Macau IR operators participate in green week

Tuesday 2nd of April 2019

Macau’s casino operators spared no expense raising awareness around green initiatives during the city’s annual “Green Week”, held last week in Macau.

The Green Week was also the home of the 2019 edition of the Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum and Exhibition (2019MIECF), a forum discussing ecological civilization, green finance, water resources, and marine pollution, attracting hundreds of participants.

Casino operator Sands China participated in the Green Week by sending around 40 Sands Care Ambassadors to the Grand Taipa Hiking Trail to replant trees on Taipa Grande Hill.

The company also raised awareness of environmental sustainability with two events last week – Earth Hour and Climate Week, which saw the company turn off all exterior lights and non-essential indoor lights across their properties for one hour in support of Earth Hour 2019.

The company also held its in-house Climate Week at its team member back-of-house areas. The event aims to encourage team members to take their own steps to address climate change.

MGM China, was the first integrated resort operator to step up its drive to eliminate single-use plastic in its takeaway packaging last year, and this year, the company proudly announced that it has successfully removed all single-use plastics and replace them with environmentally-friendly alternatives at all of its restaurants.

The milestone marks a significant step towards the reduction of food and beverage plastic packaging waste in Macau which will save 4.5 million pieces of single-use plastic per year from being disposed of into the environment.

“Reducing plastic waste is a small act that creates a ‘ripple effect’ towards wider change,” Mr. Grant Bowie, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of MGM China Holdings Limited, said, “As one of Macau’s key integrated resorts with prominent presence, we have a responsibility to use our scale for good to lead the local hospitality industry in a plastic-free movement. We have acknowledged that this is only the beginning of the journey, and we know there is more that can be done. We will continue our efforts in working with the government and industry partners to introduce many more positive steps toward sustainability.”

The company has also been working to better the local SME community, by fostering sustainability through sourcing from local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) where possible.

Melco Resorts and Entertainment, on the other hand, was awarded the Green Booth Award at the 2019 Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (2019MIECF).

Promoting environmental awareness, the booth’s décor featured a combination of solar panels and upcycled resort amenities.

Representing Melco as one of the 2019MIECF forum guest panelists was Ms. Denise Chen, Senior Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Company. Ms. Chen shared elements of Melco’s sustainability strategy, focusing on the impact of its installation of Macau’s largest solar power system and the Company’s numerous energy saving initiatives.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, said, “As one of Macau’s largest integrated resort operators we recognize the necessity for the industry to address and take action with regard to the environment conservation for not only today but also for future generations. Further to our recent sign up toThe New Plastics Economy Global Commitment spearheaded by Ellen MacArthur Foundation and in collaboration with U.N. Environment, we are thrilled to continue supporting the Macao SAR government-hosted 2019MIECF.

We are proud to be a prime exhibitor, highlighting the importance of developing and implementing sustainability efforts, initiatives which are integral to our Corporate Social Responsibility plan. The event provides a platform for us to communicate Melco’s latest initiatives with businesses, universities and research institutions, as we continue to contribute to Macau’s reputation as the global capital for green tourism.”