In a decisive move to align luxury hospitality with sustainability, The Oberoi Group has launched ‘Elements by Oberoi’, a comprehensive environmental and social responsibility framework aimed at significantly reducing the ecological impact of its operations by the year 2030. With ambitions rooted in the elemental forces of earth, water, and air, the initiative reflects the brand’s evolution into a modern, environmentally conscious leader in the global luxury hospitality industry.
Speaking about the initiative, Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman of The Oberoi Group, said: “We have always believed that excellence must be enduring. With ‘Elements by Oberoi’, we reaffirm our commitment to responsible growth, where every decision is made with care for our planet and communities.”
A Quiet Ethos Now Takes Centre Stage
While sustainability has long been a part of The Oberoi Group’s operational values, this is the first time the company has formally consolidated its green goals under a singular, forward-looking framework. ‘Elements by Oberoi’ integrates long-standing practices with ambitious new targets that will shape hotel construction, operations, energy use, transportation, and community outreach across all its properties in India and abroad.
By 2030, the group plans to:
- Recycle 100% of wastewater and implement zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems.
- Reduce freshwater usage by 20% per occupied room.
- Source at least 50% of electricity from renewable sources, including solar and wind energy.
- Fully transition its hotel transport fleet to electric vehicles (EVs).
- Replace fossil fuel-based heating and energy systems in all new properties with electric and clean alternatives.
Water: Circular Management and Conscious Use
One of the central pillars of the ‘Elements by Oberoi’ strategy is water sustainability. The group already employs advanced rainwater harvesting and sustainable laundry systems across select properties, such as The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur and The Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur. These systems are designed to minimize water wastage while maintaining luxury standards.
With a goal to reach zero wastewater discharge, Oberoi aims to retrofit older properties and ensure that all wastewater is treated and reused—a practice already underway at select resorts in Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The group is also exploring technologies that enable smart water monitoring and leak detection to reduce losses in real time.
Air and Energy: Transitioning to a Low-Carbon Model
In pursuit of carbon neutrality, Oberoi plans to integrate clean energy systems into its hotels, beginning with automated energy-saving systems, LED retrofits, and HVAC optimization. More importantly, the chain will invest in solar and wind energy installations at high-energy-consuming properties.
The group is also expanding its EV charging infrastructure for guests across its urban and resort locations, supporting India’s broader push towards electrified mobility. This includes partnerships with clean energy providers and mobility tech startups to ensure seamless guest experiences.
“From clean power sources to smart building systems and air purification innovations, we aim to offer an experience that is both luxurious and climate-conscious,” noted Vikram Oberoi, CEO of The Oberoi Group. “Sustainability is no longer just a responsibility—it’s central to how we welcome guests, build our hotels, and care for the world around us.”
Sustainability Integrated into the Guest Journey
Far from being a back-of-house initiative, ‘Elements by Oberoi’ is designed to be visible, educational, and experiential for guests. From locally sourced ingredients in the restaurants to eco-conscious amenities and sustainability-focused guest activities, Oberoi aims to inspire environmentally responsible behavior among its clientele.
Guests can expect to engage with the initiative through interactive displays, green concierge services, and opportunities to contribute to community-based environmental programs, such as tree planting or wildlife conservation workshops in nearby regions.
Community Upliftment and Social Equity
Elements by Oberoi also encompasses a strong social sustainability component. The group will continue its initiatives in skills training, local employment, and artisanal partnerships. This includes supporting rural communities near hotel locations by integrating handcrafted textiles, local produce, and heritage design elements into the hotel experience.
Several Oberoi hotels are already engaged in women-led sustainability programs, such as organic farming and handicrafts in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, empowering local women while reducing the chain’s carbon footprint through local sourcing.
Luxury Meets Responsibility: A Model for Green Hospitality
The Oberoi Group’s shift toward sustainability echoes a broader trend in luxury hospitality, where eco-consciousness and guest expectations are converging. With brands like Six Senses, Aman, and Marriott’s Edition making sustainability core to their brand identities, Oberoi’s initiative places it among global frontrunners leading the green transformation of the travel sector.
Hospitality analysts believe this move may influence other Indian luxury brands to formalize and amplify their environmental commitments, especially as international travelers increasingly prefer brands that reflect climate responsibility.
Looking Ahead: Building for Tomorrow
With properties located across key Indian tourism hotspots—from Agra and Jaipur to Shimla and Mumbai—The Oberoi Group’s expansive sustainability roadmap has the potential to influence regional environmental outcomes as well. As India eyes a net-zero emissions target by 2070, hospitality leaders like Oberoi play a vital role in setting industry benchmarks.
‘Elements by Oberoi’ represents not only a reaffirmation of values but also a strategic business direction—where future-proofing, guest satisfaction, and environmental stewardship intersect.
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