Our 12 Sustainability Cornerstones

These standards establish a shared sustainability baseline across VHG Hospitality’s portfolio. They outline the practices we want each property to have in place and provide a foundation for working towards recognised sustainability certification, while allowing for each property’s context and challenges.
1

4Cs Commitment

All employees understand The Long Run's 4Cs: Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce, and their role in advancing them.

2

Green Team Formation

A dedicated Green Team is established, led by a Green Team Leader. The team meets monthly with the General Manager to coordinate sustainability initiatives and track progress.

3

Data Collection & Monitoring

Energy, water and waste data are recorded monthly to monitor resource use and identify opportunities for improvement.

4

Waste Separation

Waste is separated on-site for appropriate recycling, including plastic, cardboard, cans, metal, glass bottles and used cooking oil.

5

Composting

Organic waste is composted and reused within the property grounds, returning nutrients to the soil and reducing waste sent to landfill.

6

Staff Training

All employees receive sustainability training during onboarding and regular refresher sessions, with at least one training topic each quarter.

7

Guest Education

Guests are informed about the property's sustainability efforts through signage, activities, storytelling and direct engagement.

8

Safe Refillable Drinking Water

Safe and refillable drinking water is available on-site, reducing reliance on single-use bottled water. Water quality is regularly tested and maintained.

9

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

Unnecessary single-use plastics are phased out, starting with items such as plastic water bottles, straws and wet wipes. Reusable alternatives are used where practical, and opportunities to reduce plastic use are regularly reviewed.

10

Conservation Commitment

Active support for conservation through initiatives such as native tree planting, biodiversity protection, habitat restoration or partnerships with conservation organisations.

11

Community Partnership

Meaningful relationships with local communities are built through employment, local sourcing, partnerships and community-led initiatives. Local changemakers are supported in developing and advancing their own ideas to create positive change in their communities.

12

Celebrating Culture

Local cultural heritage and traditions are respected and celebrated through authentic activities and experiences.

This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each team works towards implementing them in a way that reflects its local context, while continuing to identify opportunities to improve and progress towards recognised sustainability certification.