Hotels assess return on sustainability investments using a multi-dimensional approach:
- Environmental Gains: Quantifiable metrics such as reduced energy use, water conservation, and waste diversion help us track ecological outcomes.
- Operational Efficiency: Innovations like in-house water bottling and energy-saving infrastructure result in significant long-term cost savings.
- Guest Engagement & Loyalty: Sustainability-conscious travellers increasingly choose properties for its responsible practices. This loyalty translates into higher guest satisfaction, repeat business, and stronger brand affinity.
- Reputational Value: leadership in sustainable luxury reinforces position in the market, attracting conscious consumers and event planners who prioritize eco-integrity.
At Sterling, sustainability isn’t a checklist—it’s a calling. Their ESG initiative, Sankalp, goes far beyond conventional green practices. It anchors our operations in Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) pillars that are locally relevant and measurably impactful.
Environment: They are reducing plastic, conserving water, and improving energy efficiency across our 40+ resorts. In FY25, they achieved INR 90–100 Mn in estimated annualized savings through eco-efficiency interventions. Their resort in Munnar won Gold at the 14th RCI Green Awards, the first in the entire regions of Middle East/Asia/Pacific to receive this honour. These recognitions are not just awards—they validate their commitment.
Social: Since 2024, INR 15 Mn has been contributed toward CSR, funding projects like Project Dialysis – an initiative supported by the Fairfax India Charitable Foundation, which has installed over 2,000 dialysis machines across the country. In addition, our skill development initiatives—run in collaboration with State Governments—have created employment pipelines from rural India to hospitality.
Governance: They operate by the “Sterling Way”—a governance framework that ensures transparency, diversity, and inclusive growth. Over 70% of our on-ground staff are locally employed. Our DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) principles guide hiring, training, and leadership development.
Likewise, every CGH Earth experience be it their hotels, resorts, wellness retreats, or CGH Earth Saha’s handpicked escapes—is built upon three core pillars: environmental sensitivity, community benefit, and embracing the local ethos of the region. These values guide every aspect of what they do—from the initial concept and design, to the architecture, amenities, cuisine, activities, and unique experiences they offer. They are also reflected in how we preserve the natural environment and engage with the people they work with.
Read the full story that first appeared in Hotelier India’s June 2025 issue here:
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