-Luxury Vancouver Hotel Becomes First Hotel in North America to Receive GreenStep Solutions Inc. Single-Use Plastic Free Certification-

VANCOUVER, BC , Sept. 15, 2022 /CNW/ - Today, Fairmont Pacific Rim , Vancouver's definitive luxury hotel, announces the elimination of non-essential single-use plastics from its guest journey, including throughout its public spaces, guestrooms, dining venues and spa. The milestone was verified by British Columbia-based GreenStep Solutions Inc., a Certified B Corporation dedicated to providing organizations with environmental impact performance assessments, technology and certifications to measure and improve sustainability performance.

In 2018, Fairmont Pacific Rim and GreenStep Solutions Inc. began the journey to elimination through an extensive audit process of all single-use plastics within the hotel operation. The assessment included reviewing the purpose and frequency of single-use plastic practices, followed by the development of a comprehensive road-map towards the reduction of single-use plastics by removing items entirely, identifying reusable alternatives, and/or introducing sustainable materials in their place. Fairmont Pacific Rim has worked with suppliers, partners and vendors to eliminate plastics within the guest journey while continuing to provide the high level of services and amenities the hotel has become renowned for. As of August 2022 , GreenStep awarded Fairmont Pacific Rim the third-party verifier's first Single-Use Plastic Free Certification within the North American hospitality sector.

"This certification is a major milestone for our hotel and one we hope to inspire continued sustainability efforts across our industry," said Jens Moesker , Regional Vice President and General Manager, Fairmont Pacific Rim . "Changing long-held industry practices required creative solutions from all of our staff and this achievement is a testament to their commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship demonstrated by all."

Fairmont Pacific Rim is committed to reducing its environmental impacts; examples of the significant updates the hotel has undertaken include:

36,000 plastic key cards used annually have been replaced by reusable FSC Certified cherry wood.

Approximately 1,600 kilograms (198,700) of small bath amenity bottles used annually have been replaced with large format refillable bottles.

600 kilograms of plastic water bottles consumed per year have been removed from the guest experience and replaced with recyclable alternatives.

12,500 plastic laundry bags used per year have been replaced with a re-usable cloth alternative.

In-room amenities such as razors, toothbrushes, cotton buds and shower caps have been replaced with environmentally friendly versions.

All food and beverage take-away containers and cutlery have been replaced with fiber-based solutions.

"We congratulate Fairmont Pacific Rim on this challenging but important certification," said Angela Nagy , President & CEO of GreenStep Solutions Inc. "Since 2008, we have worked with thousands of businesses across various sectors to help them on their sustainability journey and we are beyond pleased to award the first hotel this impressive certification. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Fairmont Pacific Rim to serve as a beacon of progress in the tourism and hospitality sector."

"Our guest experience drives all that we do and we are delighted to offer an experience that serves the eco-conscious desires of our visitors and locals alike," said Moesker. "While this is a momentous step forward, we will continue to drive sustainability deeper into our business practices for the betterment of our guests, staff, community and planet. I look forward to working with GreenStep Solutions Inc. on continued sustainability measures throughout our hotel and region."

Fairmont Pacific Rim was named a Five-Star Hotel for the fourth consecutive year in a row by Forbes Travel Guide – as well as maintaining the coveted AAA Five Diamond Rating since 2018. The hotel is also the first Fairmont property in North America to reach this milestone as part of a larger initiative from parent company Accor, to remove all single-use plastics in the guest experience, in accordance with the UN Global Tourism Plastic Initiative. Accor was also the first international hotel group to make a long-term commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Other Fairmont hotels in the Pacific Northwest region, along with Accor properties across North America and around the globe, are expected to reach a similar single-use plastic-free designation in the guest experience by the end of 2022.

In celebration of this milestone, Fairmont Pacific Rim invites guests to help combat ocean plastic pollution with a $20.00 CAD add-on per night to their booking. One hundred percent of the value of the add-on will be donated to Ocean Legacy Foundation, a Canadian based non-profit organization that aims to end ocean plastic waste. As a thank you for their donation, guests will receive a $20.00 CAD food & beverage credit for use on property. To follow along on Fairmont Pacific Rim's sustainability journey, visit fairmontpacificrim.com/sustainability.

The Methodology of Single-Use Plastic Certification: For the purpose of GreenStep Solutions Inc Plastic-Free Certification, single-use plastic free is defined as zero use of non-essential single-use plastic products. Single-use plastics are plastic items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled, such as bags, food packaging, product packaging, beverage bottles, containers, cups, lids, cutlery, coffee stirrers and straws. Expanded polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam, single-use products are also included in the definition of single-use plastics. "Plastic" is defined as a hydrocarbon-based material, including recycled plastic. Essential single-use plastic items are those that are necessary, such as for medical purposes, and/or for which no non-plastic alternative exists. A comprehensive appendix of items is available upon request.

High resolution images are available here.

Fairmont Pacific Rim - Vancouver's definitive luxury hotel - was rated the World's Best Business Hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers and awarded the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Ratings. One of the leading hotels in Canada , the downtown hotel offers panoramic unobstructed mountain and harbour views, combining the best of the Pacific Rim in its architecture and décor. The hotel features two eclectic dining destinations, resort-style Willow Stream Spa, rooftop and pool sundeck, beautifully designed guestrooms and suites. | fairmontpacificrim.com

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where the intimate equally coexist with the infinite – an unrivaled portfolio of more than 80 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. Since 1907, Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations – places such as The Plaza in New York City , The Savoy in London , Fairmont San Francisco , Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada , Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai , and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai . Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

GreenStep was founded in 2008 to help small to medium-sized enterprises measure and improve their sustainability performance. The organization has worked with over 3000 businesses and organizations of all sizes in various industries such as tourism and hospitality, retail, professional services, and manufacturing In addition, GreenStep provides assessments, training, strategy, and certifications to tourism businesses and destinations through the Sustainable Tourism Division. For more information, visit www.greenstep.ca.

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