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Front street , Toronto Ontario

sustainability in Royal York

THE ZERO CARBON* CENTURY

In pursuit of zero carbon future, Fairmont Royal York has just completed the largest heritage hotel retrofit in North America – achieving a *Zero Carbon Building - Performance Standard™ certification by the Canada Green Building Council.

How they do it

Cooling is provided by cool water from deep in Lake Ontario, through connection to Toronto’s Deep Lake Water Cooling system, replacing centrifugal chillers. Heating and hot water comes from an electric heat pump installation plant; legacy steam systems have been decommissioned. Other innovations in energy management systems optimize efficiency. The project removes 80% of direct emissions from building operations (the remaining emissions will be addressed with offsets certified by Carbon Zero).

TACKLING FOOD WASTE WITH AI

Food waste is a massive issue – for our city, and our world. As much as one third of the food humans produce is never consumed. This waste accounts for up to 8% of global GHG emissions – four times as much as aviation. In travel and hospitality, the issue is particularly acute.

We are continually seeking out technology and operational solutions to reduce food waste – and we’re determined to lead our industry and our city on this issue.

SOCIAL IMPACT

The social dimension of sustainability is crucial. Ensuring that people have equal and just access to community opportunities, resources, and safe spaces to live and connect is paramount. Fairmont Royal York has renewed our commitment to social impact programs across the hotel, including:

* A progressive commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a strong focus on developing and promoting women leaders

* Proud participation in LGBTQ+ cultural events at the hotel and across our city – and an active culture of inclusion and safety for both colleagues and guests

PURE & LOCAL: SOURCING FROM LAND AND SEA

Where we source our food matters immensely. For freshness and local character, on the one hand. And, much more, food sourcing has enormous impacts on ecosystem health, reduced emissions, and the communities of our local growers.

Fairmont Royal York draws from local, organic farms whenever possible. We focus our sourcing on producers within 100km of the hotel. All for pure cuisine, less waste, and the health of Ontario’s famed Golden Horseshoe agricultural region. 

CONFRONTING PLASTIC WASTE

Plastic waste is a prevalent and growing issue across the planet. Addressing plastics must be a priority for all those who lead our culture and economy. At Fairmont Royal York, we’re reducing plastic waste across our city landmark, with:

* The elimination of single-use plastics across the guest experience

* Tracking plastic waste and managing recycling more efficiently with Oscar Sort at key touchpoints in the service cycle