Keio Plaza Hotel in Japan Wins Eco Mark Award 2025 Grand Prize for Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Practices in the Hospitality Industry!

Published on December 9, 2025

Keio Plaza Hotel Co., Ltd. has been awarded the prestigious Grand Prize at the Eco Mark Award 2025, a recognition given annually by the Japan Environment Association, a public-interest foundation. The hotel’s sustainability initiatives, which have significantly contributed to building a more sustainable society, were celebrated at this year’s ceremony. The Grand Prize is the highest honor in the awards program, and Keio Plaza Hotel has become the second hotel to ever receive this prestigious award. Notably, this is the first time a hotel has been honored with the Grand Prize since the award’s renaming in 2017. This recognition highlights the hotel’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its continuous efforts to enhance its corporate environmental practices.

The Eco Mark Award: A Prestigious Recognition of Sustainability Efforts

The Eco Mark Award was established in 2010 by the Japan Environment Association to recognize organizations that have made significant contributions to sustainability. The award honors companies and institutions for their environmentally-conscious products and services, as well as their efforts to reduce environmental impact through corporate improvements. It is one of the most respected and sought-after awards in Japan for organizations focused on environmental and societal progress.

The Eco Mark Award program has been instrumental in promoting eco-friendly practices and environmental responsibility across various industries, encouraging businesses to adopt green technologies, sustainable resources, and initiatives aimed at reducing their carbon footprint. Over the years, the award has grown in prominence, and Keio Plaza Hotel’s recognition reflects its dedication to these values.

Keio Plaza Hotel’s Commitment to Sustainable Practices

Keio Plaza Hotel’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its comprehensive environmental initiatives. The hotel has established a company-wide SDGs Promotion Committee, formed around the newly launched SDGs Promotion in June 2024. This committee works to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into every aspect of the hotel’s operations, ensuring that the hotel maintains a strong focus on its responsibility to the environment and society.

One of the hotel’s standout initiatives is its effort to reduce food waste. By embracing the Japanese concept of “mottainai”—a term that conveys the idea of not wasting anything that still has value—the hotel has created innovative solutions to turn food waste into “delicious” food products. This initiative has not only contributed to waste reduction but has also fostered creativity in transforming surplus food into new, high-quality dishes, benefiting both the environment and the community.

In addition, Keio Plaza Hotel has taken steps to encourage resource recycling. The hotel introduced the idea of collecting unnecessary clothing through the installation of collection boxes, a concept that originated from one of its employees. This initiative encourages guests to donate their unwanted clothing, helping to reduce waste while supporting charitable causes.

Keio Plaza Hotel’s Continued Contribution to a Sustainable Future

Keio Plaza Hotel’s efforts extend beyond food waste reduction and recycling programs. The hotel continues to focus on creating a more sustainable society through various environmental practices, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of its operations. The hotel strives to provide its guests with the highest level of comfort while minimizing its environmental impact, aiming to become a hotel that is both eco-conscious and guest-friendly.

This commitment to sustainability has positioned Keio Plaza Hotel as a leader in the hospitality industry, not only in Japan but globally. The hotel’s recognition at the Eco Mark Award 2025 serves as a testament to its dedication to making sustainability an integral part of its business model.

The Eco Mark Certification: A Symbol of Sustainable Hospitality

The Eco Mark certification is a globally recognized standard for eco-friendly products and services. It is one of the founding organizations of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), a worldwide network that promotes environmental labeling in compliance with ISO 14024. The Hotel and Ryokan Eco Mark certification is part of this network and has been acknowledged as one of the trusted sustainability certifications meeting the standards set by Travalyst, a global partnership that includes major booking platforms like Booking.com and Expedia.

The Hotel and Ryokan Eco Mark certification is an essential distinction for sustainable hospitality providers, helping travelers identify eco-conscious accommodations. This recognition adds significant value to the hotel’s reputation, ensuring that Keio Plaza Hotel continues to attract environmentally-conscious travelers who seek to minimize their ecological footprint during their stays.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in the Hospitality Industry

The recognition of Keio Plaza Hotel as the Best Sustainable and Scenic City is a reflection of the growing importance of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The hotel’s continuous efforts to integrate sustainable practices into its operations are part of a broader trend in the industry where environmental consciousness is becoming a key factor for guests when choosing their accommodations.

Sustainable tourism is now more important than ever, with travelers increasingly seeking out accommodations that prioritize eco-friendly practices, reduce waste, and promote conservation efforts. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Keio Plaza Hotel will continue to implement innovative solutions that reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the global movement toward a more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Keio Plaza Hotel Leads the Way in Sustainable Hospitality

Keio Plaza Hotel’s achievement in receiving the Grand Prize at the Eco Mark Award 2025 is a significant recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainable practices. Through its efforts to reduce food waste, promote resource recycling, and create environmentally friendly spaces, the hotel has set a new standard for sustainability in the hospitality industry. With its leadership in promoting the SDGs and its dedication to offering guests an eco-conscious experience, Keio Plaza Hotel is firmly established as a trailblazer in sustainable tourism.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Keio Plaza Hotel’s example will undoubtedly inspire other hotels around the world to embrace sustainability as a core value. The hotel’s recognition is not only a testament to its dedication to the environment but also to the growing demand from travelers for greener, more responsible travel options.

[Source: PR Newswire]