Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, has been honored with the International Sustainability Awards in recognition of its EcoRia initiative, a unified and holistic sustainability platform that exemplifies excellence in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and responsible tourism. With EcoRia, the resort has elevated its long-standing environmental and cultural projects into a cohesive, forward-thinking strategy that sets a new benchmark for sustainable luxury in Southeast Asia.

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, is more than a resort; it is a hub for innovation in sustainable hospitality. Through measurable actions across energy, water, waste, food, and culture, the property demonstrates how a resort can deliver unforgettable guest experiences while safeguarding the environment and uplifting local communities.

Energy Efficiency and Climate Action

Sustainability begins with reducing the resort’s environmental footprint. Shangri-La Rasa Ria has achieved a 6% reduction in energy consumption since 2019 through the installation of solar panels, facility upgrades, and adherence to green building standards. Its transition to lithium-powered buggies and the addition of EV charging stations further advance climate-conscious mobility within the resort.

By embedding energy-saving systems across operations, the property not only lowers emissions but also models how large-scale hospitality businesses can evolve toward a carbon-neutral future.

Water Conservation at Scale

In water stewardship, the resort’s progress is particularly noteworthy. By integrating smart meters, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and efficient landscaping practices, it reduced water consumption by 26% in 2023 compared to its 2019 baseline.

Looking forward, the innovative K-Smart Water Treatment Research project promises to take conservation even further, combining international expertise with local application. For a destination where biodiversity thrives between rainforest and coastline, water sustainability is more than a metric; it is a lifeline.

Waste Reduction and Plastic-Free Progress

Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing challenges worldwide, and Shangri-La Rasa Ria has responded decisively. Since 2019, single-use straws, stirrers, and takeaway containers have been eliminated. The resort now uses in-room filtered water taps, large-format bathroom amenities, and alternative packaging to reduce plastic dependency.

At the same time, comprehensive waste management systems ensure materials are reused or recycled. In 2024 alone, the resort diverted over 63% of waste from landfills, recycled more than 5,000 kilograms of glass, and converted 52,819 kilograms of wet food waste into animal feed. These results highlight EcoRia’s innovative integration of circular economy practices into daily operations.

Rooted in Nature: Sustainable Dining

The culinary philosophy at Shangri-La Rasa Ria is defined by its Rooted in Nature initiative. Partnering with local farmers, fishermen, and artisanal producers, the resort sources fresh, organic ingredients that support local livelihoods and reduce supply chain emissions.

On-site hydroponic gardens, bee farms, and partnerships with communities such as Dumowongi and Champ Quality ensure menus are both sustainable and deeply connected to Sabah’s agricultural heritage. Beyond sourcing, the resort also pilots technologies to track and reduce food waste, ensuring that dining experiences remain environmentally conscious from farm to table.

Culture, Community, and Empowerment

EcoRia extends beyond environmental action to embrace social sustainability. The resort collaborates with indigenous artisans to design the Sarimpak Robe, woven from authentic Bajau Samah fabric, celebrating cultural heritage while generating employment opportunities for women.

In another initiative, festive decorations created with Upcycled Shack are fashioned from repurposed corn husks and natural dyes, supporting local artisan communities and reducing waste. Even guest souvenirs, such as the Ecofelt Growbag, are eco-conscious purchases that channel funds into local social projects.

These collaborations empower communities while enriching guest experiences with authentic connections to Sabah’s heritage.

Guest Engagement and Education

Sustainability at Shangri-La Rasa Ria is not hidden behind the scenes; it is actively shared with guests. Programmes such as the Junior Naturalist, Stingless Bee Tour, and Glowing Mushroom Hike invite visitors to explore biodiversity first-hand while contributing to conservation. More than 1,900 guests joined these activities in the first quarter of 2025 alone, demonstrating a growing appetite for meaningful travel experiences.

These educational elements make sustainability participatory, ensuring that every guest can contribute to a positive legacy during their stay.

A Future Built on Responsibility

EcoRia is not static; it is a dynamic platform with ambitious goals. Future plans include expanding pangolin protection and mushroom reforestation projects, attaining EarthCheck Gold, and progressing toward carbon neutrality by 2030. Through partnerships with universities, NGOs, and community organisations, the resort is evolving into a regional leader in sustainable hospitality.

Experience sustainability in action, visit https://www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort/.