The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue recently earned a coveted spot on the TOP 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World list, solidifying its status as a leader in eco-conscious luxury. As part of this milestone, Alexander Chetchikov, president of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Mr. Richard Bussiere, Managing Director, to explore his insights on sustainability, luxury, and the hotel industry. Join Alexander & Richard as they dive into what makes The Langham, New York an icon of both elegance and environmental stewardship.

Alexander Chetchikov: Richard, congrats on your recent win! What does it mean for The Langham, New York to be recognized as one of the TOP 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World?

Richard Bussiere: We’re extremely honored to be named one of the TOP 100 Sustainable Hotels & Resorts of the World. This recognition is a true reflection of the dedication and hard work of each member of our team at The Langham, New York. It’s a major achievement for us and reinforces our commitment to sustainability by being acknowledged with this prestigious award.

AC: Sustainability is a cornerstone of modern luxury. How do you balance eco-conscious practices with the expectations of your high-end clientele?

RB: Guest satisfaction is our number one priority at The Langham, New York and with sustainability becoming an increasingly popular initiative, high-end clientele are actively seeking brands that support their personal values. We balance eco-conscious practices with the expectations of our guests by integrating sustainable solutions into the luxury experience. For example, we offer Diptyque products as in-room amenities, however, all shampoos and conditioners are in ceramic refillable bottles instead of single-use plastics. Initiatives such as this don’t compromise quality, rather they enhance our overall guest experience. We’ve also found that many of our guests appreciate knowing that they are staying at a hotel that cares about both luxury and environmental responsibility.

AC: As Managing Director, what challenges have you faced in implementing sustainability initiatives in a city like New York, and how have you overcome them?

RB: Implementing sustainability in a city like New York comes with its own set of challenges including high energy usage, limited space, food waste, and abiding with the city’s laws and regulations. To overcome these challenges we’ve focused on education for our staff. Our team is constantly seeking new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and we have been able to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve water conservation with low-flow fixtures, and focus on energy efficiency.

AC: What innovative eco-friendly technologies or practices have been introduced at The Langham, New York, and how have guests responded to them?

RB: We’ve been actively updating our policies to foster a more eco-conscious environment for both our guests and team members. Some of the initiatives we’ve implemented include switching from plastic to biodegradable bamboo room key cards, installing motion-sensor lighting in public and back-of-house areas, composting food waste, and investing in smart thermostats to enhance energy efficiency in guest rooms. Additionally, we’ve partnered with Vivreau to feature refillable glass water bottles in all guestrooms. After use, each water bottle is returned to our Vivreau station where it is machine washed, sanitized, and refilled. With this concept, The Langham, New York has been able to eliminate over 91,000 single-use plastics annually. Guests have been very receptive to these initiatives, as it gives them a sense of contributing to a greater cause by choosing to stay in a hotel that prioritizes sustainability.

AC: Luxury is often about creating unique, personalized experiences. How do you ensure that sustainability enhances, rather than detracts from, the guest experience at your hotel?

RB: Sustainability has become so prevalent in today’s society that guests have come to expect that their favorite brands are working to better themselves and become more environmentally responsible. At The Langham, New York we try and come up with creative and innovative ideas to incorporate sustainability into our guest experience. For example, we partner with many local food suppliers which not only helps to reduce our carbon footprint but allows guests to experience local New York cuisine. We also partner with eco-conscious wine brands giving our guests the chance to enjoy their drinks knowing they are contributing to a positive environmental impact.

AC: From your perspective, how has the definition of luxury evolved in recent years, particularly with the increasing demand for sustainability?

RB: Luxury is no longer just about staying in the nicest accommodations and eating the most expensive food – the idea has shifted to encompass a deeper sense of responsibility and mindfulness, especially with the growing focus on sustainability. When staying in a luxury hotel, of course guests expect well-appointed guestrooms, however, they are also looking for brands that align with their values and offer not just comfort, but transparency, eco-conscious practices, and a commitment to social and environmental good.

AC: The hospitality industry is highly competitive. How does The Langham, New York differentiate itself not just in luxury but also in sustainability?

RB: At The Langham, New York we pride ourselves on luxury service and hospitality. Of course, we offer elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites with high-end amenities and furnishings, an award-winning restaurant, a newly renovated fitness center, and exclusive access to The Langham Club, but our anticipatory service is what sets us apart in the luxury hospitality industry. Our dedicated staff go above and beyond to get to know each guest, remembering their names, preferences, and needs. This personalized approach creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that inspires our guests to return to our property time and time again.

AC: What advice would you give to other hoteliers looking to incorporate sustainable practices while maintaining a luxury standard?

RB: Incorporating sustainable practices while maintaining a luxury standard is about finding the balance between environmental responsibility and delivering an exceptional guest experience. My advice would be to start small but make impactful changes. For example, partnering with locally sourced food producers, eliminating single-use plastics, and transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting all make a huge difference to reduce your environmental footprint without compromising the guest experience.

Thank you, Mr. Richard Bussiere, for sharing your valuable insights and for continuing to lead The Langham, New York as a beacon of sustainable luxury.

Discover the award-winning elegance and eco-conscious hospitality of The Langham, New York, by visiting their official website: https://www.langhamhotels.com/en/the-langham/new-york/

Explore interviews by WLCC: https://worldluxurychamber.com/category/expert-articles-interviews/