Rooted in Luxury, Driven by Purpose — Mandarin Oriental, Boston Achieves GSTC Certification
Boston – UCSL United Certification Systems Limited proudly announces that Mandarin Oriental, Boston has achieved the esteemed Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification for its sustainability excellence.
The GSTC Criteria set the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, offering the highest level of credibility and accountability. Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s GSTC Certification, awarded after a rigorous assessment by UCSL, demonstrates the hotel’s compliance with robust environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles. This milestone highlights its leadership in sustainable hospitality and unwavering commitment to responsible luxury.
Having certified North America’s first and, until recently, only GSTC-Certified hotel, UCSL is proud to continue this journey with Mandarin Oriental, Boston achieving this esteemed distinction. With this achievement, there are now only two GSTC-Certified hotels in North America, both certified by UCSL. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing sustainability in the region, ensuring that the hospitality industry in North America continues to embrace global best practices.
"Achieving GSTC certification is a powerful acknowledgment of what we stand for as a team — dedication, integrity, and the belief that true excellence demands love and care for people and nature,” says Markus Lindner, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Boston. “This accomplishment reflects the tireless work of our Sustainability Committee and every colleague who challenged assumptions, rethought processes, and pushed boundaries to get us here. We are proud, grateful to UCSL for their thorough assessment, and more determined than ever to keep raising the bar for sustainable luxury — not because it’s required, but because it’s the right thing to do — while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.”
Mandarin Oriental, Boston has implemented a series of impactful sustainability initiatives, including the elimination of 99.9% of single-use plastics throughout the hotel and spa, the adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting and water-saving fixtures to cut resource consumption. Winnow Technology Solutions in the hotel’s kitchens use AI to track and analyze food waste, enabling smarter purchasing and portioning to prevent excess. The hotel also emphasizes responsible procurement, ensuring that social and environmental considerations are integral to all purchasing decisions. The hotel’s commitment extends beyond its walls — since 2022, it has partnered with Franciscan Children’s, contributing over 200 volunteer hours in 2023 and raising funds through creative initiatives like bake sales and holiday ornament drives.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s responsible practices are woven into its daily operations, reflecting the broader sustainability vision of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has gained GSTC-Committed status, emphasizing the importance of applying the GSTC Criteria as the global framework for sustainable tourism and hospitality—both within its operations, supply chains, and stakeholders.
"We are honored to have partnered with Mandarin Oriental, Boston on their sustainability journey, leveraging our experience in assessing sustainability strategies globally,” says Olga Shuvalova, CEO of UCSL. “The passion and dedication demonstrated by their team are truly inspiring. They extend their commitment to exceptional hospitality to their guests, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. Their approach captures the essence of sustainability — minimizing environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits for people. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to seeing their continued leadership in responsible luxury.”
For more details about Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s sustainability programs, visit their website.
The GSTC Criteria set the global standard for sustainability in travel and tourism, offering the highest level of credibility and accountability. Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s GSTC Certification, awarded after a rigorous assessment by UCSL, demonstrates the hotel’s compliance with robust environmental, social, and economic sustainability principles. This milestone highlights its leadership in sustainable hospitality and unwavering commitment to responsible luxury.
Having certified North America’s first and, until recently, only GSTC-Certified hotel, UCSL is proud to continue this journey with Mandarin Oriental, Boston achieving this esteemed distinction. With this achievement, there are now only two GSTC-Certified hotels in North America, both certified by UCSL. We remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing sustainability in the region, ensuring that the hospitality industry in North America continues to embrace global best practices.
"Achieving GSTC certification is a powerful acknowledgment of what we stand for as a team — dedication, integrity, and the belief that true excellence demands love and care for people and nature,” says Markus Lindner, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Boston. “This accomplishment reflects the tireless work of our Sustainability Committee and every colleague who challenged assumptions, rethought processes, and pushed boundaries to get us here. We are proud, grateful to UCSL for their thorough assessment, and more determined than ever to keep raising the bar for sustainable luxury — not because it’s required, but because it’s the right thing to do — while continuing to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.”
Mandarin Oriental, Boston has implemented a series of impactful sustainability initiatives, including the elimination of 99.9% of single-use plastics throughout the hotel and spa, the adoption of energy-efficient LED lighting and water-saving fixtures to cut resource consumption. Winnow Technology Solutions in the hotel’s kitchens use AI to track and analyze food waste, enabling smarter purchasing and portioning to prevent excess. The hotel also emphasizes responsible procurement, ensuring that social and environmental considerations are integral to all purchasing decisions. The hotel’s commitment extends beyond its walls — since 2022, it has partnered with Franciscan Children’s, contributing over 200 volunteer hours in 2023 and raising funds through creative initiatives like bake sales and holiday ornament drives.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s responsible practices are woven into its daily operations, reflecting the broader sustainability vision of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. Celebrated for its unwavering commitment to excellence, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has gained GSTC-Committed status, emphasizing the importance of applying the GSTC Criteria as the global framework for sustainable tourism and hospitality—both within its operations, supply chains, and stakeholders.
"We are honored to have partnered with Mandarin Oriental, Boston on their sustainability journey, leveraging our experience in assessing sustainability strategies globally,” says Olga Shuvalova, CEO of UCSL. “The passion and dedication demonstrated by their team are truly inspiring. They extend their commitment to exceptional hospitality to their guests, their colleagues, and the communities they serve. Their approach captures the essence of sustainability — minimizing environmental impact while maximizing social and economic benefits for people. We congratulate them on this milestone and look forward to seeing their continued leadership in responsible luxury.”
For more details about Mandarin Oriental, Boston’s sustainability programs, visit their website.
About Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Blending timeless elegance with contemporary sophistication, Mandarin Oriental, Boston offers world-class accommodations, award-winning dining at Ramsay's Kitchen by Chef Gordon Ramsay, and a Forbes Five-Star spa in the heart of Back Bay. With a prime location adjacent to the Prudential Center, the hotel provides convenient access to premier shopping and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking an exceptional experience in Boston.
About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. Renowned for creating outstanding properties, each destination reflects the Group’s dual Asian heritage, local culture and unique design. Driven by a passion for the exceptional, every day, everywhere, the Group’s mission is to craft time enriching experiences that transform the ordinary to the exceptional and guests to fans through its legendary service. The Group now operates 41 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exclusive homes in 26 countries and territories with many more projects under development. Mandarin Oriental continues to drive its reputation as an innovative leader in luxury hospitality, delivering sustainable growth over the long term. The Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
About UCSL
United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL) is an independent certification body, headquartered in the EU and operating worldwide. Proud to be one of the first GSTC-Accredited certification bodies, we provide certification services that align with the highest standards in luxury hospitality, bringing unparalleled expertise to the forefront. Driven by a deep passion for sustainability, we transcend the traditional role of a certification body, emerging as pioneers in research and education, spearheading positive change within the tourism industry.
January 31, 2025