WORLDWIDE: Sustainable hotel portfolio Beyond Green has added seven new members in countries including Colombia, India, Ireland, Spain and Zimbabwe.
Beyond Green was launched by Preferred Travel Group in 2021 as a sister brand to Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide, and now comprises more than 30 properties across 20 countries.
The collection now features its first hotels in India and Spain, including:
- The Leela Palace Bengaluru which features sustainable initiatives including an EV charging station and solar plants;
- The Leela Palace Udaipur which has introduced eco-friendly boats to reduce fuel consumption;
- ARTIEM Asturias which uses photovoltaic panels to reduce energy consumption;
- Mas Salagros EcoResort in Barcelona which employs a a biomass boiler fuelled by sustainably managed Catalan forests.
The other new members are:
- Dromoland Castle Hotel in Ireland (pictured above) which employs a specialised composter to turn food waste into a peat substitute for use on the property’s golf course, gardens, and woodlands;
- Zambezi Sands by Batoka Africa in Zimbabwe which is actively involved in anti-poaching efforts and fire prevention, and employs local community members;
- Hotel Las Islas in Colombia which has partnered with the Barú community and the National Natural Parks of Colombia to restore mangrove forests, and is also actively engaged in coral restoration.
To be considered for membership Beyond Green membership properties must first be vetted according to 54 sustainability indicators which align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They must also undergo on-site evaluation every two years.
The indicators are based around the three pillars of Environmentally-Friendly Practices, Protection of Natural and Cultural Heritage, and Social and Economic Well-being of Local People. More information on the criteria can be seen here.
In December Beyond Green published its first global impact report, utilising data from a member sustainability survey which featured 67 questions reflecting member efforts and impact.
Highlights of the report included 90 per cent of members having a dedicated sustainability manager or equivalent position or team, and 70 per cent utilising renewable energy sources including solar panels, wind turbines, and other sources such as biomass derived from certified wood pellets.
Commenting on the news Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green, said: “I am thrilled to announce the expansion of our global portfolio with the addition of these seven new member properties. As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our mission to promote travel as a force for good, guided by our pillars of sustainability – Nature, Community, and Culture. Together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for all.”
Earlier this year Beyond Green joined 1% for the Planet, committing to donating one per cent of the brand’s annual sales to support non-profit organisations focused on environmental issues.
Image of Dromoland Castle Hotel supplied by Preferred Hotels & Resorts.