Four Seasons releases annual ESG report on sustainability and social impacts

Environmental commitments

In 2023, Four Seasons advanced its environmental initiatives with a focus on reducing its carbon footprint, conserving water, and enhancing sustainable sourcing.

• Carbon emissions and energy efficiency: A new utility management platform was introduced to improve energy data analytics across properties. Fully implemented by 2024, this platform supports the company's energy reduction targets. Additionally, 439 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations were installed globally, covering 74 per cent of properties.
• Sustainable design: Four Seasons now requires all new construction and major renovations to meet LEED Gold certification or higher. Enhanced sustainability standards include elements such as biophilic design, smart building solutions, and net-zero carbon, waste, or water certification goals.
• Waste reduction: The company eliminated over 11 million single-use plastic water bottles annually and adopted AI-powered food waste measurement tools, reducing over 184 metric tons of food waste, equivalent to 520,000 meals.
• Responsible sourcing: By the end of 2023, 83 per cent of Four Seasons properties offered sustainably sourced seafood, with a commitment to shift to 100 per cent cage-free eggs by 2025. These efforts align with Four Seasons' broader animal welfare and sustainable procurement practices.

Social impact and diversity

Four Seasons continues to demonstrate leadership in promoting diversity, inclusion, and community support through a range of initiatives.

• Diversity, inclusion, and belonging (DIB): In 2023, Four Seasons ranked in the top 10 per cent of all industries globally for inclusion and belonging, according to survey data. The company also celebrated 33 global recognition days to highlight the importance of diversity.
• Community engagement: The company donated over $2.1 million to charitable causes, including cancer research. The Four Seasons Golden Rule Relief Fund supported 261 team members in 2023, with major disaster relief efforts directed toward regions affected by wildfires and earthquakes.
• Employee well-being and development: Four Seasons invested heavily in leadership development, providing more than 1,000 hours of leadership coaching in 2023. The company continues to prioritize healthy workplace environments through the Fitwel standard, which promotes movement, social connection, and mental health.

Future initiatives and commitments

By 2024, several of Four Seasons’ key ESG initiatives, which were outlined in the 2023 report, have already been realized:

• Expanding green initiatives: The company continues its focus on enhancing green building certifications across more properties and integrating low-carbon technologies, including on-site renewable energy projects.
• ESG-linked compensation: As of 2024, Four Seasons has implemented a system linking specific ESG-related goals to the bonus compensation formula for key leadership roles at its properties. This system embeds sustainability more deeply into the company’s operational culture and incentivizes leaders to prioritize ESG targets in day-to-day operations.
• Collaborations for good: Four Seasons continues its partnerships with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund and the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, advancing its conservation and responsible tourism efforts.

Implications for Canadian hospitality

For Canadian hoteliers, Four Seasons’ 2023 ESG report provides a clear benchmark for sustainability and social responsibility. The elimination of single-use plastic water bottles at 93 per cent of its properties, along with a push towards green building certifications, showcases Four Seasons’ commitment to environmental stewardship. Additionally, its leadership in diversity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives reflects a growing industry trend, highlighting the importance of inclusive practices for both employees and guests.

As the hospitality industry continues to adapt in a post-pandemic world, Four Seasons’ efforts demonstrate that embedding sustainability and social responsibility into business models is not only possible but essential for long-term success.