We are proud to announce that Winnow is joining the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an organization that sets a global standard for sustainable travel and tourism.
Winnow was founded in 2013 with the belief that food is too valuable to waste. Our proposition was to create a solution to the problem of food waste in the hospitality sector. Today, we are helping chefs and managers in 40 countries save over 36 million meals. As we scale our business, it is important to show to our clients and partners that our practices are in line with our core values. That`s why we’ve joined the GSTC.
“The GSTC engages with a worldwide network of members, who represent a wide range of tourism stakeholders. Being a GSTC member means actively participating in GSTC’s global network, contributing to the important work of the GSTC in promoting the widespread adoption of universal sustainable tourism principles. GSTC members are active drivers for sustainability in travel and tourism.” - Roi Ariel, General Manager, GSTC
- What is the GSTC?
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council was created jointly by UN agencies and prominent international conservation NGOs to develop global baseline standards for sustainability in travel and tourism - the GSTC Criteria. The criteria set are used for education and awareness-raising, alongside policy-making for businesses and government agencies. Other organization types may use this for measurement and evaluation and as a basis for certifications. They are the result of a worldwide effort to develop a common language about sustainability in tourism.
The four pillars The GSTC operates in are as follows: (A) Sustainable management; (B) Socioeconomic impacts; (C) Cultural impacts; and (D) Environmental impacts (including consumption of resources, reducing pollution, and conserving biodiversity and landscapes). Since tourism destinations each have their own culture, environment, customs, and laws, the criteria have been designed to be adapted to local conditions and supplemented by additional criteria for the specific location and activity.
- Building a sustainable future
Well-known brands have embraced the GSTC criteria include Hilton, IHG, PATA and WWF. Currently, there are approximately 140 engaged GSTC Members, while thousands of hotels (as well as tour operators and destinations) use the GSTC Criteria or an equivalent GSTC-Recognized Standard. This means that global brands are putting in practice measures that can help protect and sustain the world’s natural and cultural resources while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation.
In 2019, IHG became the first global hotel company to use our award-winning AI-enabled technology, Winnow Vision, which will help its hotels achieve a 30% reduction in food waste. Just two months after the launch of Winnow Vision, IHG - one of the world’s leading hotel companies announced a partnership with Winnow to reduce food waste and create a more sustainable and efficient restaurant and bar operations within their company.
Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, EMEAA, IHG, said: “With more than 5,600 hotels across the world, a commitment to operating responsibly is at the heart of all we do. We know there’s always more that can be done to make a greater difference – whether that’s minimising waste through the removal of plastic straws or introducing innovative technology to reduce our environmental impact.”
- Join the sustainable community with GSTC and Winnow
The GSTC champions the idea that companies aiming to achieve certification as sustainable properties should look into reducing their food wastage. Food waste emits carbon (released during the production and transportation processes) and also emits methane, which is even more harmful to the environment.
GSTC members are leaders of a global movement of companies using business as a force for good. They meet the highest standards of sustainability. Organizations that are certified to the GSTC Criteria are aspiring to use the power of business to solve environmental and problems in the tourism sector.
Winnow is now joining GSTC and will use the power of this community to further our mission to help businesses run more sustainably efficiently, for the benefit of both businesses and future generations.
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