Melco Resorts & Entertainment has been named winner of the Climate Change Initiative category at the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2021 and Sustainable Resort of the Year by the International Gaming Awards (IGA) 2021 for its “Above and Beyond” sustainability strategy.
“Above and Beyond” aims to ensure Melco achieves carbon neutrality and zero waste across all its global resorts by 2030.
This includes reducing food waste, greenhouse gas emissions, consumption of harmful chemicals and single use plastics.
Under the “Above and Beyond” strategy, Melco has saved 107 tonnes of food waste by raising awareness among team members and introducing AI technology in the dining areas of its resorts in Macau and Manila. The company said it is also pioneering a new plate waste monitoring process to support further reduction.
Efficiency measures in Macau and the Philippines have helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of taking 5,286 cars off the road. According to Melco, its Manila operations now use greywater in its cooling towers which will save 88 Olympic sized swimming pools worth of water annually when back to full operating capacity.
Likewise, single-use plastics have been removed from guest amenity kits and in-room consumables such as shampoos, as well from food packaging, while use of the NORDAQ onsite filtration and bottling plant has reduced the use of plastic water bottles by 15 million in Macau alone.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by PATA and IGA for our commitment towards Sustainability,” said Denise Chen, Senior Sustainability Adviser of Melco.
“In an industry not traditionally known for sustainability, Melco strives to continue to pioneer more environmentally responsible ways to operate integrated resorts. We will continue to protect the environment for future generations with our passion, ambition and the tough goals set in the ‘Above & Beyond’ sustainability strategy.”