Second sustainability report from Relais & Châteaux shows positive progress

Relais & Châteaux has published its second sustainability report, which shows positive gains against nearly every objective set out in its first report in 2022.

The association set 15 core objectives for its 580 hotel and restaurant members across the areas of environmental conservation, sustainable cuisine, and social and societal empowerment two years ago. The new report shows that 80% of members have maintained their position or recorded progress in 12 of the objectives and 63 more members participated in the study when compared with 2022.

The objectives are measured using data supplied by the properties, which is validated by environmental consultancy Solinnen.

Alongside the report, Relais & Châteaux has also unveiled a newly formed Sustainability Commission, which comprises seven spokespeople from its member properties around the world. The commission will work to address social and environmental issues and provide support for other Relais & Châteaux establishments.

The company will also introduce a new vision statement in November to mark 70 years since Relais & Châteaux launched and the 10-year anniversary of its first manifesto that outlined its sustainability commitments.

Laurent Gardinier (pictured), president of Relais & Châteaux, said: “This ongoing journey will demand much from each of us, not least as each of our members faces contrasting pressures and unique local priorities. Sustainability means different things in different places, but I am confident we will reach our destination.”

The association’s vice-president of chefs, Mauro Colagreco, added: “We, as chefs, must reduce our energy and water consumption and rethink the entire waste cycle. There is an urgent need to act.”