MEDIA RELEASE
The Langham Wins Tourism’s Top Sustainability Award
The Langham Auckland was awarded the Green Globe Sustainability Award at the Tourism Industry Awards celebration dinner
held in Christchurch on 5 August.
Named New Zealand’s best hotel in 2007, The Langham is known for its five-star luxury and elegance alongside a growing
list of environmental credentials. It is the only New Zealand hotel to have achieved Green Globe certification, which it
gained due to environmental initiatives to reduce energy consumption, save water and increase the recycling of waste.
The Langham’s managing director and environmental principal for the Langham brand, Mr John Dick said: “I am delighted
that in 2008 the hotel has been recognised not once but three times, for its environmental and sustainability
endeavours. Gaining Green Globe certification in February was a tremendous achievement and this was followed with a
Green Ribbon Award from the government. To be awarded the Tourism Industry Green Globe Sustainability Award this week,
is a great honour and I was very pleased to receive this accolade.”
The Langham has been committed to being an environmentally sustainable hotel since the development of its environmental
framework in August 2007. Environmental supervisor, Mr Nicholas Blake, has been influential in implementing a programme
of sustainable initiatives including a questionnaire to gauge the environmental integrity of potential suppliers, the
installation of light sensors and eco lights in areas requiring 24-hour lighting and time controls in kitchen fans.
Indeed the position of environmental supervisor is also a first for a New Zealand hotel.
In June, The Langham also unveiled its new fleet of hybrid limousines which are the world’s first V8 hybrids and operate
on a fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km.
“Being sustainable is a huge process and we are the first to say we have a long way to go on our journey, but we are
committed to making that journey and already our results are promising and the feedback from our guests is extremely
positive,” said Mr Dick.
“Thanks must go to the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand for having established such an impressive and
internationally recognized awards programme. As always the competition and standard is always very high which shows
just how seriously the industry regards these awards,” concluded Mr Dick.
- Ends -