Applied to:
This award recognizes outstanding actions in the field of environmental protection and sustainable development that have contributed to ecological sustainability for the planet. The initiative must demonstrate an innovative commitment to environmental sustainability, effective management practices, and a measurable impact on reducing the industry’s ecological footprint. This award recognizes initiatives that have made significant contributions towards a more sustainable future.
* If the initiative you would like to present includes both Environmental and Social pillars, submit your project in the category according to the major aspect of it. Or you may split it into the two categories (Environmental protection and Social Responsibility).
The project:
In June 2024, Novotel partnered with WWF to launch a three-year initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the world's oceans. This groundbreaking collaboration highlights Novotel’s commitment to addressing critical environmental issues, focusing on marine pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Through its Positive Impact Plan, Novotel aligns its actions with three of the United Nations’ priority ocean-related goals: reducing marine pollution, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and advancing scientific knowledge and research for ocean health.
The partnership mobilizes Novotel’s global network of 580 hotels to implement targeted actions that drive meaningful change. A key focus is the Mediterranean, where initiatives include protecting Posidonia meadows—vital blue carbon ecosystems—and addressing ghost fishing gear hotspots. Novotel also sponsors WWF’s Blue Panda program, which conducts research and conservation in the Mediterranean Sea, and supports turtle conservation in Asia-Pacific through the Turtle Blue Corridors program.
Novotel’s Positive Impact Plan emphasizes operational changes, such as eliminating single-use plastics, conducting energy audits, and implementing carbon labelling for menu items. These efforts aim to embed sustainability into the brand’s core operations while engaging guests and stakeholders. The initiative also integrates ocean conservation into Novotel’s Family @Novotel education program, raising awareness among younger generations.
By partnering with WWF, Novotel benefits from robust technical expertise and operational support, enhancing its ability to address ocean health comprehensively. The collaboration reinforces Novotel’s position as a leader in ESG practices, demonstrating how businesses can drive impactful environmental solutions.
Through this ambitious program, Novotel is not only safeguarding the world’s largest carbon sink but also creating a blueprint for sustainable hospitality. By raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and engaging stakeholders, Novotel’s initiative sets a new standard for ocean conservation, ensuring a healthier, more balanced planet for future generations.
The Hospitality Awards celebrate innovation and excellence and highlight the most creative initiatives in a sector that is constantly and rapidly changing hospitality.
