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Responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Group’s sustainability commitments and initiatives towards the wellbeing of the planet, of communities and of individuals, Torsten has over 30 years of experience in luxury hotel management. Currently, he holds the position of General Manager for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Area Vice President for the United Kingdom and Northern Europe.
HC: As Group Director of Sustainability, what key sustainability initiatives have you implemented at Mandarin Oriental, and how do they reflect the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility?
T: At Mandarin Oriental, we set a clear target for all hotels to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification by 2025. This ambitious goal underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism practices. By ensuring that each property adheres to the rigorous sustainability standards established by the GSTC, we aim to enhance our operational transparency and demonstrate to our guests and stakeholders that sustainability is at the core of our business model. This initiative not only elevates our brand but also positions us as leaders in the luxury hospitality sector in terms of sustainability.
HC: How do you see innovation in sustainability shaping the future of the hospitality industry, and what trends or technologies are most promising in driving meaningful change?
T: Innovation in sustainability is poised to redefine the hospitality industry, with a focus on advanced technologies and practices that enhance environmental stewardship. The integration of artificial intelligence for food waste management with Winnow Vision exemplifies how technology can drive efficiency and reduce waste. By leveraging data analytics, hotels can significantly cut down on organic waste by innovative workarounds and menu engineering, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
HC: Mandarin Oriental is known for luxury and high standards. How do you balance sustainability with maintaining the level of comfort and service that luxury guests expect?
T: We work closely with our suppliers to identify eco-alternatives that meet our sustainability requirements. We carefully selected and have partnered with an ISO-certified hospitality products supplier, Palatino, to design a full range of bespoke guest rooms amenity collections to improve products to meet our quality requirements and uphold our sustainability commitments, particularly upholding our single use plastic free commitment. Challenges include the hygiene mandates of local authorities and tackling the packaging that comes in from small-scale suppliers. We do our best to stipulate that suppliers must find eco-friendly solutions — and welcome any ideas and innovations.
HC: As environmental concerns grow globally, how do you ensure that sustainability becomes part of the brand’s core identity, influencing everything from operations to guest engagement?
T: Mandarin Oriental integrates sustainability into our core identity by establishing measurable goals and comprehensive strategies that influence all operations and guest engagement. The brand sets clear targets for all environmental and social initiatives, supported by sustainability accreditations like GSTC certification that validate our commitment. Innovative practices, such as Winnow AI food waste management and responsible sourcing, reinforce sustainability in daily operations. Guest engagement initiatives, including eco-friendly amenities and feedback surveys, further involve customers in sustainability efforts. Additionally, empowering colleagues as sustainability champions and fostering community involvement enhances the brand's reputation while aligning luxury offerings with the growing demand for responsible travel experiences, ensuring sustainability is fundamentally woven into its identity.
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
HC: Looking ahead, what are your long-term sustainability goals for Mandarin Oriental, and how do you envision these initiatives setting new benchmarks for the hospitality industry?
T: Mandarin Oriental's long-term sustainability goals emphasise significant reductions in energy, carbon, water, and waste by 2030, along with a commitment to achieving 15% renewable energy use across its portfolio. By eliminating single-use plastics and responsibly sourcing various agricultural commodities, the brand aims to set new benchmarks for environmental stewardship in the hospitality industry. These initiatives not only demonstrate a proactive approach to sustainability but also inspire other luxury hotels to adopt similar practices, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
