The Monaco Government Tourist Office announced the launch of its “Green is the New Glam” campaign, with the goal of becoming a destination that is both environmentally conscious and glamorous. The goals of the campaign are cutting greenhouse gas emissions before 2030 by 50 percent compared with 1990 levels and achieving total carbon neutrality by 2050
Home to the Monaco e-Rallye, the eco-sustainable Grimaldi Forum Monaco (the Principality’s convention and cultural center), and the marine conservation Monaco Blue Initiative (which gathers ocean management and protection experts from the United Nations, UNESCO, the European Commission and more), Monaco has made commitments to sustainability a priority. The “Green is the New Glam” campaign aims at building on this commitment and bringing it to the forefront of the Principality’s agenda.
The Government of Monaco has unveiled several measures to ensure that the Principality meets the targets for sustainability. This includes the creation of an “Energy Transition Mission,” which manages a fund to support green initiatives, with grants to help local businesses make the transition to renewable energy sources.
At the heart of the campaign are initiatives relating to Monaco’s tourism industry. Representing approximately $7 billion – over 6.2 percent – of the Principality’s GDP, the sector attracts over 355,000 visitors per year, meaning that changes made by key industry partners will be instrumental in protecting the local environment.
One example is the Government-funded “Smart+” program. Monaco’s hoteliers were provided with a Smart Box allowing them to monitor their electricity consumption along with an action plan to help them make energy savings. Since the recent installation of the Smart Box at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, the property adapted over 800 light fittings allowing it to save one month’s worth of electricity per year.
Other initiatives include the recent installation of beehives at the Novotel Monte-Carlo, while the Fairmont Monte-Carlo’s entire central heating and air conditioning system is powered by four underground heat pumps, a renewable energy source which draws heat from the seawater surrounding the hotel.
Both the Monte-Carlo Beach and Monte-Carlo Bay hotels have earned Green Globe certifications in recognition of their efforts towards sustainability, while in 2017 Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo funded and organized the reforestation of a nearby hillside after it suffered from severe forest fires. Through the Metropole’s “My Very Own Tree” program, hotel guests may donate to help plant new trees in the area.
With 386,000 trips made daily within the Principality, new transportation options have helped citizens and tourists reduce their carbon footprint. Seventeen bike stations, a solar-powered bus boat and a dozen hybrid buses are available, while two Tesla-compatible charging stations mean that eco-conscious travelers have a number of travel options.
Related Articles
Bee + Hive Launches as Global Sustainable Tourism Association
Holidaying With a Clear Conscience at Vietnam's Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Andaz Maui Expands Sustainability Efforts for National Biodiesel Day