Planet (Environment)

OUR PLANET FOCUS AREAS

DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTS

• 

In the development and operation of Four Seasons properties, we aim to minimize the environmental footprint of initial construction, integrate well-being and maximize the efficiency of our operations over time. All Four Seasons design and construction projects are required to have sustainability consultants on staff, focused on integrating sustainability into our facilities, building systems and landscape designs.

In 2023, we reached an important milestone in publishing our new Four Seasons Sustainability Standards. These design requirements apply to all hotel, resort and residential new build projects and major renovations initiated from January 2024 onwards. 

The Sustainability Standards consists of a three-tiered approach combining recognized excellence in environmental certifications (i.e., LEED Gold or equivalent), layered with elements of health and wellness based on the Fitwel standard, and alignment to net zero pathways (i.e., IFLI Zero Carbon, USGBC TRUE Zero Waste, USGBC LEED Zero Water).

• 

MINIMIZING OUR FOOTPRINT

• 

We seek to protect and regenerate the planet by minimizing our footprint. As we procure low-impact products, increase our operational efficiency and recycle resources ranging from cotton to food waste, we’re working to use less while creating even more meaningful experiences for our guests.

We are committed to using our purchasing power to reduce waste, support responsible businesses and social enterprises, and promote sustainable food harvesting and production.

All individual properties, as well as our portfolio as a whole, work toward annual targets for the reduction of energy, carbon emissions and water usage. 

Energy and carbon

We use many approaches to boost the energy efficiency of our operations and reduce carbon emissions. These include behavioural changes, which we facilitate through team member training and guest education, and facility adaptations such as technological upgrades and equipment maintenance. Many Four Seasons properties around the world are also working to reduce transportation-related emissions. Switching to hybrid or electric house cars and golf carts has been one area of focus.

Waste management

Four Seasons works to cut waste across our operations – from avoiding single-use plastics to adopting innovative ways to reduce food waste. We use an array of approaches to achieve our goals, such as working with waste-conscious suppliers and engaging team members in the quest for ongoing improvement.

Recycling and composting

We continue to roll out recycling and organic waste diversion programs in our properties around the world. Among other efforts, we’re striving to make recycling available in all guest rooms and public areas, where local systems permit.

Our global efforts to reduce single-use plastics include initiatives related to the guest experience and our Back of House practices. In addition to reducing plastic waste in general, we aim to prevent harm to ecosystems, especially the extraordinary marine ecosystems that surround many of our hotels, resorts and residences.

All of our properties are required to eliminate single-use plastics from the guest experience, including by addressing plastic water bottles and Food and Beverage disposable items.

To ensure that guests always have convenient access to water, we’re expanding the presence of water filtration plants on our properties and adding discreet and elegant filtered water dispensers in public areas.

Food waste

We’re working to cut food waste in half by 2030, relative to a 2019 baseline.

All Four Seasons food and beverage team members are expected to complete our food waste training program and all staff are being engaged in our food waste reduction efforts, including through awareness-raising activities and events in team member dining areas.

All of our properties are required to implement artificial intelligence–powered tools to help us measure food waste precisely. The tools typically use a built-in camera and connected scale to recognize food items being thrown away, helping leaders identify, quantify and accurately estimate the nature and cost of the waste.

Our teams continue to manage food-related waste streams, including by recycling cooking oil and donating excess edible food to those in need.

Water conservation 

We are committed to carefully managing and reducing our water usage, and all Four Seasons properties have annual targets for reducing water consumption. These efforts are part of our global commitment to conserving this precious resource, especially in water-stressed regions.

Responsible sourcing

Four Seasons is working to make our supply chain a force for good. We strive to connect our guests with extraordinary and responsible products that come from communities where we operate and from outstanding makers around the world.

Our Supplier Code of Conduct details our expectations for suppliers, including criteria on environmental protection, human rights, animal welfare and other factors.

CONNECTING TO THE ENVIRONMENT LOCALLY

• 

We welcome guests to the world’s most exhilarating cities and natural destinations. Wherever we have a presence, we seek to protect and nurture local habitats and ecosystems, helping to strengthen the natural features and ecological relationships that make each place unique.

Four Seasons seeks to promote biodiversity in three important ways: 

Collaborating across our portfolio

We promote the protection of biodiversity both through our operational practices and through the guidance we provide to properties, including:

• Purchasing and prioritizing sustainable food and other products whenever feasible.
• Avoiding selling and using products with potentially harmful ingredients, such as certain chemical sunscreens; and
• Promoting biodiversity-friendly behaviour across every property.

Engaging our guests

We are committed to creating opportunities for guests and residents to participate in our Four Seasons for Good efforts. Our activity clubs for children, Kids for All Seasons, often include sustainability or social impact programming to engage our youngest guests around these efforts.

Partnering with specialists

We encourage properties to support and partner with local biodiversity conservation organizations. From pollinator protection initiatives to biodynamic farming projects to charities that focus on the preservation of specific landscapes and ecosystems, many Four Seasons properties around the world support people and organizations taking local action for a healthier planet.