Aloft Singapore Novena has become the first Aloft hotel in Asia to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification, underscoring its commitment to sustainable hospitality.
“Achieving the GSTC certification is a proud milestone for Aloft and a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of our team to implement meaningful practices that not only protect the environment but also celebrate the rich culture and heritage of our vibrant Balestier neighbourhood, creating lasting, positive impacts for both residents and visitors alike. This certification inspires us to continue leading by example in shaping a more sustainable future for hospitality,” said Tan Kim Seng, general manager at Aloft Singapore Novena.
The hotel has implemented a variety of sustainable practices to minimise its environmental impact in its operations. These include food waste segregation that achieved a 94 per cent decrease in waste in the last quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, with plans to reduce waste by an additional 5 per cent annually.
It has moved away from single-use plastic toiletries, opting for refillable shampoo and soap dispensers in guest rooms. To reduce waste further, recycling bins have been placed in guest rooms and public areas.
The introduction of linen-saving display cards and water-saving aerators has helped reduce water consumption by up to 53 per cent.
Aloft Singapore Novena has also cultivated an urban farm to grow fresh produce such as eggplants, cucumbers, basil, peppermint, chili, caixin and lady’s finger. These are used in the hotel’s drinks menu, reducing reliance on transported goods and lowering carbon emissions.
In line with GSTC’s criteria for engaging and enhancing local community and cultural heritage, Aloft has taken an active role in the Balestier community.
Before the temporary closure of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, the hotel partnered with the heritage venue for the Dragon Boat Festival, hosting a pop-up booth featuring curated snacks.
Beyond this, Aloft has pledged to contribute a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service per year, reinforcing its engagement with the local community.
The hotel promotes neighbourhood vendors through its concierge map and encourages guests to explore the Balestier Heritage Trail, which traces the area’s architectural and historical evolution.
Aloft will continue to implement additional initiatives as part of its sustainability action plan that include eliminating single-use plastics, improving energy efficiency, and sustainable procurement.
