Our Commitment
Our Commitment
Our Commitment
Our company was founded in 1960 by Isadore Sharp, a young Canadian architect who believed in only operating medium-sized hotels of exceptional quality with an objective to be the best.
As Isadore expanded the company into what soon became one of the world’s leading luxury hospitality brands, he never lost sight of his guiding principle of the Golden Rule – the simple idea that we should treat others the way we would want to be treated. Today, Isadore Sharp’s vision remains deeply embedded in our company’s culture and provides the foundation for our Four Seasons for Good program.
Isadore and his wife Rosalie are active philanthropists, having donated money, time and public support to both local and global causes for decades. At our managed properties and corporate offices, employees have demonstrated the Golden Rule through years of philanthropic and environmental partnerships benefitting their local communities.
As we advance Four Seasons for Good, we collaborate with many organizations, aiming to share best practices and drive positive change in areas like waste reduction and human rights. We aim to work with partners across our supply chain who share our priorities; we contribute to industry groups pursuing positive impact; and we support charities and non-profits making a positive impact for communities and ecosystems. We also recognize and respect the circumstances facing individual properties and remain focused on providing unparalleled service experiences.
We are an active member of AHLA’s Sustainability Committee and its Safety and Security Committee. Through this work, we support the Association’s Responsible Stay initiative, which focuses on energy and water conservation as well as waste reduction and responsible sourcing. We have also joined AHLA’s 5-Star Promise, a voluntary commitment to enhance policies, trainings and resources to combat human trafficking.
As a member of this charitable organization since 2012, our company has supported the development of industry guidelines and resources aimed at supporting action on key issues, including:
- The Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality 2.0
- The Hotel Waste Measurement Methodology
- The Hotel Net Zero Methodology
We have also incorporated the Alliance’s Principles on Forced Labour into our Human Rights Policy.
Since 2021, we have been part of this invitation-only membership group for Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies that demonstrate a serious commitment to sustainability as a foundation of business strategy and a driver of innovation.
Four Seasons is proud to join other leading global businesses in contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs align with our interpretation of the meaning of “sustainable,” which is an approach to planning and development that attempts to balance environmental, social and economic needs and impacts of our society and Four Seasons. Our initial focus for our properties and operations is on six goals and 10 targets.
This is supported through a variety of initiatives, some of which are set out below:
SDG target 3.4 – By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
How we contribute:
Fighting cancer – by supporting cancer research and contributing to patient care and support services - is a long-standing Four Seasons philanthropic focus, rooted in the commitment of Four Seasons Founder and Chairman Isadore Sharp and his wife Rosalie, who lost their son Christopher to cancer in 1978.
Learn more about how Four Seasons supports the fight against cancer here.
SDG target 5.1 – End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere.
SDG target 5.2 – Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
SDG target 5.5 – Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.How we contribute:
Our culture and human rights efforts connect strongly to this SDG. We are committed to advancing belonging worldwide and to responsible workplace practices at every hotel, resort, residence and office we operate and across our supply chain. Learn more here.
SDG target 8.7 – Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.
SDG target 8.8 – Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
SDG target 8.9 – By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
How we contribute:
The opportunities for economic development and growth our properties provide, our approach to sourcing and procurement, and our work on human rights connect strongly to SDG 8.
SDG target 12.3 – By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses.
SDG target 12.5 – By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
How we contribute:
Our efforts to reduce waste in our operations and supply chain address this SDG. Learn more here.
SDG target 14.1 – By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
How we contribute:
We address this SDG through the growing adoption of sustainable design and construction practices, single-use plastics elimination efforts and waste management strategies, and low-impact landscaping approaches.
How we contribute:
Our efforts around biodiversity preservation and responsible sourcing connect strongly to SDG 15.
Learn MorePLANET
As stewards of the ecosystems in which we operate, Four Seasons recognizes our critical role in preserving the environment for future generations.
Learn MorePEOPLE
We strive to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone we connect with: our guests and residents, our team members and communities, and partners across our value chain.
Learn MoreGOVERNANCE
Our Four Seasons for Good program is underpinned by a robust governance structure designed to ensure our program’s integration and alignment with overall corporate strategy and operational needs.
Learn MoreReports and downloads
We aim to provide transparent and credible communications of our Four Seasons for Good efforts, and our annual reporting suite outlines our ambitions and progress.