From emissions-free vehicles to sustainable travel, we highlight our favourite eco-friendly efforts from luxury brands to commemorate Earth Day 2024
The ‘s-word’ should become ingrained into our existence by now. That word, of course, is sustainability. In recent years, we’ve seen more and more luxury brands adopting eco-friendly practices, proving that there is a way we can indulge in the finer things while still caring for our planet. As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, we’ve curated a list of notable sustainable efforts from the world of luxury.
Chopard’s Lucent Steel
Chopard first introduced its Lucent Steel—a pioneering material made from 70 per cent recycled steel—with the launch of its iconic Alpine Eagle in 2019. In 2023, the maison doubled down on its commitment to craft all their steel watches from the material, with the aim of achieving it for 90 per cent of its production by 2025.
Samsonite’s first-ever eco-friendly retail store
Opened in March this year, Samsonite’s Suntec City store features a host of sustainable fixtures that showcase how retail can still be eco-minded. Featuring Balau wood sculptures (each piece of wood used had spent at least 30 years in shipyards at Tuas before being recrafted) and an external facade made from recycled aluminium, the store represents Samsonite’s ambition to lead the sustainability charge in the lifestyle bag and travel luggage industry.
Icon, the world’s first emissions-free yacht
Birthed by Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, and German tech start-up, Tyde, this all-electric 13.5m yacht promises a 100 per cent sustainable cruising experience. The battery-powered, emissions-free yacht emits zero noise and pollution—gliding over water silently, even when cruising at speeds of 30 knots (55km/h). The Icon’s unique, almost triangular-shaped design catches the eye, and its fully-windowed 21sqm interior offers a panoramic view as you cruise the open seas.
Residences at Winthrop Center Boston
Designed by Handel Architects, Winthrop Center in Boston is the largest office building to be Passive House certified—adhering to the rigorous standard set for ultra-low energy buildings. The mixed-use tower comprises 75,440sqm Global Class A office space and a luxury residential offering spanning 47,400sqm and 317 residences.
Marrying luxury with environmental stewardship, the property employs advanced insulation methods and triple-pane windows to significantly reduce the need for heating and cooling. Its air systems are engineered to deliver 30-50% more fresh air compared to conventional buildings, with its energy efficiency boosted through the use of state-of-the-art HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems and LED lighting.
Stella McCartney’s sustainable Summer 2024 collection
Since 2001, Stella McCartney’s eponymous label has created eco-friendly collections—pioneering the use of alternative materials in fashion. The brand’s Summer 2024 collection is the most sustainable to date, made almost entirely from eco-friendly fabrics. The new collection, fronted by model and eco-activist Cara Delevingne—aims to blur the lines between genders and generations through an eclectic collection that reimagines some of the brand’s iconic pieces.
Dome at Potato Head Bali
Located in Bali’s Desa Potato Head, Dome is a casual restaurant and natural wine bar that embodies sustainability in its architecture and menu. Built as a tribute to Buckminster Fuller, who advocated for sustainable living structures, the restaurant serves dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients and organic natural wines. If you’re looking for a dining venue that reflects a blend of modern design and eco-conscious dining the next time you’re in Bali, this might just satiate that appetite.
GHA Discovery Green Collection
From now till 30 April, GHA discovery will make a donation to sustainable causes for every stay booked at a hotel from their Green collection. From reducing environmental impact to protecting cultural heritage, these causes promise to benefit local communities near the hotels. According to the hospitality brand, every property in the collection has achieved at least one globally-recognised sustainable certification.
Porsche Taycan 2024
Porsche continues to champion sustainability in the automobile industry with an update to their Taycan series, equipping the all-electric vehicles with better range and performance than their predecessors. Offering a cutting-edge, emission-free driving experience, the 2024 Taycan models boast a new active chassis that almost fully absorbs bumps to ensure a smooth ride even when performing dynamic braking. The new models’ advanced powertrain, larger batteries, and revamped thermal system all help to make the new models more energy efficient, affording you more time on the road before the next charge.
Breitling partners with Climate Impulse
Breitling, known for its aviation watches, has partnered with Climate Impulse, the latest endeavour of Swiss explorer and long-time Breitling ambassador Bertrand Piccard. The collaboration marks the watch brand’s continued support for the climate advocate as he embarks on the Climate Impulse project—the first nonstop around-the-world, zero-emission flight, estimated to last nine days.
Farmhouse Resort & Spa
Just a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Phnom Penh, the award-winning Farmhouse Resort & Spa has a no-plastic policy—banning single-use plastics across all areas, including guest rooms and dining spaces. The resort also implements a comprehensive recycling and waste management system to minimise its environmental footprint while fostering a culture of sustainability among staff and guests.
