In the ever-evolving landscape of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, sustainability has become a critical focus.
Meliá Hotels International, a leading hotel group based in Spain and recognized as one of the most sustainable company in its sector globally by the S&P Global 2024 Yearbook, is at the forefront of this movement with its innovative Road to Net Zero Events program. This initiative is part of Meliá’s broader Travel For Good Sustainability program, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership in sustainable event planning.
The Road to Net Zero Events Program
The Road to Net Zero Events program represents a significant step forward in Meliá’s sustainability efforts. Developed in collaboration with Creast, a company specializing in measuring, reducing, and compensating environmental impacts, the program aims to lead the way toward carbon-neutral events, addressing the growing demand for sustainable practices among MICE professionals.
The program focuses on three fundamental aspects:
- Carbon Footprint Calculation: Leveraging advanced technology developed with Creast, Meliá can accurately calculate the carbon footprint at two critical points: during the quotation phase and at the event’s conclusion. This technology, integrated into the hotel management systems, provides detailed measurements based on each hotel’s and event’s specific data. Notably, it is the only hotel tool that offers detailed information on the carbon footprint of each menu, covering emissions from accommodation, meeting rooms, and food and beverage consumption.
- Responsible Decision-Making: The program empowers event organizers to make informed, responsible decisions by highlighting Meliá’s extensive sustainability initiatives. This includes showcasing the company’s 100% green energy consumption across its European hotels, waste management strategies, and water conservation efforts.
- Carbon Footprint Compensation: Meliá goes beyond measurement and reduction by offsetting the carbon footprint of all events held under the Road to Net Zero Events program. This commitment to carbon neutrality demonstrates their unwavering dedication to a sustainable future.
Meliá’s Sustainability Credentials
Meliá’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the MICE segment. The company has been recognized as the third most sustainable company in the world and the most sustainable in Europe, according to the S&P Global 2024 Yearbook. This accolade reflects Meliá’s comprehensive approach to sustainability across all its operations, setting a benchmark for the global hospitality industry.
One notable example of Meliá’s commitment is the installation of 926 solar modules at Paradisus Palma Real in the Dominican Republic, equivalent to 500 kilowatts. The annual production of 930,000 kilowatt-hours from these panels compensates for the energy used in all of the hotel’s convention halls, significantly reducing the property’s overall carbon footprint.
A Green Future for MICE
Meliá Hotels International’s Road to Net Zero Events program exemplifies the company’s thought leadership and commitment to sustainability in the MICE segment. By integrating advanced technology, fostering responsible decision-making, and ensuring carbon footprint compensation, Meliá is setting a new standard for sustainable events. As the industry continues to evolve, Meliá’s pioneering efforts provide a compelling blueprint for others to follow, ensuring that the future of MICE is not only innovative and inspiring but also environmentally responsible.
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