Our Journey Toward Sustainable Hospitality
This April, as we celebrate Earth Month, we’re reflecting on our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable hospitality. While many businesses talk about sustainability, we’ve been quietly implementing practical solutions that make a real difference.
Biosphere Certified: Our Commitment to Verified Sustainability
In 2023, we proudly achieved Biosphere certification, a globally recognized standard that validates our commitment to sustainable tourism practices. This certification isn’t just an accolade—it provides a comprehensive framework and accountability measures that continue to guide our sustainability journey. The Biosphere principles of environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and social equity inform every decision we make as we work to balance exceptional guest experiences with mindful resource management.
From Farm to Table and Back Again
Our culinary philosophy centers on local, seasonal ingredients that not only create exceptional dining experiences but also reduce food miles and support regional producers. Our chef’s herb garden provides fresh ingredients just steps from our kitchen. And we’ve closed the loop: all organic kitchen waste is composted by our local waste management partner and returned to community gardens and farms.
Innovative Solutions to Plastic Waste
As part of the hospitality industry, we recognize the opportunity to reduce plastic waste through innovative solutions. We’re embracing this challenge in creative ways:
- All guest rooms and public washrooms feature dispensers for toiletries, eliminating thousands of single-use plastic bottles annually
- Filtered water stations throughout our property have helped us eliminate single-use water bottles entirely
- Our 3D printing program uses biodegradable materials to create stir sticks and beverage decorations for Clive’s Classic Lounge
Energy and Water Conservation
Sustainability isn’t just about what you see—it’s also about the systems behind the scenes. Our recent installation of the LUX laundry system has dramatically reduced our water and energy consumption while maintaining the highest cleaning standards. Our pool uses an innovative system that recycles warm air to help heat the water, and Vista 18’s specialized window film minimizes heating and cooling demands year-round.
Supporting Sustainable Transportation
We recognize that travel choices matter. That’s why we’ve installed six electric vehicle charging stations in our parking areas and provide secure bike storage, walking maps, and public transit information for guests looking to explore our beautiful city sustainably.
How You Can Join Our Sustainability Journey
We invite you to join us in our sustainability efforts during your next stay. Small choices add up to meaningful change when multiplied across thousands of guest visits. Here are some practical ways you can participate:
- Refill, Don’t Landfill: Use our refill stations for fresh, filtered water instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles from nearby convenience stores. Didn’t bring your refillable bottle? Purchase a North Water refillable water bottle from our front desk.
- Shop Sustainably: Victoria is proudly a bag-less society. Planning to do some shopping in town? Ask our front desk for a complimentary reusable tote as you head out for your day of exploring.
- Conserve Resources: For multi-day stays, consider reusing your towels and linens. We’re happy to provide fresh towels and cleaning services upon request, but extending the use of these items helps conserve water and energy.
- Spare the Elevator, Journey the Stairs: When heading down to the lobby, discover our mural-clad stairwells. It’s a small choice that saves electricity while adding a bit of art and exercise to your day.
- Choose Local Transportation: Take advantage of nearby e-bike rentals (see here to access discount codes), walking maps, and public transit information to explore our beautiful city sustainably.
- Dine Consciously: Experience our farm-to-table menu featuring local, seasonal ingredients. Each meal supports regional producers and reduces food miles.
- Recycle and Compost: Use the designated bins in your room and throughout the property to ensure your waste is properly processed.
Looking Forward
Sustainability isn’t a destination but a journey of continuous improvement. We’re constantly evaluating new technologies and practices to enhance our environmental performance while providing the exceptional experience our guests expect.
We’d love to hear your suggestions for further improvements! Share your ideas with us by emailing dm@chateauvictoria.com or speak with any team member during your visit.
Together, we can prove that quality and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re complementary aspects of truly exceptional hospitality.
