Progressing Towards the Sustainable Development Goals with Sands ECO360
The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have unified the world in creating a shared vision for people and planet, both now and into the future. This call to action brings governments and businesses together to tackle pressing global issues.
Nevertheless, each company’s approach to integrating the SDGs into their business is unique. Las Vegas Sands’ Sands ECO360 program approaches the SDGs pragmatically, which allows the company to strategically dedicate resources to key environmental issues that matter the most. This strategy combined with performance tracking against their three chosen SDGs, SDG 7 - affordable and clean energy, SDG 6 – clean water and sanitation, and SDG 12 responsible consumption and production, is helping Sands ECO360 move the needle on environmental issues.
Excerpts below from Las Vegas Sands newest environmental report detail the importance and relevance of each SDG to the company and their current progress against environmental targets.
SDG 7 - Energy
Our resorts make up tens of millions of square feet of building space, all of which requires energy to cool down and light up. Since 2016, we’ve invested more than $35 million in energy efficiency technologies and implemented 191 projects to reduce our electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.We have achieved a 5.8% reduction in GHG emissions for resort operations since 2015, only 0.2% away from achieving our science-based target of 6% reduction by 2020.
SDG 6 - Water
Water is integral to the experience we strive to create for our guests. Exquisite pools and spas, lush landscapes, and elegant fountains create a refined ambience at our resorts. We balance luxury with responsibility by using non-potable water wherever possible, exploring innovative water technologies, and developing water conservation procedures.In 2018, we have achieved a 3.3% reduction in water use per square foot, exceeding our goal of a 3% reduction by 2020.
SDG 12 - Waste
We host thousands of guests and visitors in our resorts each day. By targeting key areas where we can reduce, reuse, and recycle, we proactively manage our waste footprint. We assess banquets, restaurants, and dining halls for food waste minimization, recycle more than 27 types of items, and eliminate unnecessary products to reduce waste generation.
We have increased our overall diversion rate by 2.7% since 2015, halfway towards achieving our goal of increasing our diversion rate by 5% by 2020.
Looking ahead, the company will continue to progress against its environmental targets by further embedding sustainability into development projects, hotel operations, meetings and events, and engagement with stakeholders.
