Chris Hamilton talks about the sustainable culinary dedication that Shangri-la Dubai has made a priority. As the resident manager for Shangri-La Dubai, he shares the initiatives that he is taking under his supervision.
- Can you tell us about Shangri-La Dubai’s approach to sustainable dining and how it aligns with the hotel’s overall sustainability initiatives?
At Shangri-La Dubai, we take a comprehensive approach to sustainable dining, aligning with our overarching sustainability initiatives. Our goal is to provide a memorable dining experience while minimizing our environmental impact. We source locally and ethically, reduce food waste, and raise awareness among our guests. - What steps has the hotel taken to ensure that its dining outlets prioritize sustainability, from sourcing ingredients to food waste reduction?
In 2014, the Shangri-La Group launched a culinary initiative, “Rooted in Nature” to empower our hotels to choose locally and ethically sourced ingredients and provide environmentally friendly menu choices for our guests, while supporting local producers in attaining sustainable business growth by choosing them as our business partners and enhancing their market exposure. Since then, Shangri-La Dubai has diligently worked towards curating “Rooted in Nature” menus across all our F&B outlets, proactively encouraging our guests to select this menu as the sustainable choice. - Could you share examples of sustainable food sourcing practices or partnerships that Shangri-La Dubai has established with local suppliers or farmers?
We have established partnerships with local suppliers and farmers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. This not only supports local businesses but also reduces transportation emissions. We also work closely with these partners to ensure sustainable agricultural practices. - How does the hotel promote awareness among guests about the importance of sustainable dining and the impact of their food choices?
To raise awareness among our guests, we provide information about the sustainability efforts in our dining outlets through menu descriptions and in-room materials. - Can you discuss any specific sustainability certifications or awards that Shangri-La Dubai’s dining outlets have achieved?
At Shangri-La Dubai, we operate under ISO 14001, which is our overall standard that sets out the requirements for an environmental management system. This supports our mission to improve our environmental performance through more efficient use of resources and reduction of waste.
- What innovative measures have been implemented to reduce food waste and promote responsible consumption in the hotel’s dining establishments?
Innovative measures to reduce food waste include implementing efficient kitchen practices and encouraging responsible consumption through portion control and our “Rooted in Nature” sustainable menu options. In addition, we use advanced technology to help minimize food waste by categorizing and measuring total food waste, allowing our culinary team to optimize production quantities in line with consumption. - How has the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the hotel’s approach to sustainable dining, and what adaptations have been made to maintain sustainability efforts?
The pandemic reinforced our commitment to sustainability. We adapted by enhancing food safety measures, implementing contactless menus made available via QR codes etc., and reducing single-use plastics. - Could you provide insights into the hotel’s efforts to support local culinary traditions and culture while also focusing on sustainability in its dining offerings?
We aim to strike a balance between preserving local culinary traditions and promoting sustainability. We feature a wide array of regional specialities and signature items across all our dining outlets that pay tribute to local culture and culinary traditions.
- What advice do you have for guests who wish to make sustainable dining choices during their stay at Shangri-La Dubai?
To make sustainable dining choices at Shangri-La Dubai, we encourage our guests to opt for seasonal and locally sourced dishes featured in our “Rooted in Nature” menu and to avoid excessive food wastage.
Our commitment to sustainable dining is a core part of the Shangri-La Dubai experience, and we continually strive to enhance our sustainability efforts in collaboration with our valued guests.
- What other sustainability and CSR initiatives is Shangri-La involved in?
Shangri-La is deeply committed to a range of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. We have implemented robust waste management programs, taking significant steps to reduce our plastic usage, actively working to decrease our carbon footprint, and enhance our overall community engagement through key initiatives.
A noteworthy initiative we’re piloting in Q1 2024 at one of our key properties, Shangri-La Muscat, is the Green Cross program. This program is designed to further reduce our carbon footprint and promote the best sustainable business practices in the hospitality industry. It encompasses water-saving initiatives and carbon-positive events.
In addition to these environmental efforts, we are passionate about giving back to our communities. One of our key campaigns is Pink October, where we participate in raising awareness for breast cancer charities and donate wherever possible. This campaign underscores our position as a global company with a heart, eager to make a positive impact and connect with the communities we serve. Additionally, we are excited to announce the relaunch of our longstanding partnership with Make-A-Wish, the world’s leading children’s wish-granting organization, this year.