Eaton Workshop stands out as a mission-driven space that goes beyond traditional hospitality offerings by creating a platform where individuals can not only work and stay, but also actively participate in initiatives that drive positive change towards the commitment of sustainability and social responsibility.
Eaton prioritises people and community engagement through various initiatives. Other than serving meals to those in need in the community in which they operate, Eaton HK also partners with the Justice Centre to provide employment opportunities for eligible refugees. The team also raises awareness about refugee challenges through diverse training sessions, film screenings, and employee features. At Eaton D.C., monthly film and media workshops are hosted, fostering collaboration among artists and cultural programmers. In 2024, Eaton D.C. celebrated Juneteenth with “Black People’s Awards: A Game Show Evening,” partnering with D.C. filmmaker and theatre artist Britt Sankofa. This interactive event honoured black cultural icons and entertained participants while promoting dialogue about black history and culture.
To promote diversity, Eaton HK has hosted the annual month-long Pride Programme celebrating LGBTQ+ culture since 2018. Eaton HK has also implemented the unique EDIT (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Thriving) curriculum, providing team members with training to foster an inclusive work environment. In addition, sign language and wheelchair accessibility training were recently introduced to enhance guest services. In 2024, Eaton HK collaborated with Next Chapter LGBT to host Hong Kong’s first collective LGBTQ+ wedding ceremony, supporting 10 couples in officially registering their marriages.
Meanwhile, Eaton D.C. demonstrates its contribution to LGBTQ+ visibility through the media. During Gay Pride 2024, Eaton D.C.’s radio station hosted renowned drag queen Cake Pop! for an interview. The candid conversation covered Pride, personal experiences, and the importance of kindness. This provided a platform to celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity and share personal stories while highlighting inclusivity and acceptance through meaningful discussion.
In terms of environmental sustainability, Eaton HK’s Pillars team curates an annual Earth Month programme highlighting local and regional sustainability initiatives. Other past events include a pandemic-era meditation and forest bathing session, the installation of a sprawling billboard shot by acclaimed photographer Pablo Albarenga (in partnership with National Geographic), and various workshops celebrating urban farming practices. These programmes have established Eaton HK as a leader in integrating environmental awareness into cultural programming.
In response to the alarming decline of global biodiversity and growing concerns about pollinator health and food security, our hotels took decisive action by establishing and supporting beehives on their premises. These initiatives not only contribute to the well-being of pollinators but also serve as a testament to our ethical values, resonating with both guests and colleagues.
The Langham, Boston partnered with Best Bees to ensure the thriving conditions of two hives. Regular inspections and DNA sampling supported future environmental reports. The harvested honey will be featured prominently in special menu items, enticing guests to savour its exquisite flavours and raise awareness about the importance of pollinators.
Cordis, Auckland collaborated with a local bee rescue organization, actively supporting bee conservation. Regular hive inspections ensured bee well-being, leading to the remarkable achievement of harvesting 45 kilograms of honey, celebrated throughout the hotel as a testament to the collective efforts.
At the Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, we continued our fruitful collaboration with Toronto Bee Rescue, diligently maintaining four on-site beehives. The harvested honey was used in culinary creations, giveaways, and sold at the Market Garden restaurant, delighting guests with its local flavours.
In an endeavour to transform waste into valuable resources and promote sustainability, three hotels under the Langham Hospitality Group have embarked on innovative initiatives centred around repurposing oyster shells. These groundbreaking programmes, implemented at The Langham, Hong Kong, Eaton HK, and Cordis, Hong Kong, aim to not only minimise waste but also create significant value from discarded oyster shells.
At The Langham, Hong Kong and Eaton HK hotels, a pioneering pilot programme in collaboration with a local cement manufacturer explores the use of waste oyster shells as a sustainable alternative to limestone in the cement manufacturing process. By collecting oyster shells from hotel restaurants and implementing efficient cleaning, storage, and logistics methods, these initiatives contribute to reducing waste while simultaneously providing a sustainable solution for the construction industry.
Meanwhile, Cordis, Hong Kong was the first hotel to join forces with The Nature Conservancy’s Oyster Reef Restoration Program. This ongoing partnership, established in November 2020, focuses on upcycling oyster shells from the hotel’s restaurants into substrate for new living reefs. These reefs serve as vital habitats for juvenile fish and other marine life, playing a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and restoring fragile ecosystems.
