Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Becomes First Luxury Hawaiian Resort to Earn EarthCheck Certification

Receiving EarthCheck’s Bronze Benchmarked Certification, Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort were recognized for responsible business practices. The organization is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory group for sustainable travel and tourism. Since 1987 they have been helping companies to care for the planet and its people, and to create sustainable destinations for both travellers and employees alike. 

EarthCheck certification requires an extensive audit of the resorts’ practices, including Manele Golf Course and laundry facilities, to meet strict sustainability standards, a process covering 12 months. A comprehensive range of data was gathered and analysed to benchmark the Lanai properties’ sustainability efforts against global standards, to develop a sustainability pathway and then effect action against the goals.

The properties were successfully able to show operational data of innovation and sustainability in action, resulting in this first certificate, encompassing cultural, social, economic and ecological sustainability.

“Our entire team engages in our efforts, from executing water-efficient golf course management to sourcing sustainable partners. Highlights include eliminating single-use packaging for bath amenities, incorporating bamboo spa amenities and the removal of plastics for in-room dining service,” shares Avi Phookan, General Manager, Four Seasons Resort Lanai. He continues, “One exciting project targets food waste reduction utilizing Winnow’s AI technology to capture waste stream of guest and employee food consumption. With online training for our team, we are now able to track information to help us identify touch points and thus develop operational solutions to divert and reduce our overall waste.”

The brand’s Four Seasons For Good program underscores education and real-time drills on emergency policies to mitigate any social or environmental risk conditions that might arise. Teams around the world have been making a positive impact on the planet and communities for many years. The Four Seasons For Good program combines all of this incredible work under a single program and cohesive strategy to create an even greater positive impact.

Additional mentions of innovative sustainability efforts on Lanai include providing complimentary mineral-safe Project Reef sunscreen to guests on the pool grounds and at the beach kiosk and reef friendly organic landscaping, for which Maui Nui Marine Resource Council awarded the beach resort Gold Certification.

“We are committed to building upon Four Seasons strong history of supporting our communities and the environment, leaving a positive, long-lasting impact on the storied places where we operate and live,” says David Emig, General Manager Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort. “We have had the privilege of leading many initiatives through our Love Lanai Culture Team, from community moon nights with on-site telescope to beach cleanups. We welcomed the Kānehūnāmoku Voyaging Academy for guests and residents to learn about wayfinding. The resort was also able to team up with researchers from Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, where guests can learn and participate in experiments at Hulopoe Beach. The scientists are investigating the role of fishing and human interaction on water and reef health.

Four Seasons Resorts Lanai is committed to caring for the land and understanding, preserving, and sharing the island’s culture, traditions and history throughout its operations. Conserving energy and precious natural resources, developing strategic partnerships, implementing sustainable practices and engaging colleagues in education and stewardship allow the Resorts to respect and care for its island home. Through Love Lanai guests can experience the island’s unique living environment and cultural-historical legacy that spans nearly 1,000 years of Hawaiian residency and a diverse cultural heritage though a variety of tours, demonstrations, and cultural experiences through unique, authentic and respectful programming.

Learn more about sustainability at Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort Lanai.