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JR West Japan Hotels: A Sustainable Future by 2025

JR West Japan Hotels, headquartered in Kyoto's Shimogyo Ward, is committed to creating a sustainable future with the slogan, "Hotels that live with the city, striving to do what we can for tomorrow." In 2025, all 13 hotels under the JR West Japan group will take part in the Sustainable Project 2025, a cross-sectional initiative promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative aims to transparently communicate the achievements regarding climate change prevention, food resource recycling, and community coexistence to guests and employees alike.

Climate Change Prevention

CO₂ Zero Stay® Program

One of the notable achievements in combating climate change is the CO₂ Zero Stay® plan, which allows guests to offset their CO₂ emissions. This eco-conscious accommodation plan has effectively reduced approximately 189 tons of CO₂ emissions.

Eco-Cleaning Initiative

By encouraging guests to participate in eco-cleaning during extended stays—where linen exchanges are minimized—JR West Japan hotels have achieved an eco-cleaning implementation rate of about 58%. This practice not only conserves cleaning resources like fuel and water but also mitigates the environmental impact caused by detergent runoff.

Reducing Food Waste

Circulating Cooking Oil

Using a mass balance method, cooking oil utilized within the hotels is converted into biodegradable products. The introduction of Kaneka Biodegradable Bio-Polymer Green Planet® straws and toothbrushes has contributed to a reduction of around 10.6 tons of plastic waste, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to minimizing food waste and the problem of plastics.

Recycling Food Waste

Additionally, food waste generated in the hotels is recycled back into the community as livestock feed and provided to biomass power generation efforts, successfully reducing food waste by about 136 tons.

Seasonal Sustainable Menu

During the "JR West Japan Hotels Autumn SDGs Month," a unique vegan curry that incorporated surplus food ingredients was offered, exemplifying the commitment to utilizing food that would otherwise be wasted. This initiative was part of a wider effort to raise awareness and foster sustainable consumption.

Community Coexistence

Local Tourism Planning

Collaboration with local municipalities and businesses has led to the creation of 147 unique tourism accommodation plans, enhancing local appeal and stimulating the economy. These plans introduce guests to one-of-a-kind experiences, contributing to the area's vitality.

Employee Participation

Sustainable Activity Contest

To further engage employees in sustainability, the JR West Japan Hotels Sustainable Activity Contest invites staff to share their green initiatives, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness company-wide. In 2025, the Hotel Granvia Hiroshima’s allergen-free buffet won the contest, an innovative menu catering to multiple dietary needs.

Eco Cap Movement

An initiative to collect plastic bottle caps has also prospered, with approximately 187,120 caps being recycled in 2025. The proceeds from this activity support healthcare in developing countries and educate children about environmental issues.

Community Clean-up Initiatives

Employees have participated in 55 clean-up activities throughout the year, contributing to environmental beautification and awareness in their communities.

Sustainable Communication

To keep everyone informed, the Sustainable Newsletter is published quarterly, detailing the ongoing sustainable efforts across JR West Japan Hotels. These clear communications aim to strengthen community ties and promote a sustainable model of hospitality.

As JR West Japan Hotels continues its various sustainability initiatives throughout the year, its commitment aligns closely with SDGs 8, 11, 12, and 13, ensuring a shared dedication to a sustainable future.

Discover how JR West Japan Hotels significantly enhances the travel experience while ensuring guests, employees, and communities alike can partake in a greener tomorrow.