Sustainability at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes has earned a Four Green Key designation through the Eco-Rating Program, recognizing its leadership in environmental sustainability. The resort demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting the environment through comprehensive policies, responsible operational practices, and initiatives that support long-term resource conservation and stewardship.

To further our sustainability goals, we partner with KOPU Water, which prioritizes environmentally responsible packaging. Bottled in 100% recyclable aluminum and collected monthly through our waste partners, this program reduces the number of disposable plastic bottles. Aluminum's infinite recyclability helps conserve resources and minimize landfill impact.

Grande Lakes generates an average of 320 tons of waste monthly. Through comprehensive programs, we divert approximantely 25% from landfills and are committed to increasing this each year. In partnership with Waste Management, we operate a single-stream recycling system for glass, cardboard, aluminum, paper, batteries, light bulbs, and electronics.

Guestrooms are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring reusable bath amenity bottles to reduce landfill waste, recycling of personal care products, and separate trash and recycling bins. Energy-saving upgrades include networked thermostats with occupancy sensors, automatic AC shutoff when doors are open, LED lighting, and motion-activated switches.

We partner with local farms and artisans to source fresh, responsibly produced ingredients while supporting our community. We've eliminated single-use plastic cutlery, introduced a wine cork recycling program, and removed plastic soda and juice bottles. Our on-site farm also supplies herbs, vegetables, and fruit to resort restaurants, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable food system.

For meetings, we support sustainability through recycling cardboard, paper, fluorescent light bulbs, and scrap metal. Notepads and pens are 100% reclyced materials, and we offer online event menus and paperless billing. Purified water stations replace single-use bottles, and electric vehicles are used for ground transportation to further reduce environmental impact.

With six certified Master Naturalists on site, we actively steward 33 acres of protected habitat that support more than 100 bird species. In addition, we maintain over 100 acres of lakes, creating a thriving environment. Carefully managed sanctuary where fish and wildlife can flourish undisturbed.

Our golf course is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, featuring heat-and drought-tolerant turf to conserve water. With regular water testing, a 90% reduction in chemical use, and improved irrigation practices, we've reduced annual water consumption by over 12 million gallons while protecting the surrounding ecosystem.

Our team actively engages in community sustainability initiatives, including regular cleanups of Shingle Creek and surrounding neighborhoods to remove litter and protect wildlife. We also volunteer in projects that help build energy-efficient homes, supporting long-term affordability and environmental responsibility.

We donate safe, unused buffet food to Good Samaritan Outreach, reducing waste and supporting food-insecure families. Through a partnership with a local organics recycler, resort food waste is composted - diverting 290 tons from landfills, supporting local agriculture, and reducing methane-producing landfill waste.