Banyan Group, a leader in sustainable hospitality, unveils its 2024 Sustainability Report—One Banyan, One Sustainable Future. The 19th edition reports on the Group’s advancements in driving action and impact across key environmental, social, and economic dimensions, reaffirming sustainability as a core foundation of its business.
Guided by its founding mission and the belief that travel can be a force for good, the Group’s key progress in 2024 include:
- Accelerating decarbonisation and energy transition: In line with its ongoing commitment to addressing the business’ environmental impact, Banyan Group continued to invest in energy-efficient infrastructure and on-site renewable energy. Upgrades in lighting systems, air conditioning and room control units, as well as the installation of solar panels and timer controls across properties, resulted in a 5.7% reduction in emissions intensity per occupied room over 2023.
- Increasing waste management initiatives: Through an increased adoption of waste reduction, recycling and repurposing activities—including food donations, composting of kitchen waste and upcycling efforts—28% of total waste produced was diverted from landfill, a five-point increase from the previous year.
- •Upholding responsible water stewardship: As a result of the Group’s approach to water conservation—focused on infrastructure repairs, proactive leak detection, enhanced storage capacity, and water reuse—water efficiency per occupied room improved by 5.1% compared to 2023.
- Championing marine conservation: Restorations and research projects play an important role in the way Banyan Group seeks to reduce the environmental impact of its operations—the expansion of Our Marine Lab in the Maldives alongside the launch of the Coral Reef Restoration Project in partnership with the China Environmental Protection Foundation (CEPF) in 2024 reinforced its commitment to such conservation efforts.
- Deepening support for local communities: The Group maintained its commitment to uplifting local communities and fostering long-term resilience through education, engagement, and employment opportunities—its signature Seedlings programme nurtured 93 young individuals through training and mentorship, and provided 2,515 internship opportunities. In a continued effort to support heritage traditions and promote rural production to strengthen local economies, the Group expanded its artisan network—commissioning products that supported 306 artisan communities, including 66 newly engaged groups.
- Driving change with Greater Good Grants: To commemorate Banyan Group’s 30th anniversary in 2024, the Banyan Global Foundation funded 30 associate-initiated projects addressing the key material topics identified by the Group. The projects were selected based on criteria including the long-term social, environmental, welfare, and/or financial benefits to the communities where the Group’s hotels and resorts operate. For more information on the projects, visit: Greater Good Grants
“Sustainability is a cornerstone of Banyan Group’s purpose, and our journey will continue to evolve as we look to scale increasingly impactful practices in the upcoming years—with more ambitious climate action, deeper community engagement, and greater support for our associates to take action,” said Ho Ren Yung, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Banyan Group.
“To achieve this, we have introduced key performance metrics aligned with our identified material issues for all senior level associates in front-line and corporate roles, empowering them to champion our ambitions. As we track our progress in 2025, we will further refine our associates’ roles to more meaningfully support the integration of responsible practices across our operations,” she added.
Banyan Tree Dubai’s Progress
Banyan Tree Dubai continues to deepen its commitment to responsible luxury through initiatives that enhance the guest experience while protecting the planet.
The property recently introduced NORDAQ’s filtration system, delivering fresh, purified water while removing 3,528 single-use plastic bottles from daily operations. In-room amenities reflect the same commitment to sustainability, with plantable pencils, reusable shopping bags, and postcards made from recycled paper. Additionally, wooden key cards replace plastic alternatives, biodegradable bathroom amenities are housed in Forest Stewardship Council-certified packaging, and Coffee B machines offer 100% compostable coffee capsules.
Over the past year, Banyan Tree Dubai has strengthened its partnerships with local organisations, donating 400 towels to The Stray Dogs Center in Umm Al Quwain and contributing 1,727 kg of textile waste to Dr. Linen’s 360 Weave recycling initiative.
As part of its continued commitment to wildlife conservation, the resort also collaborated with Oliver’s Bee Farm to safely relocate wild bees that had settled on the property—providing them with a secure and sustainable new habitat.
Sustainability is also championed through internal initiatives. Associates host candle-making workshops to upcycle used wax to make new candles for use, each team is tasked with nurturing a their own team plant throughout the year, and staff are encouraged to participate in regular donation drives in partnership with the Tarahum Charity Foundation.
General Manager Paul Sykes remarks, ‘At Banyan Tree Dubai, sustainability isn’t something we talk about in passing—it’s something we live, daily. From our associates to our amenities, we’re building a culture of care, where responsible choices are part of the guest journey, and part of who we are.’
To learn more about Banyan Group’s approach, actions, and journey in addressing material sustainability impacts, visit: Our Mission. To read the full report, visit: 2024 Sustainability Report
