The hotel that could change how you think about sustainability

While sustainability is a priority for many businesses, it’s often reduced to numbers: kilograms of carbon dioxide emitted, litres of water saved, amount of energy consumed. These figures are vital for tracking and reporting at the corporate level, but they don’t always help individuals connect their actions to real impact. 

Meeting planners know that driving change begins with personal experience, and PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore embraces this belief. Sustainability is the very core of its “Garden-in-a-Hotel” identity, and through the hotel’s forward-thinking architecture, operations, and experiences, delegates will find plenty of inspiration to make greener choices even long after their events.

An inspiring green setting

For meeting planners and groups seeking wellness-focused venues, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay’s rejuvenated environment offers a model for sustainable, uplifting gatherings. Its iconic atrium, refreshed in 2020, exemplifies green innovation with a double-glazed glass roof that floods the interior with natural daylight while reducing energy use. Inside the 21-storey skylit atrium, which is one of Southeast Asia’s largest, over 2,400 indoor plants and a striking 13-metre green wall act as natural air purifiers, creating calm, restorative surroundings for delegates.

Studies abound on the positive effects green spaces have on workplace creativity. At this “Garden-in-a-Hotel”, delegates can relax around Portman’s Bar, serenaded by “live music” from songbirds cared for by the hotel. Such sensory experiences reduce stress, promote wellbeing, and create inspiring surroundings for delegates.

Behind the scenes, sustainability is equally tangible: 210 rooftop solar panels generate over 350 kWh of electricity daily – reducing overall electrical consumption by 1.4% – and a rainwater harvesting system supports landscape irrigation and other needs, making efficient use of Singapore’s rainfall. For planners, hosting events here means aligning with a venue where sustainability is embedded into daily operations, sending a strong message to like-minded clients and conscious attendees.

Taste good, do good

Dining is often a highlight of any meeting experience, but food waste is also a major concern among meeting planners. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay addresses this by being transparent with its industry-leading approach to food sourcing and control. 

During coffee breaks, thoughtfully curated menus highlight both health and environmental responsibility, with three assorted sustainable snack items selected for every meeting package. For lunch, the focus shifts to a farm-to-table bento set as an option, where fresh herbs and vegetables are sourced from the hotel’s 150sqm rooftop urban farm, which is home to more than 60 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers. This urban farm is a hallmark of the hotel’s green credentials, allowing chefs to craft vibrant, nutritious meals that minimise food miles while maximising flavour and freshness.

Single-use plastics are notably absent: delegates will find infused water in refillable carafes, while wooden eco-cubes on ballroom tables provide tips on contributing to a sustainable meeting and QR codes to access digital menus. But sustainable hospitality doesn’t stop at the table. The hotel also uses advanced eco-digesters to break down food waste into greywater, diverting waste from incineration and cutting down on environmental pollution.

Making sustainable choices

Beyond choosing sustainable venues and programmes, delegates are invited to participate in experiences that connect sustainability to daily life at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay.

One breakout activity planners can consider for their delegates is a visit to the hotel’s urban farm, where they can harvest fresh herbs and participate in a sustainable cocktail-making session at Portman’s Bar, led by the resident mixologist . “At PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore, sustainability is interwoven into every part of the guest experience,” shares Phil Smith, General Manager. “Our expansive urban farm, located right within the hotel is a living example of our farm-to-table offering, allowing our chefs to serve food that’s both environmentally responsible and exceptionally fresh.”

“In addition, our chefs have developed extremely creative menus that not only use produce from our urban farm but also transform traditionally overlooked food items into delicious dishes. For instance, harvesting borage leaves and deep frying them in tempura batter for Japanese unagi kabayaki, or using watermelon rind for the filling in kueh pie tee, a popular local canapé. We believe this can inspire guests to make conscious, healthful dining choices.”

Another fun break activity is the hotel’s fruit juicer bikes, letting delegates customise their own healthy refreshments with pedal power – no electricity required. Actual bicycles are also available for rent, so delegates can explore the Marina Bay precinct emissions-free. Groups can also opt for a Sustainable Hotel Tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek of the hotel’s sustainability initiatives, from the rainwater harvesting system to the solar panels on the hotel’s 21st-storey rooftop.

Impact that’s not just measured, but felt

Adopting greener habits can feel daunting at an individual level, but meetings and events naturally have the power to influence behaviour and drive change. With the right venue, planners can design a sustainable meeting that leaves delegates inspired, both for work and for living a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Learn more about PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay’s new Meet Lite, Feels Right meeting package and incentives for event planners.

This article is sponsored by PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, Singapore.