

"We are delighted that all German Penta Hotels now bear the Green Key certification. This demonstrates that our sustainability actions and measures are bearing fruit and that we’re on the right track." said Kim Jasmin Junge, Property Coordinator at Penta Hotels, and leader for sustainability issues within the company.

"We’re working towards obtaining Green Key certificates for all our hotels, with the process already underway at the properties in Reading and Prague, as well as working on other further measures to promote sustainability," she added.

Since 2023, Penta Hotels has partnered with Too Good To Go to reduce food waste. Additionally, through a collaboration with Recup, the hotel chain offers sustainable, reusable bowls and cups for take-out orders. All Penta hotels have plastic-free breakfasts as standard, and have removed all disposable items from bathrooms, so that water, electricity, and waste consumption are carefully monitored.

In 2023, Penta Hotels launched a successful tree-planting partnership contributing to the planting of 2,200 trees in that year alone. In other efforts, the company also captured attention with its Earth Day 2024 campaign, where plastic waste was displayed as a pseudo-art installation in the hotel lobbies to raise awareness about the global plastic waste crisis amongst its guests.

About Penta Hotels

Penta® represents a new generation of lively neighbourhood hotels offering modern-minded individuals and business travellers' comfort and style in a relaxed atmosphere. Known for its unique interior design and attitude, the brand stands for true innovation in the industry’s upper-midscale segment. The hallmark of the hotel chain is the Pentalounge – a combination of lounge, bar, café and reception – that stands out with its "living room" look and feel. For further information, please visit www.pentahotels.com and follow @pentahotels on Instagram.