Sustainable and transition projects

Sustainability has always been central to our approach, driven both by economic considerations and a desire for lasting impact. Today, our thinking goes further: we think in terms of transition. It is no longer enough to simply do better; we must do things differently. Reduce, reuse, or even better, avoid. This is at the heart of our priorities. 

Our actions

  • ENERGY

    Every energy-related decision we make is designed to balance efficiency and comfort.

    Examples include:  

    • Electric vehicle charging stations for our guests
    • Geothermal energy in 11 of our hotels for heating and air conditioning
    • Smart energy management, including demand control, power shut off when rooms are unoccupied (Wattstopper), motion sensors, heat recovery systems, and modulating chillers
    • LED lighting and energy-efficient equipment

  • MANAGING RESIDUAL WASTE

    After refusing, reducing, and reusing, we strive to maximize recycling and composting.

    Examples include:

    • Reduction of several items that were previously single-use, including cups, makeup remover pads, water bottles, and slippers
    • Recycling Nespresso capsules through a program that recovers both the coffee grounds and the aluminum
    • Composting organic waste and waste-sorting stations with educational signage for our teams
    • Recycling of bed sheets, uniforms, furniture, and end-of-life electronic equipment through local partners 

  • WATER

    Water is a precious resource, and we take every step we can to reduce its use.

    Examples include:

    • Water stations in the lobby and rooms, and filtered water in restaurants and banquet services
    • Low-consumption plumbing fixtures, including water-efficient showerheads and toilets
    • Towel reuse programs offered to guests
    • Environmentally friendly Ecolab products that reduce water and energy consumption
    • Retention basins to reduce runoff flow, and rainwater recovery to water green roofs in Saskatoon and Calgary 

Big challenges are often solved through small, thoughtful actions

We take the time to consider each one, so you don’t have to.

Too Good To Go (Calgary, Ottawa, and Toronto)

At the end of each day, unsold items become an opportunity for local residents to pick up surprise bags and enjoy quality food at a reduced price. 

North Water

Single-use plastic water bottles are a thing of the past. North Water bottles are made from Canadian aluminum, featuring a high proportion of recycled material, and are designed to be endlessly refillable. 

Loop cups in Alt Hotel rooms

Drinking from a Loop cup means using a cup made with 30% coffee bean husks, an organic by-product from coffee processing. 

Furniture at Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer

When the restaurant’s décor was updated, the furniture was given a second life in the lounge area on the top floor of the hotel.

Our Latest Blog Posts

Développement Durable

Our new reusable slippers: From idea to reality

Two years ago, we made the formal decision that sustainability would become a norm for us, rather than a luxury. To make this commitment a reality, we began adding resources anchored in innovative concepts that went beyond the ones we were already known for (our selection of local suppliers, sustainable design, geothermal energy, etc.). Through this vision, we saw an opportunity for improvement in the slippers we offer our guests. Thanks to our collaboration with the company Kotmo, we now offer you an innovate product that’s both comfortable and sustainable, which will please you right down to your toes!
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Développement Durable

The Germain strategy for eliminating plastic water bottles

Germain Hotels is adopting a new approach by offering you high-quality water that’s beneficial for your health and more respectful of the environment.
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Développement Durable

When creativity meets sustainability

The circular economy is all about finding innovative ways to transform unavoidable waste into new assets. In a hotel setting, the opportunities are endless. Fortunately, good ideas are never in short supply across the group’s properties.
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Développement Durable

The (green) key to an eco-responsible culture

There is no shortage of certifications out there—nor in the variations [alt: differences] between them. The Green Key program was launched in 1994 by the Hotel Association of Canada. A member since 2008, Germain Hotels took things a step further in 2024 by having all 19 of its properties Four-Key certified. But what does that mean for their guests? To find out, we spoke with Tyler Stacey-Holmes, Member Services Supervisor at Green Key Global.
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Discover our other pillars

Local and responsible sourcing

We give thought to the materials used to build our hotels, the artwork that gives each property its unique character, and the ingredients our chefs prepare for our guests to enjoy. 

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Community

When we establish ourselves in a new city, we are committed to actively participating in its economy, creating quality jobs, and giving back to its residents.

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About

At Germain Hotels, enjoy complete peace of mind knowing every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Sustainability is at the heart of our priorities, from responsible practices to our local partners. 

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