With a commitment to supporting members on their sustainability journey, The Knightsbridge Partnership was pleased to convene its third Sustainability Forum today at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.
Over 25 members and key stakeholders attended this forum, our biggest gathering to date, which explored the challenges and opportunities for sustainable luxury brands.
The forum’s ‘Stakeholder Spotlight’ featured Torsten van Dulleman, General Manager for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Group Director of Sustainability for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, who eloquently shared with openness the journey that the hotel group has gone on over the past three years to shape its sustainability vision, as well as the direction of travel for the future. Torsten emphasised the importance of having a passionate team and culture to deliver the vision, as well as highlighting the need to think about how a business operates locally to start to deliver its sustainability priorities.
Following Torsten and the ‘Stakeholder Spotlight’, the forum heard from Charlotte Keesing, Director of Corporate Affairs and International at Walpole, the official sector body for UK luxury, who shared her insights on what it means to be a sustainable luxury brand. Charlotte and the Walpole team have worked extensively and collectively with its members to ensure British luxury brands are leaders in sustainability. Their outputs have included the development of Walpole’s British Luxury Sustainability Manifesto, which aims to set ambitious industry aspirations to lower carbon emissions, reduce the impact on the environment, foster inclusivity and ensure more sustainable future growth. The manifesto has served as a blueprint for several Walpole members on their journey towards becoming a more sustainable business.
The forum offered members and stakeholders the opportunity to connect, reflect and consider how they can be a sustainable luxury business and how important it is to work collectively to meet these aspirations.
The Knightsbridge Partnership was delighted that forum could be hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and thanks the team for its exquisite hospitality.
The next Knightsbridge Sustainability Forum will take place in the Spring. To learn more about the forum, and how the Knightsbridge Partnership can support you on becoming a more sustainable business, contact the Place Team.
