As part of its continual dedication to sustainability, Taal Vista Hotel persistently advances its eco-conscious initiatives with considerate programs aimed at diminishing its ecological footprint while upholding outstanding guest experiences. This year, the hotel is excited to present its newest “Plate for the Planet” dish, Malunggay Pancit Verde — a delightful and nutrient-packed rendition of a Filipino traditional snack, crafted from locally sourced ingredients that promote both environmental and community well-being.
Sustainable Dining: The Essence of Plate for the Planet
With sustainability as its foundation, Taal Vista Hotel has adopted garden-to-table philosophies, acquiring local and seasonal ingredients to lessen food transport distances and support neighboring farmers. The latest feature of its ‘Plate for the Planet’ initiative, the Malunggay Pancit Verde, represents this objective. Enriched with the benefits of malunggay — a nutrient-dense superfood — this dish offers not only a wholesome and tasty meal but also emphasizes the hotel’s commitment to sustainable dining practices.
This environmentally conscious menu item is part of a larger initiative that includes:
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supporting smallholder farmers and minimizing carbon emissions from delivery.
- Waste Reduction: Promoting mindful dining through portion control and management of food waste.
- Eco-Conscious Operations: Implementing the ORCA biodigester, which transforms food waste into a liquid that is safely released into the sewer system, preventing landfill waste.
Beyond the Plate: Hotel-Wide Sustainability Initiatives
Taal Vista Hotel’s pledge to sustainability goes beyond the culinary aspect. The hotel has established energy-saving practices, such as switching to inverter air-conditioning systems and LED lighting, reducing energy use throughout all 262 guest rooms. Moreover, it actively conserves water through rainwater collection and the installation of water-efficient fixtures.
To further reduce plastic waste, the hotel has substituted single-use toiletries for dispenser systems, leading to an annual savings of P823,000, and eradicated plastic water bottles in favor of refillable glass pitchers, saving P640,000 each year.
A Commitment to a Greener Future
Taal Vista Hotel has been proactively striving to lessen its carbon footprint, with a significant emphasis on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, and responsible sourcing. In 2024, the hotel recorded 5,021 tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and has set a challenging yet strategic target of decreasing this by 10% in 2025. This initiative aligns with SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. (SMHCC)’s sustainability goals, ensuring that each step toward eco-conscious practices is taken with thoughtful consideration of both environmental consequences and guest experiences.
“Our approach to sustainability is not solely about implementing changes — it’s about making an impact,” stated Ramon Makilan, General Manager of Taal Vista Hotel. “By progressively upgrading our equipment and operations, we can launch impactful initiatives while preserving the warmth and hospitality our guests cherish.”
Inviting Guests to Be Part of the Change
Taal Vista Hotel advocates that sustainability is a collective obligation. Guests are invited to participate in the movement by adopting eco-friendly habits, such as utilizing their own tumblers, engaging in the towel and linen reuse initiative, and practicing mindful dining by taking only what they can eat at the buffet.
As Taal Vista Hotel advances in its sustainability journey, initiatives like ‘Plate for the Planet’ and its new Malunggay Pancit Verde remind us that small, deliberate choices can have a significant impact — for the planet and for generations to come.
For additional details about Taal Vista Hotel’s sustainability actions and dining options, visit https://www.taalvistahotel.com/sustainability-program/ or follow @taalvistahotel on social networks.
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