The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa Achieves International Eco-Certification 'Green Key'

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa (located at 1343-1 Kise, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture; General Manager: Sam Chea) has achieved certification under the international eco-certification program 'Green Key.'

Green Key is a globally recognized eco-certification system operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). It is awarded exclusively to accommodation facilities that meet rigorous standards in sustainable operations, including environmental management, energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and community contribution.

This certification marks the first Green Key recognition for any Marriott Group hotel within Okinawa Prefecture, as well as the first for any hotel in northern Okinawa. It signifies that The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa’s initiatives to reduce environmental impact, operate responsibly, and collaborate with the local community have been evaluated and recognized according to international standards.

Sustainability Initiatives

At The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, we value harmony with nature and coexistence with the local community, actively promoting environmental load reduction and sustainable hotel operations. With the achievement of Green Key certification, we will further fulfill our responsibilities to the environment, society, and the regional economy, striving to realize a sustainable future together with our guests, employees, and the local community.

Core Principles

We have established a Sustainability Committee composed of departmental representatives across the hotel to promote environmental management. Through continuous improvement initiatives incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) perspectives, we are committed to strengthening sustainable hotel operations.

Key Initiatives

- Utilizing MESH (Marriott Environmental Sustainability Hub), the global environmental management platform adopted by the Marriott Group, to measure, analyze, and manage CO₂ emissions (carbon footprint) associated with hotel operations

- Visualizing environmental impacts such as energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation, while setting data-driven reduction targets and advancing continuous improvement activities

- Introducing energy-efficient equipment and water-saving showerheads

- Reducing plastic products, disposable tableware, and cutlery

- Implementing the AI-powered food waste measurement system 'Smart Trash' to visualize and reduce food waste, while enhancing operational efficiency

- Establishing environmental goals, monitoring progress, and conducting continuous improvement activities centered on the Sustainability Committee

- Sharing updates and achievements of sustainability activities through regular all-staff meetings to enhance understanding and participation across the entire team

- Conducting regular sustainability training for all employees, utilizing experiential programs such as SDGs card games to raise environmental awareness and encourage behavioral change

Community-Linked Initiatives for a Sustainable Future

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa prioritizes coexistence with the local community and natural environment. We actively promote various community collaboration initiatives in partnership with local producers and communities to preserve Okinawa’s nature, culture, and human resources for future generations.

'Coral Seedling Cultivation' Experience Program for Coral Reef Conservation

In partnership with a marine specialist guide group based in Onna Village, Okinawa—a village committed to the 'Coral Village Declaration: The World’s Most Coral- and People-Friendly Village' and a leader in coral reef conservation—we offer guests the opportunity to participate in coral reef preservation through a 'Coral Seedling Cultivation' activity. By continuing this activity, we aim to enhance understanding and awareness of coral reef conservation and contribute to preserving Okinawa’s rich marine ecosystem.

Volunteer Activities Connecting Communities and Nature for the Future

We conducted volunteer activities at farms to support the recovery of Higashi Village in Okinawa, which suffered damage from record-breaking heavy rains, and participated in beach cleanups in collaboration with Chura-mura, a non-profit organization dedicated to sea turtle observation and protection.

Advancing Circular Conservation through Marine Debris Upcycling and Supporting Sea Turtle Protection

In collaboration with the sea turtle conservation group Chura-mura, we created Christmas ornaments using sustainable materials regenerated from marine debris collected during beach cleanups. The finished ornaments were unveiled at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony and put on sale, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the organization to support sea turtle conservation. Through marine debris upcycling and support for environmental conservation, we are working with the local community to realize a sustainable circular society.

Community Contribution Activities Supporting the Healthy Growth and Smiles of Future Generations

We continue to support the healthy development of children—the future of our society—by hosting Christmas lunches for children from child welfare facilities, providing hotel-prepared meals to children’s cafeterias, and making donation grants.

● About Green Key

Operated by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Green Key is a globally recognized eco-certification that facilities voluntarily apply for and obtain through third-party assessment. With over 9,000 certified hotels and other facilities across more than 90 countries (as of June 2026), Green Key sets an outstanding benchmark in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations within the tourism and hospitality industry. The certification process evaluates a facility’s environmental management, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainable practices.

Green Key Official Website: https://www.greenkey.global/

Japan Association for Recreation and Tourism Activities (JARTA): https://jarta.org/greenkey/

● About The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa

Perched on a hilltop surrounded by the lush greenery of northern Okinawa’s Yanbaru region, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is a 'luxury golf & spa resort' removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Inspired by the red-tiled roofs and white walls of Shuri Castle, as well as sacred sites of flowing water revered since ancient times, the property exudes tranquility and serenity. From guest rooms, which completed renovation at the end of 2024, guests can enjoy views of the emerald East China Sea and the 'Kanehide Kise Country Club' golf course. In a space that embodies Okinawa’s rich 'nature,' the spirit of 'Gusuku'—a place rooted in Ryukyu culture that warmly welcomes visitors—and 'Keion,' the Ryukyuan hospitality tradition of honoring and respecting guests, we offer refined personal service. In 2026, the resort earned the international eco-certification 'Green Key' and was selected in the 'BEST BEACH, ISLAND + UPCOUNTRY HOTELS' category at the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026.

※ The full renovation of all restaurants, conducted to provide a more comfortable environment and exceptional experiences, has been completed. The restaurants reopened at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 17, 2026, with renewed appeal.