Currently, 82% of hotel rooms on Sentosa are already certified to meet international sustainability standards Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/phongthon preuksrira
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has announced an ambitious sustainability milestone: by 2025, all hotel rooms on Sentosa Island will carry internationally recognised sustainability certifications.
This goal, covering over 4,100 rooms across 19 hotels, is set to strengthen Sentosa’s status as a leader in sustainable tourism and aligns with Singapore’s broader environmental objectives.
With 82% of hotel rooms on Sentosa already certified to meet international sustainability standards—exceeding the national goal of 60% certification—Sentosa is well on track to meet its target of 100% by next year.
Island-wide collaboration through Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network
Sentosa’s sustainability achievements are rooted in collaborative initiatives that engage its extensive network of island partners. Central to this strategy is the Sentosa Carbon Neutral Network (SCNN), Singapore’s first carbon-neutrality-focused business alliance. Bringing together SDC and 32 partner organisations, including all 19 hotels on the island, SCNN fosters shared efforts toward decarbonisation, eco-friendly tourism, and best practice sharing across the island’s ecosystem.
Through these partnerships, Sentosa has implemented impactful policies, including the Sentosa Disposables Policy and Playbook, aimed at reducing plastic waste. Since May 2023, SCNN members have committed to phasing out single-use plastic bottled water and adopting eco-friendly practices from the playbook. These measures alone are expected to eliminate over two million plastic bottles annually, underscoring Sentosa’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
Sustainability milestones achieved
SDC’s multi-pronged approach to sustainability has yielded significant results. Sentosa has achieved an 8% reduction in annual carbon emissions across the island, even as tourism numbers continue to rise. Solar power also plays a vital role, with 5.2MWp solar panels installed at 46 sites, avoiding emissions equivalent to those from 97,000 room nights annually. Additionally, through comprehensive recycling and composting initiatives, Sentosa has diverted 1,600 tonnes (46%) of waste from landfills.
In 2022, SDC became the first island destination in Asia to achieve GSTC–For Destinations (GSTC-D) certification, a prestigious benchmark in sustainable tourism. This certification and the latest hotel certification milestone represent critical steps toward Sentosa’s goal of establishing itself as a globally recognised sustainable tourism destination by 2030.