Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has earned the International Sustainability Awards for its leadership in environmental sustainability, reducing single-use plastics through in-room water filtration, and advancing initiatives that blend environmental and social impact. Launching programs that benefit the environment and surrounding communities, the hotel exemplifies what forward-thinking hospitality can achieve. Located within one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport proves that convenience and environmental responsibility can — and should — go hand in hand.

Innovating Plastic Reduction in a High-Volume Setting

With a constant flow of guests typical of an airport hotel, reducing plastic waste is no small task. But Crowne Plaza Changi Airport has tackled this head-on with an impactful innovation: replacing single-use plastic water bottles in guestrooms with in-room filtered water systems. This eco-friendly solution is projected to eliminate over 524,576 plastic bottles annually.

The hotel has extended this effort to its meeting facilities, replacing plastic bottles with refillable glass ones. Bulk-size bathroom amenities, biodegradable straws, and plastic-free dining experiences reinforce this strategy across the property. These practical, guest-focused solutions show that sustainable choices can be both functional and rewarding without compromising comfort.

Smart Architecture Meets Environmental Efficiency

Sustainability is deeply integrated into the hotel’s physical environment. Its façade, designed to mimic orchid petals, features three-dimensional lace screens that provide natural shading and reduce solar heat gain. This design not only contributes to the building’s unique identity but also minimizes energy use by lowering reliance on air conditioning.

Natural light floods guest rooms and common areas through floor-to-ceiling windows and open-air corridors. The result: reduced dependency on artificial lighting and mechanical cooling. Additional energy-saving features include water-efficient aerators in guestroom washbasins and advanced cooling towers. These thoughtful design elements helped the hotel earn IHG’s highest Green Engage Level 4 certification, reflecting a commitment far beyond aesthetics.

Rethinking the Modern Meeting

Corporate events are evolving, and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is keeping pace with its “Meeting for Good” campaign. Focused on hosting more sustainable business events, the program offers eco-conscious alternatives such as digital agendas, reusable serviceware, and plastic-free water service. Food waste reduction strategies and sustainable event collateral are also part of the package.

Set in nature-inspired venues including a rainforest-themed ballroom and function rooms with natural light, these meetings marry responsible practices with modern professionalism. For planners seeking to make greener choices, this initiative offers a refreshing alternative without sacrificing style or function.

Turning Excess into Impact

One of the hotel’s most meaningful initiatives in 2025 is its partnership with local charity – Food From The Heart through its “Bread Run” program. Surplus bread and pastries from the hotel are donated and distributed to support those in need. In doing so, it reduces food waste while providing nourishment to underserved communities — an example of how sustainability and compassion can operate in tandem.

The hotel is also an early adopter of the ZWaste food digester, which converts food waste into greywater. These measures underscore the hotel’s shift toward circular thinking, where waste becomes opportunity rather than a landfill.

A Culture Rooted in Sustainability

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport’s Environmental Management Committee ensures that sustainability is not just a top-down policy but a property-wide culture. From tracking energy and water use to benchmarking environmental performance, the hotel adopts a data-driven approach to managing its footprint.

Staff members are trained in sustainable operations, and procurement is aligned with eco-conscious standards. Sustainability education also reaches guests through in-room signage, recycling bins, and digital materials that inform and encourage more environmentally conscious choices during each stay.

Beyond the Hotel Walls

Environmental stewardship goes beyond the property’s borders. In 2024, hotel staff participated in a coastal clean-up at Pasir Ris Park, in partnership with IHG and the Ocean Purpose Project. In just over an hour, our team, together with colleagues from other IHG hotels, helped remove more than 15 kilograms of marine waste, reinforcing the importance of collective action in preserving natural spaces.

Looking Forward

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport’s sustainability journey is ongoing. The hotel plans to expand its green initiatives, including further reduction of single-use plastics and increased community engagement. With efforts like “Meeting for Good” and its partnership with “Food From The Heart” gaining momentum, the hotel is poised to lead sustainable hospitality in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Through its continued sustainability efforts, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport demonstrates that long-term responsibility is not only possible—it’s essential.

To learn more, visit https://changiairport.crowneplaza.com/.