Great news! Travelling is officially in full swing! And in Singapore, hotels are upping the ante when it comes to driving the sustainability agenda forward. Whether you’re planning a vacation or a staycation, here are the best sustainable hotels in Singapore to rest your head and unwind while keeping things green.
Singapore is continuing its strategy of creating a garden in a city through developing lush environments and clean spaces, allowing residents to experience a more pleasant life. Which is one of the reasons that it was nicknamed ‘the World’s Greenest city’ and a global leader in sustainability (although, as always, work still needs to be done).
But it goes without saying that many establishments in the country are notable for their sustainable efforts: breweries (for recycling bottles), restaurants (for growing their ingredients), grocery stores (for reducing the use of plastic bags), and much more. But if an outsider wants to see these green drives up close, they only need to look towards the city’s sustainable hotels. These places are great examples of the city’s green strategy for many innovative reasons. Here are the best sustainable hotels in Singapore that are leading the pack with green initiatives woven into their DNA.
PARKROYAL on Pickering
One glance is all it takes to understand why the PARKROYAL on Pickering has secured the coveted title of ‘Asia’s Leading Green Hotel‘ for five years on the trot. Its hotel-in-a-garden concept is instantly noticeable through its open exterior areas brimming with lush foliage and mini-waterfalls. Even the guest room corridors are reminiscent of beautiful garden spaces.
Aside from its abundance of greenery, the hotel also adheres to eco-friendly practices, including using photo sensors to monitor light levels and minimising water usage by harvesting rain. The building itself was designed with sustainability in mind. Glass windows reduce the need for indoor lights. At the same time, an above-ground parking lot eliminates the need for excavation and extensive mechanical ventilation. And they have removed all single-use plastic from their public areas and meeting spaces. They also offer a plant-based menu in their signature restaurant, Lime.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is renowned across the world for being a luxury hotel, but one thing that shouldn’t be slept on is their green initiatives. For instance, its rooftop infinity pool has a very efficient water-saving system and is the largest in the world. Large windows have also reduced the need for many lightbulbs. Meanwhile, the observation deck has become a popular destination because of its exceptional views of the Singapore skyline and the magnificent views it affords of the events stage below. The Float is the largest floating stage in the world and hosts football matches as well as concerts and exhibitions. If you want to witness an event with a great view, the Sands is a popular choice.
MBS also has remarkable green credentials; the hotel boasts an Intelligent Building Management System, which has automated control over lighting, heating, and water, for conservation purposes. Also, the hotel reduces energy consumption by relying on abundant natural daylight allowed by its humongous glass facades (which has allowed for 700 fewer light bulbs) and uses efficient methods to distribute chilled water for air-conditioning. The hotel also uses regenerative drives for their lifts, which enables MBS to save 40% more energy compared to standard, non-regenerative lifts.
Grand Hyatt
Nestled just off the bustling Orchard Road, The Grand Hyatt is a leading player when it comes to green hotels and, in particular, leads the charge when it comes to plant-based and vegan food options. It was the first to launch Beyond Burger in Singapore, as well as JUST eggless eggs, and is on a mission to change the perception of ‘vegan dining’. From Beyond Sausage to eggless egg sandwiches, it’s a foodie’s delight.
But that is not all. It boasts an in-house system that converts 100% of its food waste to organic fertiliser, produces 30% of its own electricity, and, by switching from paper to digital news access for guests, saves a whopping 450,000 papers per year. The luxury hotel also eyes an early reopening this year after a few months of renovation.
Oasia Hotel Downtown
You cannot miss the Oasia Hotel Downtown; it’s a 27-story skyscraper with a verdant, jungly facade. The hotel’s 21st floor also features a wall less lobby to allow a natural draft in the common areas. Meanwhile, the enclosed spaces are cooled by its efficient chilled water system, while a dedicated green lawn for exercising and meditating is reserved for guests.
Business Times reported that Oasia had been named the ‘Best Tall Building Worldwide’ by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). According to them, the hotel “connects to the green of the cityscape.”
Lloyd’s Inn
Despite being a slightly more budget-friendly option, Lloyd’s Inn doesn’t skimp on its environmental practices. The hotel follows a minimalist style that emphasises the simple delights that nature has to offer. The large windows look out into a sea of tropical plants. While the bright, airy rooms also have a variety of plant accents.
The hotel is also conscious of conservation, as it features open-air corridors to reduce electricity consumption. The bathrooms also have an open concept design to reduce air-conditioning use. On top of that, Lloyd’s Inn was the proud recipient of the Singapore Tourism Awards 2021 for Outstanding Hotel Experience.
And don’t stop at sustainable hotels—here’s our ultimate eco travel guide, the only sustainable travel list you’ll ever need! Now, which green hotel are you most tempted to stay in today?