Fairmont Empress Earns Prestigious BIOSPHERE© Certification
Fairmont Empress has earned the distinguished BIOSPHERE© Certification as awarded by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international non-profit NGO, which for more than 20 years has promoted responsible tourism at an international level.
In an effort to obtain the certification, Fairmont Empress has demonstrated sustainable practices, showing its contribution to the fulfillment of the critical 17 objectives and 169 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The certification represents a journey to live more sustainably, and to leave a better planet for future generations.
Following the certificate’s methodology that recognizes sustainable journeys in a public and transparent way, at Fairmont Empress, this mission is amplified through programs such as the single-use plastic free guest journey and the Bee Sustainable initiative, which aids in habitat protection and the pollination of the Centennial Gardens and herbs atop the rooftop garden. Ingrained throughout the culinary program, menus utilize regional ingredients from local farmers, fisherman and artisans as well as herbs and vegetables grown on property. The hotel also actively reduces and lessens the impact of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through monitoring, measuring and reporting their GHG emissions, while actively focusing on diverting waste from landfills, recycling and donating or selling used cooking oil and grease to be turned into biodiesel.
“We are honored to be recognized with this incredible distinction,” said Dan McGowan, General Manager at Fairmont Empress. “We are proud to not only do what’s right, but also show that luxury hospitality does not have to compromise ideals in the name of service. As we continue to be at the forefront of the continuously evolving hospitality landscape, we are more than pleased to demonstrate that with this certification we are on the right path to create a positive and long-lasting impact for our guests, community and future generations.”
This announcement comes shortly off the heels of the City of Victoria earning BIOSPHERE© Certification, with the Fairmont Empress being one of the leading partners in fostering a sustainable community. Fairmont Empress is only the fifth hotel in British Columbia (and ninth in Canada) to earn this distinction and recognizes the dedication and efforts implemented by the hotel through its dynamic corporate sustainability management plan.
The BIOSPHERE© Sustainable Certification was developed for any company that interacts, directly or indirectly, with the tourism industry and aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. This achievement recognizes the dedication and efforts implemented by Fairmont Empress through its dynamic corporate sustainability management plan.
