Luxury hotel group Kempinski has published its third Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report for 2023, reflecting on the progress since the establishment of its Sustainability Committee in 2021. This report builds on the findings from the 2021 and 2022 reports, highlighting Kempinski’s continued commitment to comprehensive sustainability practices.
The 2023 ESG Report outlines significant achievements and future opportunities, following the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and aligning with the UN Global Compact’s Ten Principles for human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption.
Key Highlights from Kempinski’s 2023 ESG Report:
– Integrity and Anti-Corruption Efforts: Kempinski has established clear standards of conduct through its anti-corruption policy, ensuring ethical business practices. In 2023, there were zero incidents of corruption or bribery, and twenty-eight operations were assessed for corruption risks. All new employees received anti-corruption training to promote awareness and compliance.
– Eradication of Child and Forced Labour: A comprehensive policy against child and forced labour was formalised in 2023. Thirty-seven whistleblowing cases were reported and successfully resolved, reflecting Kempinski’s commitment to ethical labour practices.
– Diversity and Inclusion: Kempinski employs staff from 124 nationalities, with 84.3% being local nationals. Of the 19,200 employees in 2023, 38.7% were female, a ratio that remains consistent across various job levels.
– Employee Training: Kempinski delivered over 175,000 hours of training in 2023, averaging 9.2 hours per employee per month, emphasising its dedication to employee growth and development.
– Climate Change Initiatives: Kempinski focuses on reducing energy use and carbon emissions through sustainable building practices and energy efficiency measures. In 2023, 94% of its hotels and residences reported energy and emission data. Energy use per guest night decreased by 25.1%, and emission intensity dropped by 19% to 43.1 kg CO2-e per guest night compared to 2022.
– Waste Management: Kempinski aims to minimise waste through optimisation, reuse, and recycling. Total waste and waste intensity per guest night declined by 20% and 19% respectively in 2023. The elimination of plastic key cards by 2026 is projected to save three tonnes of plastic, with over half of the hotels already transitioning to wooden key cards.
– Water Conservation: Kempinski’s proactive approach to water conservation includes the implementation of water-efficient technologies and practices, resulting in a 17% decline in water use intensity for the second consecutive year.
– Biodiversity Protection: Recognising the importance of biodiversity, Kempinski has initiated projects to protect ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and turtle nesting beaches in Seychelles and Mexico.
“As a global luxury hotel operator, Kempinski places sustainability at its heart, carefully considering our impact on the communities in which we operate,” said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group. “While there is a guest expectation and a business responsibility to report our findings through our latest ESG Report, we are also driven by moral and ethical imperatives to look after our people and our planet. The progress made over the last three years since the inception of Kempinski’s Sustainability Committee is tremendous. However, we recognise there is still much work to be done. We will continue to embed sustainability into every area of our company and drive positive change for all properties across the globe and throughout the hospitality industry at large.”
Kempinski’s 2023 ESG Report underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach to addressing environmental and social challenges. As the company moves forward, it remains dedicated to driving positive change and setting new standards for the hospitality industry.
Subscribe to our newsletter below