In an era when eco-friendly travel is gaining traction, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga stands as a regional leader in sustainable luxury hospitality. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Riga, Latvia, the hotel amplifies its commitment to environmental stewardship through EarthCheck Certification.
Even before its EarthCheck journey, the hotel had taken sustainability steps such as waste recycling, state-of-the-art Building Management Systems (BMS) and energy-efficient lighting. However, its leadership knew there was room for improvement. EarthCheck Certification became the obvious next step.
An internal and online audit led by a cross-functional team set the ball rolling for the certification. The team comprised the Training and Quality Manager, Executive Housekeeper, Chief Engineer, and IT specialists. “EarthCheck stands for more than just certification; it signifies our commitment to the planet, community, and the future,” Mauthner said.
Kempinski’s path towards EarthCheck Certification was smooth, with an emphasis on continuous learning and adaptation. “The EarthCheck framework not only enhanced our operational efficiency but also positively influenced our guest experience,” said Sabine Laicane, the hotel’s Training and Quality Manager and sustainability champion.
EarthCheck Certification has had a measurable impact on the hotel’s performance metrics, including reduced energy consumption, water use, and waste production. It’s also led to a noticeable increase in bookings, especially for group events, solidifying its reputation as a regional sustainable hospitality leader.
EarthCheck’s alignment with Kempinski’s values is more than just a partnership – it’s a collaborative focus on a sustainable future. “Our path towards sustainability isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s an ongoing journey. EarthCheck is an integral part of this quest,” Mauthner said.
With an unwavering commitment to long-term environmental initiatives, the hotel continually refines its sustainability strategies. EarthCheck Certification remains a guiding light in its mission towards environmental responsibility.
Whether you’re a traveller seeking eco-friendly luxury, or a travel booker focused on sustainable hospitality, Grand Hotel Kempinski Riga proves that luxury and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive. They can — and should — go hand in hand.
There are more than 476 million Indigenous Peoples, found in all regions of the world, from the Arctic to the tropical forests. They make up more than 6 per cent of our global population.
In the spirit of reconciliation, EarthCheck acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout the world and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Indigenous Peoples today.
EarthCheck acknowledges that Indigenous Peoples are guardians of the forests and biodiversity hotspots we all depend on. Research shows that lands managed by Indigenous Peoples, with secure rights, experience lower deforestation rates, store more carbon, hold more biodiversity, and benefit more people than other lands — including protected areas.
We recognise and support the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Declaration is a positive document that maps out a path for Indigenous Peoples to be free from discrimination and secure in their identities and life choices.
EarthCheck science and products were developed by the Australian Government Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC) over ten years. Our science is reviewed annually to ensure that it meets international standards relative to greenhouse gas protocols, responsible tourism, and certification.
EarthCheck products and services are built on the Agenda 21 principles for Sustainable Development endorsed by 182 Heads of State at the United Nations Rio De Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and aligned to the SDGs.
EarthCheck Certified provides a framework for organisations to achieve the desired outcomes for sustainable development as set out in the final report of the World Summit for Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg in 2002.
EarthCheck Certified complies with the Mohonk Agreement (2000), which outlines the guidelines and principles for an international sustainable tourism certification program. It is also a Recognised program of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
EarthCheck Certified is a verification standard accepted by CDP. It is also an approved program of the Certification and Accreditation Administration of the People’s Republic of China (CNCA), London & Partners, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR) and the City of Sydney.
EarthCheck Certified is an approved program for meeting the EU Energy Directive for the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle – BAFA) in Germany and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy) in the Netherlands.
EarthCheck partners with international research organisations to maintain the currency of EarthCheck science and our benchmarking systems.
The EarthCheck brand signifies scientific excellence, better environmental, economic, and social performance, improved community interactions, and savings through more efficient use of resources. It provides recognition and promotional support to a global consumer market.
