Extending Hospitality To Planet Earth
Augustman Malaysia|March 2024
As it opens a slew of environmentally forward hotels such as The Singapore Edition, The Marriott Group is taking real steps against climate change as we learn from its Senior Vice-President of Operations Neeraj Govil.
SUFFIAN HAKIM
Extending Hospitality To Planet Earth

IF THERE’S ANYTHING that the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference or COP28 in Dubai has shown us, it’s that business and economic interests can sometimes get in the way of affecting real, tangible change to save our planet from the terrible, possibly lasting effects of climate change. As stewards of the planet, we’ve seen all sorts of appeasement policies introduced: charging for plastic bags, pointless “carbon credits” or promised transitions to renewable energy that could take as long as an entire generation.

We’re not saying these measures are pointless, but they need to be paired with measures that are more substantial and substantiative. A few international brands are realising this and have upped the ante in the fight against climate change.

But even fewer companies have stepped up the way Marriott International has. Two years after the Paris Climate Agreement of 2015, Marriott International introduced Serve 360 — an initiative to make changes in every unit of operations across the group. Some of these changes are small and systematic, while others are complete overhauls of how things were done. But all were paving the way to 2025, when the company aims to achieve numerous sustainability goals, including having all its properties be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) certified.

For its efforts, it was recently named one of Time magazine’s World’s Best Companies of 2023, based on a matrix of revenue growth, employee-satisfaction surveys and — of particular interest to our research for this article — rigorous environmental, social and corporate governance data. Marriott International came in at number 54 in this list, the highest of any hospitality group.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM AUGUSTMAN MALAYSIAView all
FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
Augustman Malaysia

FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION

British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Augustman Malaysia

A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS

Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Augustman Malaysia

The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon

Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Story Of Luxury
Augustman Malaysia

The Story Of Luxury

KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
Augustman Malaysia

The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably

What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Augustman Malaysia

Perfectly timed slam dunk

Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Augustman Malaysia

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW

Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
Augustman Malaysia

SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA

ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
A LEGACY IN TIME
Augustman Malaysia

A LEGACY IN TIME

This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
REACHING FOR THE STARS
Augustman Malaysia

REACHING FOR THE STARS

A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024