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 collaborations benefitting their local communities.
As we advance Four Seasons for Good, we collaborate with leaders within and outside of our industry, aiming to share progressive practices and drive positive change in a range of areas – from waste reduction to human rights protection.
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 that meet CEF’s criteria, including demonstrated engagement with sustainability-related business strategy and initiatives.
Four Seasons is proud to join other leading global businesses in striving to positively contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs align with our interpretation of “sustainable,” which is an approach to planning and development that attempts to balance environmental, social and economic needs.
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.