Sustainable Urban Luxury: Mandarin Oriental, Geneva Earns GSTC Certification
The refined property, the first in Geneva and only the second in Switzerland to achieve GSTC Certification, reaffirms that the future of luxury hospitality rests on responsibility, transparency, and innovation, all in line with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s broader sustainability strategy.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, the city’s iconic riverside address, has achieved GSTC Certification following a rigorous on-site assessment by UCSL (United Certification Systems Ltd), a GSTC-accredited certification body. This achievement attests that the hotel meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Hotel Standard, the highest benchmark of sustainable tourism excellence.
Located on the banks of the Rhône River, the property has long been synonymous with timeless elegance, precision, and service excellence. Today, it also stands as a benchmark for sustainability in urban hospitality. The GSTC Certification recognizes Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s verifiable, long-term efforts across all four pillars of sustainability: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits to the local community, cultural heritage protection, and environmental stewardship. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is the second hotel in Switzerland and the first in Geneva to be awarded this distinction.
Located on the banks of the Rhône River, the property has long been synonymous with timeless elegance, precision, and service excellence. Today, it also stands as a benchmark for sustainability in urban hospitality. The GSTC Certification recognizes Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s verifiable, long-term efforts across all four pillars of sustainability: effective sustainable management, social and economic benefits to the local community, cultural heritage protection, and environmental stewardship. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is the second hotel in Switzerland and the first in Geneva to be awarded this distinction.
“Achieving GSTC certification is a very special moment for our entire team. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to upholding the GSTC’s global standards in sustainable hospitality while caring for our community, culture, and environment. Every team member’s passion and effort have made sustainability an authentic part of our hotel’s identity and reflected in the way we welcome our guests,” said Paul Jones, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva.
Photograph: Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
The audit confirmed the hotel’s continuous work in energy and emissions reduction through a comprehensive monitoring system, strong reliance on local and regional suppliers that minimize transport emissions and support Swiss producers, a detailed waste segregation program supported by local recycling partners, and efficient water management practices that preserve resources. The property operates entirely on renewable electricity and sources heating and cooling from Lake Geneva’s hydrothermal GeniLac network – a notable example of large-scale renewable integration in urban hospitality.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva stands out for its commitment to inclusion and community engagement, supporting local initiatives such as Colis du Cœur, Fondation Partage, and Make-A-Wish Switzerland and educational projects that strengthen its connection to the local community. These highlights represent only part of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s ongoing sustainability journey. Continuous data-driven improvement, employee engagement, and collaboration with community partners ensure that progress is maintained and expanded each year.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva stands out for its commitment to inclusion and community engagement, supporting local initiatives such as Colis du Cœur, Fondation Partage, and Make-A-Wish Switzerland and educational projects that strengthen its connection to the local community. These highlights represent only part of Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s ongoing sustainability journey. Continuous data-driven improvement, employee engagement, and collaboration with community partners ensure that progress is maintained and expanded each year.
“Congratulations to the team on this milestone! Mandarin Oriental hotels are known for their refined savoir-faire and integrity. Mandarin Oriental, Geneva has built a culture where care for people and the planet is structured, measured, and lived every day. Earning GSTC Certification is a testament to that integrity in action,” – said Olga Shuvalova, CEO of UCSL.
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva joins a growing number of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group properties that have achieved GSTC Certification, reflecting the Group’s global ambition to lead luxury hospitality with purpose, integrity, and care for future generations.
For more details about Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s sustainability initiatives, visit their website.
For more details about Mandarin Oriental, Geneva’s sustainability initiatives, visit their website.
About Mandarin Oriental, Geneva
Overlooking the Rhône river and within walking distance of the city's main attractions such as the Lake, Jet D'eau and St. Peter's Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a five-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality offering supreme views of the Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. The 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style, inspired by nature, mountains, and water. The hotel’s outstanding restaurants and vibrant bar have made a significant contribution to Geneva’s dining scene, while visitors can rejuvenate and unwind with Swiss expertise at the hotel’s wellness facilities. Combining luxury, style and unbeatable service, it is an ideal city retreat.
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 43 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exclusive homes in 27 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.
Overlooking the Rhône river and within walking distance of the city's main attractions such as the Lake, Jet D'eau and St. Peter's Cathedral, Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is a five-star hotel with contemporary Swiss hospitality offering supreme views of the Old Town and the snow-capped mountains. The 178 rooms and suites are designed with a contemporary and refined style, inspired by nature, mountains, and water. The hotel’s outstanding restaurants and vibrant bar have made a significant contribution to Geneva’s dining scene, while visitors can rejuvenate and unwind with Swiss expertise at the hotel’s wellness facilities. Combining luxury, style and unbeatable service, it is an ideal city retreat.
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 43 hotels, 12 residences and 26 exclusive homes in 27 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.
November 24, 2025