#China #Sands China #Macao #Environmental Management #ISO 14001

Sands China Achieves ISO 14001:2026 Certification

In a groundbreaking achievement, Sands China has obtained the ISO 14001:2026 certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI). This milestone marks it as the first integrated tourism and leisure enterprise worldwide, and notably, the first in both the global hospitality industry and the Macao-Hong Kong region, to be recognized for this standard in environmental management.

Lead in Sustainability

This certification encompasses all resort properties within Sands China, integrating contemporary international environmental management practices across its corporate structure and operations. This significant accreditation underscores Sands China’s commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility, embedding environmental considerations into everyday practices.

Dylan Williams, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Sands China, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the company's ethos in promoting environmental management. He stated, "Sustainability is a pillar of our long-term strategy, and being recognized with the ISO 14001:2026 certification is a testament to our ongoing efforts in this domain."

Understanding ISO 14001:2026

Released by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in April 2026, the ISO 14001:2026 standard is designed to tackle pressing global environmental challenges. The latest iteration intensifies requirements around climate change, the management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, and governance. Notably, it adopts a proactive stance, encouraging organizations to continuously advance their environmental performance.

Sands China has effectively woven this EMS framework into its operational decision-making processes, aiming for a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts. With the new certification, the company aims to set robust performance targets that align with its sustainability objectives, further amplifying initiatives related to carbon footprint reduction, climate responsiveness, and waste management.

Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility

The company has also made impressive strides in reducing its carbon footprint. Compared to its 2018 emissions, Sands China has achieved a remarkable 61% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, surpassing its target of a 30% reduction in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) recommendations. Moreover, a 9% decrease in potable water usage by 2025 illustrates Sands China's dedication to prioritizing resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Recognition and Future Goals

Sands China continues to gain accolades for its sustainability achievements, being listed in the SP Global Sustainability Yearbook for the fourth consecutive year and earning top-tier rankings in both the global and Chinese editions. Additionally, it has been acknowledged in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices, underscoring its position as a leader in the integrated resort sector committed to excellence in environmental management.

Grant Chum, CEO of Sands China, concluded by reaffirming the organization’s pledge to sustainability, stating, "Our aim is to enhance Macao's journey as a premier tourism center while integrating sustainable practices that define a brighter future for our community and environment."

As Sands China progresses on its sustainability journey, it reinforces not only its corporate identity but also its alignment with global efforts to foster an environmentally conscious society. The company intends to continue cultivating and enhancing its operational strategies to create a more sustainable and green future for Macao and beyond.