October 8, 2018: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has started producing its own eco-friendly glass bottled water and is creating a rooftop garden to grow fresh food. Both initiatives form part of a long-term eco-strategy to provide guests with the best in sustainable luxury.The hotel has partnered with leading Swedish fresh water specialist, Nordaq FRESH, to introduce its own in-house, filtered and purified premium bottled water into guest rooms and suites along with bars, restaurants and spa.
Nordaq's patented filtration system removes impurities from local tap water, while retaining natural salts and minerals, making it healthy, refreshing and balanced in flavour. This is served to guests "still or sparkling" in reusable glass bottles. Filtering and bottling on-site eliminates the need for single use bottles and reduces carbon emissions generated by the traditional Hong Kong hotel approach of transporting bottled mineral water from Europe. When making trips out of the hotel, guests can use BPA-free compressive 'Grab & Go' impact resistant bottles or stainless steel alternatives and are encouraged to fill their bottles at the guest lobby's complimentary 'central oasis' water dispenser.
The hotel has also joined forces with NGO Rooftop Republic to create a roof garden for growing fresh herbs, flowers and small vegetables. Organic matter normally disposed of in landfill will instead be used as fertilizer. A rooftop beehive will provide delicious honey and wax for candles.
The hotel has been taking many sustainability initiatives like banning plastic straws and use eco-friendly bamboo in place of the disposable plastic version in 2015. PDT, the hotel's newest bar, features reconditioned and recyclable furnishings, and provides reusable stainless steel straws for its excitingly cocktails and many more.
"Sustainability doesn't mean sacrificing luxury," says Archie Keswick, General Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. "We believe we can protect the environment and maintain the highest level of guest experience and, as an industry leader, we are keen to play our part."