Luxury finds new meaning in sustainability
Newport World Resorts is turning green into the ultimate luxury.
And it’s not just about integrating new design aesthetics or hopping on the latest trends. The Philippines’ first integrated lifestyle and entertainment hub is eyeing to have a more lasting and more meaningful impact as it redefines luxury with a deeper sense of purpose and responsibility.
Its award winning “I Love Earth” campaign, for example, challenges conventions and embeds sustainability into the core of Newport’s operations. This ambitious, property-wide initiative has since become a movement—inspiring change not only within Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, but also across the broader hospitality landscape.
Leading by example
“As a pioneering integrated resort in the country, we believe it’s our duty to lead by example and demonstrate that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand,” said Bruce Winton, general manager of Marriott Manila at Newport World Resorts.
Winton, who also chairs the I Love Earth campaign, explained that this initiative directly supports Newport’s long term business strategy and vision “to become the leading leisure and entertainment company in scale, service, and social impact.”
“What began as a simple advocacy quickly evolved into a comprehensive, property-wide sustainability program—integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles across all pillars of the program. I Love Earth now serves as the guiding framework for all our green initiatives, from energy efficiency and waste management to community engagement and sustainable procurement,” he added.
Rethinking operations
But achieving a sustainable status isn’t as effortless as checking into a suite.
According to Winton, securing the prestigious EarthCheck Silver Certification required Newport to completely rethink operations.
“One of the biggest challenges was reengineering long-standing operational practices to meet stringent global sustainability standards… Another major challenge is maintaining consistency,” he said.
EarthCheck is a globally recognized certification that evaluates key performance areas across environmental, social, and cultural sustainability. More than just meeting targets once, it highlights the need for firms to consistently uphold sustainability goals over time—something that Newport has proudly achieved so far in the last three years.
“Over the past year, our collective efforts have produced real, measurable results. And we’re proud that this year marks our third EarthCheck Silver-Certified status for the entire property,” Winton shared.
Sustainable practices
Among Newport’s efforts include reducing plastic waste, which prompted the group to use bulk-sized dispensers instead of plastic bathroom bottles, and reusable glasses instead of single use plastic bottles.
Newport’s staff uniforms give waste a second life as these are made from a mix of regular fabric and recycled plastic bottles. Discarded linens also find new purpose as cozy pajamas, kitchen towels, and creative décor. This upcycling initiative reduces textile waste while adding character and charm to the guest experience.
In its restaurants, Newport has switched to biodegradable takeaway, while its partnership with BoomGrow brings a machine farm to Manila Marriott Hotel, using 95 percent less land, water, and fuel while producing fresh, high-value vegetables.
Newport is likewise embracing clean energy with the installation of solar panels on available rooftop. The resort is on track to transition to 100 percent renewable power, a bold move toward energy efficiency and long-term environmental responsibility.
Investing in people
More notably, Newport is also investing in its people.
Last year, Newport established the Academy for Leisure & Tourism (ALT), which seeks to shape the next generation of world-class Filipino hospitality, leisure and tourism professionals. It offers programs designed to equip learners with practical skills and theoretical knowledge in culinary arts, hotel operations, gaming entertainment, and more.
“What we’ve found is that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive—in fact, they reinforce one another. By investing in green infrastructure and sustainable practices, we future-proof our business, reduce risk, and create meaningful value for all stakeholders,” Winton concluded.
