The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has started producing its own ecofriendly glass bottled water and is creating a rooftop garden to grow fresh food. Both initiatives form part of a long-term ecostrategy to provide guests with the best in sustainable luxury.
The hotel is the first in the city to partner with leading Swedish fresh water specialist Nordaq FRESH to introduce its own in-house, filtered and purified premium bottled water into guest rooms and suites along with at its bars, restaurants and spa.
Nordaq’s patented filtration system removes impurities from local tap water while retaining natural salts and minerals. The water is served to guests “still or sparkling” in reusable glass bottles. Filtering and bottling on-site eliminates the need for single use bottles and reduces carbon emissions generated by the traditional Hong Kong hotel approach of transporting bottled mineral water from Europe.
When making trips out of the hotel, guests can use BPA-free compressive ‘Grab & Go’ impact resistant bottles or stainless steel alternatives and are encouraged to fill their bottles at the guest lobby’s complimentary ‘central oasis’ water dispenser.
In September 2018, the hotel will launch another new ecofriendly partnership, this time with NGO Rooftop Republic to create a roof garden for growing fresh herbs, flowers and small vegetables. Organic matter normally disposed of in landfill will be used as fertiliser. A rooftop beehive will provide honey and wax for candles.
“Considering our impact on the environment is a natural part of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s culture and values. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and single use plastic usage throughout the hotel” says Archie Keswick, GM, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental.
The hotel was the first hotel in Hong Kong to ban plastic straws and use bamboo in place of the disposable plastic version in 2015. Other sustainability initiatives include:
- PDT, the hotel’s newest bar, featuring reconditioned and recyclable furnishings, as well as reusable stainless steel straws for drinks.
- Serving sustainable seafood at Amber and MO Bar. Even abalone shells are recycled with local jewellery brand, niin, which uses them in their designs.
- Chemical-free luxury shower gel, shampoo and body lotion in biodegradable containers are used at The Spa and Fitness Centre.
- Low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint and LED lighting used for guestrooms and suites
- Guest accommodation that features ethically- and sustainably-sourced Cochine Saigon products.
- Ecofriendly detergents used for laundry since 2016.
Recycling is also encouraged throughout the hotels, including plastic, glass, metal and even soap, partnering with Clean the World.
“Sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing luxury,” says Keswick. “We believe we can protect the environment and maintain the highest level of guest experience and, as an industry leader, we are keen to play our part. Key to the overwhelming success of our different initiatives is explaining our commitment in an encouraging, engaging way.”
