Hotel 19 Rooms in Valletta has recently achieved Green Key certification, allowing it to lay claim to being the first boutique hotel in Malta to obtain the accreditation.

The Green Key award is a leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. This “eco-label” represents a commitment by businesses that their premises adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education.

19 Rooms is a renovated boutique hotel, housed in an 18th century palazzo in Valletta. The property, which was converted into a boutique hotel four years ago, still retains many of its authentic features, resulting in the fusion of Baroque and classical elements, that meet sleek, contemporary design.

Sustainability is one of the hotel's brand values, something which the Managing Director, Michael Xuereb holds to heart, “We are very focused on having an eco-friendly and sustainable operation, where we recognise the realities of climate change, focus on reducing our footprint and being a responsible part of our community.

“Obtaining Green Key certification was important for us because it demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and also gives us a rigorous standard to adhere to and build processes around. We also hope that, by making this commitment, we will encourage other hotels and hospitality establishments in Malta to pursue a stronger sustainability strategy.”

As part of its sustainability plan, 19 Rooms engaged a company called Commerg Solutions to produce a detailed report indicating the workings of their carbon emissions. This enables them to offset their carbon emissions on an annual basis, which they do through a company called Sustainable Travel Solutions.

All funds go towards projects linked to renewables and climate change, amongst others.

Simultaneously, the hotel is looking at ways of reducing emissions and involving guests in the process. “Last year we invested in waste separation bins for all our bedrooms and the restaurant. All our waste is weighed on a daily basis, so that we can track it and look into ways we can improve, explained Mr Xuereb

“We supply the guests with water in refillable glass bottles and also give them the option to buy refillable bottles, to avoid buying single use plastic when they are out and about.

“Despite the challenges of being on a small island, we also do our best to source local ingredients for our breakfast menu and, when there are no viable alternatives, we try to stay as close to home as possible.

We are using premium refillable amenities in our guestrooms, to avoid single use plastic and, this alone, saves around 300 kgs of plastic every year.”

The hotel is also trying to involve its guests in their drive to reduce its carbon emissions.

The 19 Rooms team informs guests about their sustainability practices upon check-in and a set of instructions is kept in each guest room. Future plans include organising activities to engage the guests with the local community, through voluntary initiatives.

International Green Key Director Finn Bolding Thomsen stated: "We are very pleased to welcome our first boutique hotel in Malta - 19 Rooms - in our certification programme.

"The team at 19 Rooms has spared no efforts to implement our demanding standard and has proven to have a profound understanding of sustainability. Their decision to join the Green Key programme is very timely, considering the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the pressing environmental issues of our times."