Paris, a global capital of style and sophistication, now welcomes a new chapter in luxury tourism with Hotel Toujours achieving the prestigious Green Globe Certification. Located just moments from the Arc de Triomphe and Palais des Congrès, this boutique hotel is redefining what it means to provide sustainable luxury in the heart of one of the world’s most beloved cities.
This milestone places Hotel Toujours among an elite group of hospitality establishments that not only deliver exceptional guest experiences but also prioritize environmental responsibility. With a firm commitment to reducing its ecological footprint, the hotel has adopted wide-ranging sustainability measures across energy use, procurement, waste management, and community outreach.
A Commitment Beyond Compliance
Unlike many sustainability programs that may serve as marketing tools, Hotel Toujours approached the Green Globe Certification with genuine purpose. The certification, rooted in internationally recognized sustainability standards, required the hotel to undergo a comprehensive audit across environmental, socio-economic, and cultural performance indicators.
Leading this transformation was a young and dynamic team of hospitality professionals. At just 23 years old, Hotel Manager Margot Bellamy spearheaded the certification initiative, achieving success by the age of 24. Alongside her were key contributors like Housekeeping Manager Amélie Riolet and intern Clémentine Caliskan, both 25, who brought creativity, energy, and vision to the project.
Bellamy summed up the philosophy that guided the process: “What you are not changing, you’re choosing. Sustainability isn’t just about minimizing harm — it’s about actively creating positive impact.”
Sustainable Practices That Shape Guest Experience
The certification process required the hotel to reassess every aspect of its operations, resulting in a transformation that blends elegance with responsibility. These initiatives not only enhance the hotel’s environmental performance but also elevate the guest experience by integrating thoughtful, conscious touches into daily service.
Energy Efficiency and Resource Management
Energy-efficient lighting, water-saving fixtures, and optimized heating systems were introduced to reduce consumption. Staff received training to ensure that sustainable operations became an integral part of everyday routines, from laundry cycles to temperature controls.
Ethical and Local Sourcing
One standout initiative involved replacing mass-produced honey with a local, ethically sourced alternative. The hotel now partners with a beekeeper in the nearby Fontainebleau Forest, offering guests a high-quality product while supporting regional biodiversity and reducing transportation emissions.
Eco-Friendly Guest Amenities
Disposable coffee pods in guest rooms were replaced with 100% biodegradable options. The hotel also partnered with Café Joyeux, a French coffee brand employing individuals with disabilities, to supply its organic coffee — merging environmental impact with social inclusion.
Advanced Waste Sorting and Composting
A full-spectrum waste management strategy was rolled out, enabling the separation and composting of organic waste. This initiative has significantly reduced the hotel’s landfill contribution and improved overall sustainability metrics.
A Cultural Shift Led by the Next Generation
The Green Globe achievement wasn’t simply a sustainability goal; it sparked a cultural movement within the hotel’s team. Young professionals took ownership of the initiative, reshaping operations while inspiring a broader mindset change within the hospitality environment. Their work proves that sustainability is not only achievable but scalable when it becomes part of a hotel’s core philosophy.
Beyond the internal impact, Hotel Toujours is actively engaging with the community. In partnership with Halle Sainte Didier, a local day shelter, the hotel donates unclaimed lost-and-found items and surplus amenities to individuals experiencing homelessness. Bathrobes, toiletries, and personal items are repurposed for those in need, ensuring that no resource goes to waste and that luxury serves a purpose beyond comfort.
Reinventing Luxury Tourism in Paris
Hotel Toujours demonstrates that luxury and sustainability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can enhance one another. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, in-room spa treatments, a hammam, sauna, and swimming pool, all while knowing their stay contributes positively to people and planet.
This achievement positions the hotel as a forward-thinking destination for eco-conscious travelers, business guests, and cultural tourists who seek not only refined hospitality but also a stay that aligns with their values.
A Model for the Future of Urban Hospitality
In a city visited by millions annually, the importance of sustainable hospitality cannot be overstated. Paris, like many urban centers, is facing increased pressure to align tourism with climate goals and community well-being. The actions taken by Hotel Toujours set an example for boutique and chain hotels alike, showing how real impact can be achieved through leadership, innovation, and accountability.
As travelers become more mindful of their choices, hotels like Toujours are paving the way for the future of responsible tourism — where luxury doesn’t come at the expense of the environment but instead enriches it.
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