VANCOUVER — Fairmont Pacific Rim has eliminated non-essential single-use plastics from its guest journey, including throughout its public spaces, guestrooms, dining venues and spa. The milestone was verified by British Columbia-based GreenStep Solutions Inc. As of August 2022, GreenStep awarded Fairmont Pacific Rim the third-party verifier’s first Single-Use Plastic Free Certification within the North-American hospitality sector.
Examples of the significant updates the hotel has undertaken include: replacing 36,000 key cards with re-usable FSC Certified cherry wood; replacing 1,600 kilograms of small bath-amenity bottles with large format re-fillable bottles; replacing 600 kilograms of plastic water bottles with recyclable alternatives; and replacing in-room amenities, such as razors, toothbrushes, cotton buds and shower caps, with environmentally friendly versions.
“The certification is a major milestone for our hotel and one we hope to inspire continued sustainability efforts across our industry,” says Jens Moesker, regional VP and general manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim. “Changing long-held industry practices required creative solutions from all of our staff and this achievement is a testament to their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship demonstrated by all.”
“We congratulate Fairmont Pacific Rim on this challenging but important certification,” says Angela Naggy, president and CEO of GreenStep Solutions Inc. “Since 2008, we have worked with thousands of businesses across various sectors to help them on their sustainability journey and we are beyond pleased to award the first hotel this impressive certification. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Fairmont Pacific Rim to serve as a beacon of progress in the tourism and hospitality sector.”
