Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort: Defining Sustainable Tourism in Monaco
A true pioneer in terms of sustainable development, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort invests on a daily basis in the environment and in society. Since October 2013, this establishment of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group (SBM) has given structure and substance to its sustainable development policy. A specific committee of volunteers has been set up, the “Bay Be Green Team” that brings together fifteen members who meet regularly.
In 2014, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort was one of the first hotels in Monaco to receive Green Globe certification, a key milestone in its green policy. This award is in line with the policy of the government of Monaco, a policy that has always been aimed towards the preservation of resources and the environment.
Director of Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Frederic Darnet said, “In today’s world, it is no longer possible to adapt to our old mental patterns because the ecological, economic and social situation requires us to change our behaviors and habits. Let’s think of future generations in order to leave them a more balanced world.”
Since its first Green Globe certification, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has put continuous efforts toward sustaining the commitment of the teams and is always finding new and creative ways to support the environment and local society. As such, in 2019 the hotel was awarded with Green Globe GOLD status. The strong points highlighted during the audit were the reduction in the number of cleaning products, the installation of dispensers in the bathrooms, the optimization of energy management, the strengthening of communication with customers thanks to QR codes and the pursuit of charitable actions.
To this day only two hotels in Monaco are certified as Green Globe GOLD - the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and the Monte-Carlo Beach - both establishments of Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group (SBM). Les Thermes Marins Monte-Carlo, SBM’s prestigious facility dedicated to wellness, fitness and preventive health, has also attained Green Globe GOLD for its continuous certification over more than five years.
Green Globe’s independent auditors who conduct the on-site verification inspections (after the Covid period) rewarded the work done by the hotel teams, the Bay Be Green Team and the top management, and have granted it a renewal of its certification with an 87% compliance score. This audit revealed many strong points including:
On-site dynamics, inspired and inspiring teams who are positively involved in Green Globe and sustainability.
Efficient technical installations, in particular, the park of photovoltaic panels, the good insulation of buildings and the installation of a water/air heat pump using seawater.
Human Resource Management and know-how evolved and adapted to the social situation and tensions in the labour market, while remaining attentive and taking care of their teams.
Vegetable garden is a definite asset in terms of local supply of fresh produce, on the social side (management by Terrae) and in terms of customer awareness.
New challenges for the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer teams in 2023 are enhancing the sustainability journey of their hotels and resorts. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is continuously committed to using resources responsibly, eliminating waste, minimizing the carbon footprint, and embracing sustainable practices that create a positive impact. As such, many sustainable developments and green initiatives have been and will continue to be supported.
Monaco Ocean Week (MOW) was a week in which Monegasque institutions were mobilized to safeguard the marine environment, raise awareness and seek solutions. A debate-conference was held on the theme of marine biodiversity and gastronomy with the attendance of Chef Marcel Ravin. The Chef spoke of his childhood close to, and respectful of the Ocean, the Caribbean and Mediterranean, all of which inspire his cuisine. He also concocted appetizers on the theme of the sea for the guests.
Earth Hour is an international day held every year on the last Saturday of March. It consists of turning off the lights and unplugging non-essential electrical appliances for a period of one hour in order to promote the saving of electricity and, consequently, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the fight against global warming.
On the Place du Casino during last year’s Earth Hour from 8.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. on Sunday March 26, the goal was simple: pedaling to produce energy! 10 teams from the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group showed cohesion and dynamism in order to produce a maximum of human energy. The energy created was transformed into a source of electricity in order to offer a magnificent light projection on the facade of the Casino de Monte-Carlo.
Aire Marine Educative Project. The CM2 students from the Fontvieille school in Monaco came to meet Chef Marcel Ravin. The themes discussed during this afternoon were Chef Marcel Ravin's 360sqm vegetable garden located inside the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, how to choose the right products and how to create a "sustainable menu". The objectives were to fully understand the concept of sustainable consumption, to know how to choose products adapted to the season and to create a “sustainable menu” with the help of Chef Marcel Ravin. This menu was offered in all school canteens in the Principality.
In addition to waste reduction and recycling, energy and water efficiency, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has organized on-site video shoots promoting urban vegetable gardens (by Terrea) and consuming sustainably, participated in digital workshops, promoted all actions on social networks (ex. World Bee Day, EWWR, etc.) and to all employees.
Furthermore, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group, has launched a 100% electric shuttle between the hotels of the Group, which has been running since April 2022.
A Spirit Of Goodwill Towards All People
As part of its approach in favour of a more responsible and caring world, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort is also committed to all aspects of social giving and community programs including education, charity and supporting those in need. These philanthropic actions could be described as personal giving and active participation in areas that reflect the hotel team’s passion and concerns.
Speed-mentoring for International Women’s Day: As part of the International Women's Day and in partnership with the SheCanHeCan association, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort organized a “speed-mentoring” between women leaders & entrepreneurs and young girls (aged between 13 and 18). SheCanHeCan is an association that encourages all individuals to challenge stereotypes in order to realize their full potential regardless of their gender and other social identities. The young girls were able to ask questions about women leader’s backgrounds, studies, choices, successes and challenges in order to better understand the possible career paths. In total, 30 business leaders took part, including 4 women from the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group. More than 45 girls have benefited from the advice of these women.
Life-saving soap collection with Sapocycle: Since summer 2022, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer Group has decided to launch a collection in collaboration with the Sapocycle association. The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort participates by collecting small soaps (solid only) used in the room by customers, then transferred via collection boxes to the General Stores. SapoCycle is the first non-profit organization in Europe to collect discarded hotel soaps and turn them into life-saving products. The soaps are recycled by people with disabilities and then distributed to improve the sanitary conditions of families in need. The organization now works with more than 280 hotels, two recycling workshops, a logistics partner in Switzerland and a number of donors, supporters, sponsors and volunteers.
Personalised magic class for 11 children from the association "Les Enfants de Frankie" aged between 7 and 16. The children were able to take part in a personalized magic lesson by the magician Siméon Wolfgang. This event was organized in one of the private rooms of Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. Moments of sharing, fun & show were on the program! The association "Les Enfants de Frankie" has been working since 1997 for the well-being of sick, disabled, mentally distressed or precarious children aged 0 to 18 in France and Monaco. 150 000 children have benefited from funded activities and projects. The aim of the activities is to make possible the development of children in difficulty.
In addition, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort organizes collections throughout the year (warm clothes, mattresses, school supplies, toys, money, etc.) for people in need via local associations. Furthermore, philanthropic actions are highlighted through social media (ex. Octobre Rose) and communicated to all employees. In addition, employees are all encouraged to participate in local charity events such as the No Finish Line, the Pink Ribbon, etc. Finally, the General Manager Mr Darnet also supports students from local schools by sponsoring BTS Management in Hospitality and Catering (Management en Hôtellerie-Restauration in French).
Contact:
Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort
40 Av. Princesse Grace
MC 98 000 Monaco
Phone: +377 98 06 25 25
Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer
Phone: +377 98 06 63 64
presse@sbm.mc
montecarlobay.com
Bradley Cox
Director Communications
Green Globe Certification
1223 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 925
Santa Monica, CA 90403 / U.S.A.
Phone: +1-310-337-3000 ext. 105
Skype Direct +1 760 536 6581
Mobile +61 400 848 746
bcox@greenglobe.com
www.greenglobe.com
About Green Globe Certification
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit www.greenglobe.com
