For Six Senses, sustainability is only the first step in establishing a reciprocal relationship with local ecosystems, communities and cultures. Going beyond protection, acting as a regenerative business adds value to all local stakeholders (whether human, animal or plant) with the ultimate aim of Six Senses giving back more than it takes.
Six Senses is the first hotel group to join Tourism Declares Climate Emergency, which supports businesses, organizations and individuals in declaring a climate emergency and taking action to reduce their carbon emissions.
The global livestock industry accounts for 7.1 gigatonnes of Co2 equivalent per year, representing 14.5 percent of all anthropogenic GHG emissions. As part of our farm-to-fork approach, our properties have organic gardens and farms growing local, seasonal produce in soil that is nurtured by the best practices of restorative agriculture. In 2020 alone, 88,724 organic eggs were served in our restaurants along with 195,602 pounds (88,724 kilograms) of organic vegetables (roughly the weight of 51 camels). 134,082 pounds (60,819 kilograms) of compost was produced to enrich the soil.
Each operating hotel lays out plans to reduce energy use and builds from those an annual reduction target. Our 2021 groupwide reduction goal is 6.4 percent kWh energy and 3,128 tons CO2e for all operating hotels (using a 2018 baseline or later for newer hotels). We are seeking gains in energy efficiency through energy modeling, metering, efficient glazing and lighting, HVAC controls, and rigorous appliance and refrigerant specifications.
Our renewable energy target for all new hotels under design and construction stands at 51 percent. This will be included in our technical services standards. We are also conducting feasibility studies into renewable energy retrofits for our existing hotels and resorts. We have already made a start: in 2020, renewable electricity generated exceeded 370,788 kWh, enough to power 15 World Cup soccer matches. Six Senses Laamu, Maldives, has already begun a solar photovoltaic retrofit providing clean energy for the future. Six Senses Fiji and Six Senses Krabey Island use solar electricity and Six Senses Con Dao, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, and Six Senses Zil Pasyon use solar heating.
Sustainability funds are managed at each Six Senses property with sales added directly from house-bottled water and popular stuffed animal mascots that reflect each location. This funds local community and environmental projects with special consideration for climate adaptation and resilience. The work we do to strengthen our local communities with improved health care, education, and access to clean drinking water is as important as ever. In 2020 alone, more than 17,000 local community members, hosts, and their families supported positive impact events, with an extra 4,317 guests helping out. In fact, hosts dedicated around 2,000 hours to volunteering in their local communities. Passing the legacy on to younger generations, 4,195 local people gained access to education and skills training.
Installing water filters meant 111,385 people received clean drinking water and sanitation. A further 536,240 people benefited from improved access to healthcare programs and the provision of medical equipment.
We strengthen nature-based solutions to carbon sequestration wherever possible. Notable examples include our mangrove forests and seagrass beds, where we go beyond protection into habitat restoration, securing 26 hectares (260,555 square meters) of habitat, which is enough to cover 36 soccer pitches.
Here’s a bright idea! Six Senses Ninh Van Bay introduces Ninh Van Greens, the first in-resort solar farm in Vietnam, which will provide electricity, organic veg, and hot water. The organic garden, Solar FreshCuts, is planted beneath the panels.
Environmental and social responsibility is at the heart of the Six Senses approach. That’s why we join individuals, travel, and other companies in declaring a climate emergency and highlighting the seriousness of human impacts brought about by climate change. Many of these are disproportionately felt by communities in the global south and by younger and future generations.