We recognize that environmentally-friendly hospitality practices help us fulfill our mission to be a steward of the land and waters we are connected to. We pledge to constantly seek to better the ways in which we impact Mother Earth.
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sustainable RESPONSIBLITY
Our commitment to the future at Fairmont Waterfront
Partnerships
Sustainable Menus
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Reducing Food Waste
Rooftop Garden & Apiary
Our sustainability mindset
We believe that the notion of hospitality is inseparable from the notion of responsibility. We recognize that welcoming hundreds of guests every day creates a significant impact on the planet. We fully embrace our responsibility and are driving strategic change to mitigate the negative effects associated with our operations. We believe it is our privilege to enhance genuine experiences and promote a rich cultural exchange within our communities by ensuring long-term stewardship of our planet.
Our sustainable engagements
Fairmont Waterfront’s commitment to sustainability extends from its operations to the surrounding community, earning the hotel a prestigious 5 Green Key rating and 4 Green Key Meetings rating from Green Key Global. These third-party certifications recognize excellence in environmental responsibility, evaluating criteria such as energy and water use, waste management, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Since 2008, our third-floor terrace has been buzzing with action, from an observation hive of honeybees to the ‘Bee & Bee’ pollinator hotel providing habitat for the hundreds of species of solitary bees (our super pollinators) native to British Columbia. During the summer months, we offer daily Bee Tours for hotel guests, providing a way to educate and advise how to best support local pollinators.
Established in 1996, our rooftop garden was one of Vancouver’s first green roofs and, in 2016, earned certification as a Wildlife Habitat from the Canadian Wildlife Federation. Spanning 2,100 square feet, this thriving organic haven produces an abundance of herbs, fruits, vegetables, and edible blossoms that inspire our culinary creations and reflect our commitment to fresh, ethically grown ingredients. From day one, it has flourished without the use of herbicides or pesticides.
Our Garden Dinner Series is a seasonal celebration of sustainable dining, set within the hotel’s lush rooftop garden overlooking the Vancouver skyline. Each evening features a thoughtfully curated multi-course menu crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients – many harvested just steps from the table – accompanied by the sounds of live music to set the perfect alfresco atmosphere.
We divert waste away from landfill by recycling, composting, donating, and repurposing as much as possible. We work closely with RecycleSmart to track and monitor our diversion efforts.
We are proud to partner with Soap for Hope to repurpose unused hygiene products, giving them a second life while supporting communities in need. Together, we help reduce waste, protect the environment, and promote the long-term wellbeing of people and the planet.
Since 2022, Fairmont Waterfront has removed all single-use plastics from guest rooms. Our guestroom key cards have also transitioned to custom-made wooden cards, further reducing the amount of plastic used in our property.
We were the first hotel in Vancouver to offer electric charging stations (two on site). Wherever possible, our lighting and electronic equipment is low-energy.
Land Acknowledgement
We are honoured to live, work, play, and learn within the shared, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil Waututh) Nations. The land and waters of the area we know today as Vancouver have been used for millennia by Indigenous Peoples for sustenance, ceremony, trade, and travel. We thank them for their continuous stewardship, and for sharing this beautiful land.
OCEAN WISE
We are proud to be an early member of Vancouver Aquarium’s national sustainable seafood program Ocean Wise. We only serve 100% Ocean Wise certified seafood (which is sustainably sourced and ethically caught) and continue to support the organization’s efforts in creating a sustainable seafood industry through annual fundraising events.
OUR FOOD
Our culinary philosophy is rooted in sustainability, with menus designed to showcase the best of ethically and locally sourced ingredients. As an Ocean Wise partner, ARC serves responsibly sourced seafood and locally grown ingredients – including produce from its rooftop garden – to protect healthy oceans and deliver fresh, seasonal flavours. This year (2025), Open Table ranked ARC Restaurant in the top 50 hotel restaurants across Canada.
CHOOSING LOCAL
Our culinary team has partnered with local fishermen and farmers who share our passion and commitment to the environment. From organic B.C. wines, to our very own rooftop honey and herbs, every element reflects a deep commitment to sustainability.
PARTNERS
We collaborate exclusively with partners who share our commitment to sustainability.
