Our ESG Vision
At Shangri-La, we aim to be the best-loved hospitality group by hosting people to the colourful joys of life in a sustainable manner, delivering hospitality that empowers our people, uplifts local communities, nurtures the planet, and celebrates Asian heritage.
Our ESG Strategy
Our ‘Triple S’ strategy of Stay, Savour and Shine ensures that sustainability is embedded into every aspect of our business and operations, touching every step of your journey with us.
Promoting Sustainable and Locally Sourced Cuisine
Since its inception in 2014, our culinary initiative, Rooted in Nature, has been at the forefront of championing sustainable practices in our dining experiences. This initiative empowers our hotels to meticulously source organic, sustainably grown ingredients from nearby farmers, which are then skillfully transformed into wholesome, nutritious meals for our guests. We place a premium on direct sourcing from local farms, going the extra mile to establish farmers' markets and cultivate on-site farming facilities such as herb and vegetable gardens, bee farms, and hydroponic systems. Through these concerted efforts, we are able to offer our guests a culinary experience that is not only fresher but also embodies our commitment to organic, locally sourced, and healthier dining options.
Among the noteworthy achievements and ongoing endeavours of our Rooted in Nature initiative is the successful expansion of our engagement with local suppliers in 2023. This expansion includes partnerships with Dumowongi for edible flowers, sourcing local pineapples from Kiulu, and procuring seafood from Champ Quality. This ongoing project serves as a testament to our unwavering dedication to sustainability and our steadfast support for local communities. By continuing to innovate and collaborate with local suppliers, we aim to further enrich our commitment to promoting sustainable and locally sourced cuisine while fostering positive impacts within the communities we serve.
Reducing Food Waste
Efficiently tackling food waste stands as a cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. We employ strategic methods such as donations, energy recovery, composting, and advanced food waste technologies to actively minimize waste throughout our operations.
Our ongoing pilot programs are specifically designed to empower chefs with innovative tools to track, analyse, and ultimately reduce food waste. By diverting waste from landfills, we are making significant strides in reducing our environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future. Through these concerted efforts, we remain committed to fostering a culture of responsible consumption and environmental stewardship within our organisation.
Eliminating Full Plastic Takeaway Packaging
At the forefront of our commitment to sustainability is our dedication to minimizing single-use plastics, particularly in our takeaway services. Across all our hotel properties, we have taken proactive steps to phase out full plastic takeaway containers, cutlery, and bags. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to reducing plastic waste and embracing eco-conscious alternatives.
Furthermore, in line with our sustainability goals, many of our locations now offer alternatives to single-use plastic water bottles for Food and Beverage events. This move not only reduces our environmental footprint but also promotes responsible consumption practices among our guests. Since 2019, we have implemented a ban on plastic straws and stirrers in all Shangri-La hotels and resorts. This decisive action underscores our proactive approach to tackling plastic pollution and demonstrates our commitment to fostering a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Through these concerted efforts and ongoing initiatives, we strive to set new standards of environmental responsibility within the hospitality industry while continuing to provide exceptional service to our guests.
Sarimpak Robe: A Cultural Collaboration
In a heartfelt collaboration, Shangri-La Rasa Ria partnered with indigenous artisans to craft the distinctive Sarimpak robes, woven from authentic Bajau Samah fabric. Drawing inspiration from the rich wedding traditions of the local Bajau Samah community, whose members contribute significantly to the resort's vibrant atmosphere, these robes encapsulate a blend of heritage and innovation.
Beyond preserving arts and culture, this initiative serves as a beacon of empowerment for local women, offering meaningful employment opportunities and fostering economic independence. Moreover, it strengthens the bonds between the resort and the community, enriching the cultural fabric of both.
As part of this initiative, Shangri-La Rasa Ria collaborated closely with Changgih Designs to introduce the Sarimpak Robe for the Ocean Wing Junior Suite. On 28 January 2023, the resort hosted a sewing training session, marking the commencement of this impactful partnership. Led by two of Changgih's esteemed artisans, Sarihah Razanah Bte Abd Razak and Hariaty Binti Hapah, the training empowered local women with the intricate patterns and techniques required to create these culturally significant garments.
Eco-Friendly Deco: Celebrating Sustainability in Style
Join us in embracing eco-friendly celebrations at our resort through our unique collaboration with Upcycled Shack. Together, we are redefining festive decorations by breathing new life into them, crafting them from repurposed corn husks, and championing sustainability in every corner of our festivities.
This partnership transcends mere aesthetics; it is a testament to our commitment to empowering over 20 local artisan women from Kota Marudu. Through this collaboration, these women are afforded opportunities to upskill, showcase their craftsmanship, and contribute to household incomes, thus becoming agents of positive change within our community.
Our decorations, sourced from agricultural crops and coloured with natural elements like turmeric and pandan leaves, embody our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Each ornament serves as a zero-waste marvel, playing its part in fostering a healthier environment and promoting a more responsible approach to holiday festivities.
Curated by Upcycled Shack, this collaborative effort involves various communities and social enterprises from Sabah, symbolising the strength of community collaboration in achieving sustainable goals.
In alignment with Shangri-La's dedication to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, this initiative invites guests to be part of a responsible and eco-conscious hospitality future, where festive charm and sustainability seamlessly intertwine, creating memorable experiences while leaving a positive impact on our planet.
Rasa Ria's Ecofelt Growbag: A Sustainable Souvenir
Introducing Rasa Ria's Ecofelt Growbag, designed by Jo Luping. These bags feature motifs inspired by the natural beauty of the Rasa Ria Reserve, a testament to the resort's unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility. Accompanying each tree is a biodegradable plant fiber saucer crafted from recycled bamboo fiber, further showcasing our dedication to sustainable practices.
Guests have the opportunity to purchase potted spider plants or the Ecofelt Growbag, with proceeds going towards supporting local organisations that assist mothers, orphanages, and the visually impaired. By investing in these eco-conscious souvenirs, guests not only take home a piece of the resort's ethos but also contribute to meaningful community initiatives.
Embrace the spirit of sustainability and community engagement this holiday season at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, where every purchase makes a positive impact on both the environment and the local community.
ASEAN MICE Venue Standard Award (Category: Meeting Room) (2024-2026)
Shangri-La Rasa Ria has been honoured with the esteemed 9th ASEAN Green Hotel Standard and the distinguished 4th ASEAN MICE Venue Award in the Meeting Room category. The ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024, held in Vientiane served this momentous achievement under the theme "Quality & Responsible Tourism: Sustaining ASEAN Future,” further solidifying the resort’s reputation as a pioneer in sustainable hospitality and exceptional event hosting. The resort is currently focusing on enhancing its pioneering efforts to get ISO 20121 certified for event sustainability.