Sands ECO360: Our Commitment to the Planet

Jul 6, 2018 10:20 AM ET

Through our global sustainability program Sands ECO360, Las Vegas Sands works diligently to reduce our properties’ impact on the planet. Operating a sustainable business means focusing on the areas where we have the greatest impact and where we can make meaningful improvement through investments, partnerships, and scalable solutions.

Our global sustainability strategy is built around four key pillars: Green Buildings, Environmentally Responsible Operations, Green Meetings and Events, and Stakeholder Engagement. While these pillars remain the core of Sands ECO360, Las Vegas Sands has enhanced its sustainability program in the last two years around two guiding principles to set goals for the next five years: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and science-based targets methodology. The company’s current targets address SDG metrics for emissions reduction (SDG7), water conservation (SD6), and waste management (SDG12), all supported by a commitment to one million Sands ECO360 actions.

In response to stakeholder feedback and changing expectations, Las Vegas Sands has also updated its focus to include new program elements. We have expanded our Green Meetings pillar to include events and can now offer additional environmentally conscious options to our meetings and convention clients in other venues such as the ArtScience Museum, theaters, and arenas. Greater emphasis has also been placed on wellness-focused amenities, allowing guests to maintain their active lifestyles while traveling.

Green Buildings

Our goal is to develop resorts that become destinations and create everlasting memories for our guests.  At the same  time, we also focus our construction and development with the utmost respect for our host communities by designing  new developments, as well as remodels and renovations, with high performance and sustainability in mind. From hydrogen fuel cells for forklifts to biogas waste and energy projects, new pilot technologies are constantly studied at our properties worldwide as we seek out ways to fine-tune our existing operations. Featuring the best in luxury offerings  along with LEED® Certification, The Parisian Macao, which opened in 2016, was designed and constructed to be our most sustainable resort to date. It is now the model for all of Integrated Resorts around the world.

Environmentally Responsible Operations

While our ultimate purpose is guest satisfaction, we also consciously aim to reduce our environmental footprint. In every part of our operations, we are aware of the impact we have on the planet, both at a global and local scale. As our resorts continue to grow in popularity, we are balancing service delivery with efforts to reduce our resource use. Our approach is focused on strategically selected energy, water, and operational efficiency projects. Managing Integrated Resorts also comes with the complexities of an evolving waste stream. While waste prevention is our ultimate goal, the scale and scope of our business requires a comprehensive program that ensures waste is minimized upstream as well as diverted downstream. Finally, we are managing our global supply chain and procurement practices to focus on three key objectives: conserving natural resources, materials and energy; maintaining recyclability and recycled content of purchased goods; and reducing toxicity and harmful chemicals.

Green Meetings and Events

With a few simple steps, we can help transform an event into a sustainable gathering. Many of our facilities have been awarded third-party environmental certification, providing a robust foundation for a successful sustainable meeting.  Our customizable program offers our clients a variety of options to help them attain their event’s specific sustainability goals, including incorporating volunteer experiences with nonprofit organizations, as well as offerings to help meeting attendees maintain their healthy nutrition routines and stress-reduction activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

Working in unison with our stakeholders, we can make meaningful differences. Team Members are truly our greatest assets, and we strive to develop an appreciation for the planet’s infinite resources through environmental campaigns and educational events. We also develop diverse external partnerships to support sustainability challenges and produce previously unimagined solutions. Our strategic partnerships, formulated on shared values and objectives, are aimed at creating transformational change in the regions and locales in which we operate. Our commitment to sustainability is continually recognized and refined by working to develop performance reviews, certifications, rankings, and awards from external stakeholder groups.

For detailed information on Sands ECO360 and our sustainability performance, visit Sands.com to download our latest sustainability report.