Cordis Auckland: Masters Of Sustainable Success

Andre Rowell

There’s been a bit of a buzz about Cordis Auckland these days, and it’s not just because of its stunning views and impeccable service or the rooftop bees for that matter – well actually partially but we will touch on that later. For now, the big news is the fact that the luxury hotel has just received EarthCheck Master status, making it the only hotel in New Zealand to achieve this prestigious sustainability accolade.

EarthCheck Master status is probably like the Nobel Prize of sustainability in the tourism industry. EarthCheck is a leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for the travel and tourism industry, and their Master status is reserved for only the top-performing companies. Their rigorous assessment process evaluates a range of environmental, social, and economic factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, water conservation, waste management, community engagement, and employee training. This achievement is not only a milestone for the hotel but also a testament to the growing awareness and importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Cordis Auckland has taken significant steps towards sustainability over the years. To reduce energy consumption, they have implemented energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as a comprehensive energy management system. Conserving water is a top priority for Cordis Auckland, and they have achieved this through the installation of low-flow fixtures. Additionally, Cordis Auckland has implemented a comprehensive recycling program, reduced packaging and single-use plastics, and are currently working on removing all bottled water in guestrooms and meetings. Guests now also have the option of refilling their water bottles with water fountains available, reducing plastic waste.

These initiatives have not only reduced the hotel’s environmental impact but have also contributed to the well-being of the local community through a holistic approach to sustainability. This includes establishing a beehive on a level of the hotel to assist with pollination and support the rehabilitation of bees in urban areas as well as creating a supply of their own honey for use in the hotel. Approximately 80% of Cordis Auckland’s seafood is caught completely sustainably from reputable companies. The seafood sourced and used in the hotel’s food and beverage outlets is all managed under the Quota Management system by the Ministry of Primary Industries.

The hotel has also gone through and removed single-use amenities swapping to liquid reusable pumps, reducing plastic waste and are partnering with Beyond Skin Deep to recycle soap bars to communities in need. Cordis Auckland also prioritises supporting local communities by partnering with local organisations, sourcing locally-produced food and beverages, and promoting cultural tourism. Cordis Auckland also ensures that its employees are trained in sustainable practices and are committed to promoting sustainability to guests. These efforts have made Cordis Auckland a leader in sustainable hospitality and a role model for other businesses to follow.

And while Cordis Auckland might have achieved EarthCheck’s highest honour, it remains committed to measurable, year-on-year improvement including the introduction of a water bottling machine on site as an alternative to plastic water bottles. Cordis Auckland is also re-introducing its ORCA (Organic, Refuse, Conversion, Alternative) food waste solution, which was used pre-COVID to turn food waste into an environmentally safe liquid that can be used to create renewable, sustainable energy.

To recycle rainwater, Cordis Auckland is installing two storage tanks in the hotel to collect rainwater via the roof gutters. The rainwater will be connected to the tanks and in turn, the water will be pumped through to the male and female staff toilets. This will only be used for flushing the toilets to reduce the amount of water used in the hotel.

Cordis Auckland’s achievement of the EarthCheck Master status is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility and sets an example for other businesses in the hospitality industry and demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not only good for the planet but also good for business. As travellers become increasingly conscious of their environmental impact, hotels like Cordis Auckland will continue to set the standard for sustainable tourism and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

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