The 12 Sustainability Cornerstones:
A VHG Hospitality Promise

Sustainability is no longer optional, or “nice-to-have” in hospitality.
It’s essential to compete, attract conscious travelers, and make a real difference in the communities and environments we operate in.

But where do you start? Too often, sustainability is treated as a buzzword or a box to tick, rather than being part of everyday operations. That’s why we developed The 12 Sustainability Cornerstones: a practical framework any property, big or small, can use to turn sustainability from idea into action.

The 12 Sustainability Cornerstones:

Data Collection & Monitoring

Track energy, water, and waste

Waste Separation

Separate waste for proper recycling

Green Team Formation

Appoint a dedicated team to drive responsible initiatives

Composting

Return food scraps to the earth

Staff Training

Train staff regularly on responsible practices

Guest Education

Inspire guests through education & storytelling

Safe Refillable Drinking Water

Filter and bottle your own drinking water

No Single-Use Plastics

Reduce and eliminate plastics wherever possible

Renewable Energy Use

Use and expand clean energy solutions

Conservation Commitment

Protect and restore nature

Community Partnership

Support locally led projects and businesses

Celebrating Culture

Honor and share local traditions and heritage

Why They Matter to VHG Hospitality

Sustainability is an ongoing journey. Technology changes, communities grow, and the environment keeps reminding us that we need to do better. The 12 cornerstones represent the essential practices that form a foundation of how our properties operate, while also giving us the flexibility to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
”Here at Cardamom Tented Camp, we are dedicated to implementing the 12 cornerstones, with a strong focus on our conservation commitment. We aim to set an example of what true sustainability looks like in the 21st century and provide our guests with a genuinely responsible travel experience.”

Allan Michaud, Lodge Manager 
Cardamom Tented Camp

“Travelers today want to know that their stay has a positive impact. By embedding the 12 Cornerstones into every aspect of our operations, we show care, respect, and responsibility. Not just for nature and local culture, but for the guests who trust us with their time and memories.”

George Newling-Ward, Lodge Manager
Anurak Lodge

What’s Next

Each month, we’ll take a closer look at one of the 12 cornerstones. First up: Data collection & monitoring, because as Peter Drucker famously said, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure”. We hope you’ll follow along, celebrate our progress, and join us on this journey to make sure tourism has a positive impact.

Natalie van Ogtrop, VHG Hospitality
October 2025