Global hospitality major The Ascott Limited has announced a major milestone in its sustainability journey, achieving full Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification for half of its eligible global portfolio. Building on its early achievement of GSTC-Committed status, the lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment remains firmly on track to achieve 100% portfolio certification across all eligible properties by 2028.
The milestone highlights the accelerated integration of rigorous, independently audited environmental, social, and cultural criteria across Ascott’s international serviced residences and hotel brands.
Accelerating Global Sustainability Across Regional Portfolios
Achieving GSTC certification requires properties to pass independent audits by GSTC-accredited certification bodies against strict international benchmarks spanning sustainable management, socio-economic impact, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental stewardship.
Key portfolio achievements and regional rollouts include:
- Complete Market Coverage: Ascott has successfully certified its entire eligible operational portfolio across multiple key regions, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, India, Laos, Europe, and Australia.
- Upcoming Indonesian Milestone: With operations underway in Indonesia, the group expects to certify more than 50 properties in the country by the end of 2026, which will push total certified coverage past the 65% threshold.
- The Ascott CARES Framework: Certification efforts are anchored by Ascott’s proprietary sustainability management framework, which incorporates initiatives like the Ascott CarbonClear programme to monitor and reduce energy, water, waste, and carbon performance.
- Long-Term Environmental Targets: The group’s broader roadmap supports its corporate commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 2050.
Executive Insights
“Reaching the halfway mark in our global GSTC certification journey is a significant milestone that reflects the dedication of our property teams and corporate leaders worldwide. Sustainability is no longer a corporate aspiration; it is an operational standard. By embedding GSTC-aligned practices across our portfolio, we provide our guests and corporate partners with the verified, responsible hospitality experience they expect and demand.”
– Beh Siew Kim, Chief Financial & Sustainability Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment and Managing Director, Japan and Korea, Ascott
Key Highlights & Technical Takeaways
- Sustainability Milestone: Ascott reaches the halfway mark for full Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) portfolio certification.
- Regional Success: Full 100% compliance achieved across major markets including the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan, India, Australia, and Europe.
- Upcoming Goals: Indonesian portfolio slated for completion by end-2026; entire global portfolio targeted for 2028.
- Corporate Framework: Supported by Ascott CARES and the Ascott CarbonClear decarbonisation initiative.