Banyan Group Releases its 2025 Sustainability Report
On April 22, 2026, Banyan Group, also known as Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, unveiled its 2025 Sustainability Report titled "From One Vision to 100 Possibilities." This marks an impressive 20 years of sustainability reporting for the global hospitality company and coincides with reaching the significant milestone of 100 properties worldwide. The announcement was made in Singapore, a symbolic homecoming for the Group.
A Journey of Growth and Responsibility
For over thirty years, Banyan Group has adhered to its core philosophy of "Embracing the Environment, Empowering People." The journey began with the restoration of an abandoned tin mine in Phuket, evolving into a diverse portfolio featuring 13 brands, 100 hotels and resorts, over 140 spas and galleries, and 29 branded residences across 24 countries. The Group proudly catered to 4.7 million guests from 212 countries in 2025 alone.
Ho Kwon Ping, the Group's Founder and Executive Chairman, emphasized the importance of reaching 100 properties, stating, "The significance lies not in the number itself, but in what it represents—a vision that has materialized across numerous destinations and the ecosystems that support them. Our success is intertwined with the wellbeing of the communities we serve. As we expand, we must ensure that sustainability grows with the same vigor and discipline as our business operations."
Innovations in Sustainability Management
The Group’s first double materiality assessment was completed in 2025, fundamentally reshaping how sustainability is conceptualized and managed within the organization. This assessment evaluated both the impact of the Group's operations on the environment and society, as well as the financial risks associated with these issues. Consequently, the 2025 Sustainability Report pivots from program-led initiatives to an enterprise-wide sustainable strategy that underpins the core decision-making.
Banyan Group’s development model focuses on dignity, care, and healthy collaborations with the communities involved. Its Brand for Good framework unites all brands under a shared goal of protecting the planet and uplifting people, echoing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment extends through the Banyan Global Foundation, the Group’s philanthropic arm, which orchestrates social and environmental programs beyond hotel operations.
A Model for Community Engagement
In 2025, Banyan Group activated 32 associate-led projects under its Greater Good Grants initiative, directly benefiting 2,000 individuals over the past two years. These projects targeted a range of communities, including students, women, farmers, low-income families, and more. Selection criteria focused on each project's community impact and capacity to foster local engagement while remaining within 50 kilometers of the host property.
Banyan Group has always embraced a regenerative approach in its environmental strategies, and it has achieved notable environmental improvements in the year despite substantial business growth. Noteworthy achievements in 2025 include a 1.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 13% cut in waste generation, with a waste diversion rate climbing to 41%.
Examples of Sustainable Hospitality Practices
The recently opened hotels in 2025 showcase Banyan Group's commitment to sustainability:
- - Banyan Tree Zhuhai Phoenix Bay, China: Integrating traditional Lingnan water town elements with modern design, honoring local culture.
- - Garrya Mù Cang Chải, Vietnam: Utilizes locally sourced bamboo in its construction, becoming a testament to reducing land disturbance and carbon emissions.
- - Mandai Rainforest Resort, Singapore: This landmark facility achieved the BCA Green Mark Super Low Energy (Platinum) Award, setting new benchmarks for sustainable practices in local hospitality.
Supporting Cultural Heritage and Community Wellbeing
Banyan Group invests significantly in its people and community ties, with a commitment to improving lives through education and employment. In 2025, approximately 15,000 associates from 95 nationalities were supported with over 1.5 million training hours through its Banyan Academy, along with numerous wellbeing initiatives that fostered high engagement rates among employees.
Furthermore, the Banyan Gallery has collaborated with various artisan groups, producing over 177,000 handcrafted products in 2025. This not only gives artisans stable incomes but also plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage across various regions.
Looking Ahead
Going forward, Banyan Group holds a commitment to deepen sustainability within its business operations, embracing efficiency and resilience as key drivers of long-term value. The findings from the 2025 double materiality assessment led to the inception of the Group’s inaugural Sustainability Impact Lab—a platform aimed at turning insights into actionable priorities for 2026.
The focus areas include:
1.
Ecosystem Stewardship: Advocating for responsible resource management.
2.
Community Resilience: Strengthening support for the wellbeing and vibrancy of local cultures.
3.
Inclusive Prosperity: Creating opportunities that build trust and resilience among various stakeholders.
Dr. Mark Watson, Group Director of Sustainability and Impact, stated, "A shift to embedding sustainability as a business driver accelerates innovation and creates measurable value for all—our properties, communities, and guests."
In summary, Banyan Group’s 2025 Sustainability Report illustrates the company’s dedication to intertwining business success with a deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility, ensuring a thriving future for both the organization and its host communities around the world.