The Westin Manila bags Green Globe certification
Published Sep 10, 2025 05:08 pm
The Westin Manila General Manager Alexander Dietzsch, Executive Chef Rej Casanova, Chief Engineer Kershy Lanon, Executive Housekeeper Angelita Villarico, and Director of Human Resources Rodolfo Padilla, Jr.
Luxury hotel The Westin Manila was recently awarded its inaugural certification from Green Globe in acknowledgement of its sustainable management and operations.
The Green Globe certification is an internationally recognized standard in the sustainable tourism sector, including hotels, resorts, and other tourism players.
General Manager Alexander Dietzsch said, "We are all very proud to achieve our first Green Globe certification. The certification is the formal recognition of our efforts to improve sustainability. We will not stop here but continue to develop more initiatives and ideas to conserve energy and resources."
Since its operation in 2023, The Westin Manila has adhered to a comprehensive sustainability management plan (SMP), which is overseen by a dedicated Green Team with representatives drawn from each hotel department.
The Westin Manila is a 5-star hotel located in the Ortigas Business District.
Energy, water, and waste management
The hotel considers resource management as a key priority, with energy and water conservation measures already in place, such as the installation of LED lighting, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and other high-efficiency lighting in guest corridors and public area table lamps, along with motion sensor-controlled lighting installed in stairwells, putting in EV charging stations to reduce carbon emissions, and, in 2024, installing low-flow aerators in guest bathrooms. Water levels in toilet cisterns have also been adjusted to save water.
Waste management strategies strive to minimize waste, including food waste, across all operational areas by implementing green procurement policies, recycling and composting initiatives, and donating to charitable causes, minimizing the waste volume that goes to landfill. The hotel also works in partnership with Chop Value, which upcycles discarded bamboo chopsticks into premium-quality buffet stands, food displays, and homewares.
The Westin Hotel living room
Culinary menus with a sustainable focus
For sustainable culinary practices, chefs and kitchen staff at The Hotel Westin conceptualize and plan meals that favor the environmentally responsible sourcing of food ingredients while also avoiding unnecessary waste.
In line with Marriott International's Serve 360 sustainability program to reduce excess food production, chefs have created the One Dish Wonders interactive buffet station, where guests can select from a curated and featured selection, which the chefs will prepare and serve on tasting plates to enhance the dining experience.
Furthermore, the hotel’s Green Mondays initiative aims to support local entrepreneurs by building business relations with local chefs, restaurants, and farmers who share the same passion for plant-based cooking, healthy ingredients, and sustainability.
The Westin Hotel Club room
The Forests of Life program by HARIBON
Environmental stewardship is a fundamental part of The Westin Manila’s long-term sustainability goals. From July until the end of September, a donation drive for HARIBON Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources Inc. is being run to raise funds for reforestation efforts around the country. A donation of Php488 supports the Forests for Life Program by funding the planting of one seedling and ensuring its care for three years, including reforestation site preparation, native tree planting, monitoring, site protection, and replacing lost seedlings. It also covers seedling production, nursery development, and essential resources, while providing training, livelihoods, and incentives for local partner communities.
Giving back to the community
The Westin Manila staff are also deeply involved in several social initiatives that help children in the local community. Team members participated in the Road to Give charity event, dubbed the Kolor Run, which happens every third quarter of the year in Clark, Pampanga. In cooperation with Marriott Worldwide Business Councils Philippines, the Kolor Run is held for the benefit of Save the Children Philippines.
In addition, the hotel team collected donations and volunteered to clean up and repaint classrooms as part of Brigada Eskwela efforts, a Department of Education (DepEd) nationwide initiative where community volunteers help public schools prepare for the upcoming school year.
In May 2025, young interns took part in the Mentor-Mentee Program, titled Culinary Showcase, where chefs and kitchen staff mentored and trained the interns in the fundamentals of running a restaurant and hosting a major dinner event. After which, interns prepare and serve a 7-course degustation dinner with proceeds donated to the Save the Children Foundation.