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“Sustainability Is Not a Department — It’s Our Way of Doing Business”

Universal Beach Hotels’ CEO Yannik Erhart talks about Net Zero goals, circular economy, and why people are at the heart of their transformation

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Q: Your Sustainability Report 2024 is extensive. How would you sum it up in one sentence?

A: It’s a transparent record of what we’ve done, what’s working, and where we’re going to build a tourism model that’s respectful to people, culture, and nature in the Balearic Islands.

Q: How does this commitment translate into daily operations?

A: Every department, from housekeeping to finance, has measurable sustainability actions — from water-saving devices to waste reduction and community engagement.

Q: What’s your biggest environmental achievement this year?

A: Reducing our carbon footprint per stay by over 6%, installing more solar panels, and replacing fossil fuels with cleaner alternatives like propane and liquefied gas.

Q: And on water management?

A: We’re in a drought-prone region, so we track consumption daily, fix leaks immediately, and aim for a 20% reduction in our water footprint by 2030.

Q: You mention the “9Rs” in the report. What are they?

A: Reduce, Rethink, Redesign, Reuse, Repair, Remanufacture, Redistribute, Recover, Recycle — it’s the backbone of our circular economy approach.

Q: Can you give a tangible example of circularity in action?

A: We donate furniture to local charities, reuse building materials, turn old textiles into staff dining room décor, and even repurpose leftover pastries into new dishes.

Q: Social impact seems equally important. How so?

A: We run inclusive hiring programmes, support NGOs like UNICEF and Cáritas, and sponsor local sports and cultural events to strengthen community ties.

Q: Staff wellbeing is a big theme. What have you done for your teams?

A: Adjustable bed systems to reduce physical strain, yoga classes, our Universal Runners sports club, flexible pay options, and significant discounts on travel and dining.

Q: How do you involve employees in the sustainability strategy?

A: Through participatory workshops, training in best environmental practices, and giving them a voice in shaping projects from day one.

Q: What’s next for 2025?

A: More digitalisation of ESG data, certification of all our hotels under sustainability standards, and deeper collaboration with local suppliers.

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