The St. Regis Venice, an icon of luxury on the Grand Canal, has been awarded the prestigious Green Key certification, an accolade recognising the hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in 1999, Green Key is a leading standard in sustainable tourism and has become a hallmark for businesses dedicated to eco-friendly practices.
The St. Regis Venice has long been known for blending historic grandeur with modern luxury, and now it has added sustainability to its list of achievements. Audrey Huttert, General Manager at The St. Regis Venice, expressed pride in the hotel’s recognition, noting: “Sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations, from pioneering initiatives such as being the first hotel in Venice to install electric charging stations for boats, to our community outreach programmes. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to offering guests an unforgettable experience while preserving the beauty of Venice for future generations.”
The Green Key certification is awarded based on a stringent set of environmental criteria, and it was earned by the St. Regis Venice through a series of initiatives aimed at improving sustainability across the hotel’s operations. These efforts include a significant boost in staff engagement with environmental issues, supported by training programmes offered through Marriott International’s platform. Hotel employees have also been actively involved in clean-up activities in collaboration with local associations such as “Plastic Free” and “Retake.”
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the hotel encourages guests to reduce their environmental impact by requesting to wash sheets and towels only when necessary. The St. Regis Venice is also a proud participant in WWF’s annual Earth Hour initiative, which invites guests to conserve electricity during a dinner where candles are the only source of light. The property is entirely plastic-free and has adopted full LED lighting, in addition to offering electric boat charging stations.
The St. Regis Venice has focused on supporting local businesses through its dining options, with 90% of the ingredients sourced from local suppliers and a strong emphasis on seasonal, zero-kilometre food. To combat food waste, the hotel donates surplus food to the Community of St. Egidio, a Catholic association that provides social services, or offers it at the staff canteen. Furthermore, the hotel engages in social initiatives such as purchasing traditional Christmas treats from the City of Hope Foundation, some of which are donated to the Capuchin friars. At Easter, it supports the “Lega del Filo d’Oro” Foundation by purchasing Easter eggs made by deafblind individuals under their care.
The hotel’s Green Committee, which comprises department heads and representatives from all operational divisions, is responsible for leading and monitoring these sustainability initiatives. The committee meets monthly to ensure continuous progress towards environmental goals and to review the hotel’s eco-friendly practices.
With the Green Key certification, The St. Regis Venice reinforces its dedication to maintaining both luxury and environmental stewardship, offering guests an experience that respects the environment while upholding the city’s historic charm.
For more information, visit stregisvenice.com.