The Langham Auckland has become the only luxury hotel in the Australasia region and the only company in New Zealand to achieve EarthCheck Platinum status. Good editor Carolyn Enting talked to sustainability manager Helene Pacalin and sales and marketing manager Michael Shah about what it means
Words and podcast interview Carolyn Enting
EarthCheck is the world’s leading sustainability certification programme for the tourism and travel industry. The Langham began its sustainability journey with EarthCheck in 2006, with some of its initiatives including investing in rooftop beehives and partnering with vodka maker 42Below to turn citrus waste from drinks and cocktails into soap.
“We are constantly looking at ways to minimise the hotel’s impact,” says The Langham Auckland sustainability co-ordinator Hélène Pacalin. “For example, we are investigating the option of our own water-bottling plant so we can eradicate single-use plastic bottles and also the potential of solar power.”
Sustainability is good for everyone – employees, guests and the environment – says The Langham Auckland managing director Franz Mascarenhas. “It’s also important for New Zealand tourism because it positions us as a premium eco destination,” says Mascarenhas.
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