Low-Carbon Transition
Advance energy efficiency and renewable solutions to address climate change
Energy Efficiency
Design buildings that conserve electricity and deploy new technologies to reduce energy consumption during ongoing operations
Renewable Energy
Seek out renewable energy solutions, including on-site solar thermal and solar photovoltaic systems and renewable energy credits
Transportation
Transition guest shuttle buses to electric and clean-fuel sources and leverage carbon offsets for hard-to-decarbonize air and ferry travel
Guided by our science-based emissions reduction target and the ambitions of the United Nations Paris Agreement, our low-carbon transition strategy focuses on reducing our climate impact through energy efficiency, renewable energy and conversion to low-emission vehicles.
We have several initiatives in place to reduce energy consumption. In 2022, we replaced the existing heat pumps and boiler system with new high-temperature heat pumps at The Plaza Macao. The new system is capable of supplying 80°C hot water at high efficiency and reducing operating costs, as well as completely removing the reliance on the boilers which used Liquefied Petroleum Gas.
We also installed high efficiency LED lights to reduce energy usage in nearly 2,155 rooms.
Although the Macao region is spatially constrained for expansive renewable energy projects, our commitment to renewable energy continued in 2022, with 115,000 MWh of renewable energy purchased from hydro and wind farms and 81 MWh generated at our hybrid solar thermal plant.
Water Stewardship
Protect, conserve and reuse water resources
Water Efficiency
Upgrade fixtures and systems, enact water-conservation policies and encourage sensible water usage
Water Reuse
Increase use of non-potable water for landscaping, restrooms, cooling towers and other uses
Ecosystems
Partner with regional water champions to reinvigorate biodiverse ecosystems, increase resiliency, engage community and leverage water technologies
Our strategy to preserve one of the planet’s most precious natural resources focuses on pursuing water efficiency, reuse and recycling, and protecting the water ecosystems surrounding our resorts. We are dedicated to using water wisely and safeguarding the waterways in our region.
In 2022, reducing the water footprint in our restaurants and hotel guest rooms was a key focus area. Efforts included integrating water-efficient fixtures and appliances and pinpointing areas for better water management. We continuously focus on rectifying water leakage to reduce water wastage.
Third-year grant recipient University of Saint Joseph (USJ) Macao continued its Drop by Drop work in 2022 to preserve local wetlands through community-based education and awareness activities, and scientific studies of mangroves’ ability to sequester carbon and remove microplastics from freshwater and marine waterways.
PLASTIC & PACKAGING
Address high-volume plastic items, single-use disposables and packaging
Single-Use Disposables
Replace single-use products with sustainable alternatives and transition to reuse models where possible
Packaging
Reduce the environmental footprint of primary, secondary and tertiary packaging in our operations
We are committed to eliminating the use of unnecessary plastics and packaging wherever possible, transitioning to reuse systems and replacing materials with renewable and sustainable alternatives.
In 2022, we have taken steps to reduce the use of plastic bags and we established the “One Bin Office Challenge”. Business units were encouraged to remove individual deskside waste bins and instead to locate bins for recycling in one centralized location. This initiative has helped eliminate the plastic bags used in individual deskside bins, resulting in an annual wastage prevention of 318,420 plastic bags.
Our action on plastic reduction
WASTE
Promote reduction, reuse and recycling of products and materials
Food Waste
Tackle one of our largest waste streams through prevention, donation and diversion
Construction Waste
Responsibly handle construction waste from new developments, remodels and renovations
Operational Waste
Recycle whenever possible and find opportunities to reduce waste generation
Addressing the many forms of waste is a critical component of our environmental strategy to conserve resources. Our primary focus is on managing our largest waste streams, which are in the areas of food service, operations and construction.
We tackle reducing our waste streams by consuming less when possible and reusing and recycling more. We aim to prevent or reduce the amount of food destined for the waste stream. We aim to recover food for donation to feed people and animals, and we aim to divert food from landfills and explore opportunities to generate additional value when possible.
In 2022, Sands China successfully piloted and
established an initiative to donate bread and
pastry items to the Macau ECOnscious Community
Fridge Project, which helps people in need.
In addition, we track and measure food waste in
real time, enabling adjustments in production
and menu creation. In 2022, Sands China added
four new Winnow artificial intelligence (AI)
trackers at two guest restaurants - Feast and
Belcanção - complementing the ten systems
already in place in our team member restaurants.
Tackling food waste with cutting edge technology
Sourcing
Increase purchasing of sustainable products and services
SUSTAINABLE FOOD
Source eco-friendly ingredients and provide sustainable cuisine in restaurants through menu offerings curated with the planet and biodiversity in mind
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AND RENOVATION
Integrate energy-saving technologies and environmentally preferred products and materials
RESORT OPERATIONS
Explore sustainable options for incorporation in our business processes and the guest experience
SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD
In striving for sustainability with the thousands of goods and services we procure, our aim is to select products, packaging and suppliers that have a positive impact on the environment and our community.
We integrate sustainable seafood products from menu creation and ingredient selection to final sourcing, continuously working with our chefs to develop sustainable dishes and procure certified seafood. We rely on trusted certifications such as MSC and ASC to ensure our purchases are from well-managed and sustainable fisheries that protect the marine environment.
In June 2022, The Londoner Macao’s Churchill’s Table restaurant expanded the number of sustainably sourced menu options in celebration of United Nations World Oceans Day.
Biodiversity
Reduce deforestation, protect marine environments and preserve natural ecology
To coalesce our biodiversity strategy, we plan to round out existing water and nature conservation programs by strengthening efforts to prevent deforestation. Our pathway necessitates identification of sustainable alternatives for palm oil and high-volume wood products, such as furniture and flooring. We are evaluating other deforestation hot spots in our supply chain, including the agriculture practices used to produce commodities like coffee, tea and chocolate. As we work to address these areas, our interim focus is on increasing purchases of FSC certified products for wood and paper.
In 2022, we sourced over US$1.7 million of FSC certified products including tissue and hand towels, paper plates, cups and napkins, coasters, bags, bamboo sticks and skewers, and some furniture and furnishings.
We are now sourcing Nespresso coffee, which is produced using Rainforest Alliance endorsed practices for sustainable farming management and community resilience.
