MUMBAI: Kia India, a leading mass premium carmaker, has strengthened its sustainability vision with the launch of ‘Kia Drive Green’ – a sustainability-focused engagement platform on the Kia Connect app. This initiative affirms the brand’s commitment to creating deeper user connections with EV owners while promoting environmental awareness.

The Drive Green feature, currently available with the Kia Carens Clavis EV and accessible through Kia Connect under the ‘New Services’ tab, will be progressively rolled out to all upcoming Kia EVs. With Drive Green in the Kia Connect App, a virtual tree will be planted each month, which grows through five stages based on kilometers driven. The app rewards users with five eco-badges — Green Explorer (2,500 km), Eco Champion (15,000 km), Carbon Crusher (25,000 km), Forest Guardian (50,000 km), and Planet Protector (100,000 km) — while also displaying the CO₂ savings achieved. For instance, driving 100 km saves about 13.2 kg of CO₂*, and 1,500 km saves nearly 197.6 kg of CO₂*.

Atul Sood, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, commented, “At Kia, our vision for mobility goes hand in hand with our responsibility to the environment. With the Kia Drive Green initiative, we are taking a decisive step toward embedding sustainability across every touchpoint—from product innovation and cleaner technologies to our operations and customer engagement. This initiative reflects our long-term commitment to making clean mobility part of everyday life.”

The Drive Green initiative exemplifies Kia India’s broader green mobility vision, setting a direction for how value beyond vehicles can be delivered, thereby building both loyalty and environmental awareness through digital experiences.

*Editor’s note: The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) savings and images displayed here are for representational purposes only. Actual CO2 savings may vary depending upon various factors such as driving behavior, terrain, weather conditions, and vehicle load. This information is intended to provide an estimated comparison and should not be considered as an exact measurement of a real-world comparison.

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The festival at the National Museums of Kenya addresses the growing plastic pollution crisis by demonstrating practical, culturally rooted solutions that create jobs, reduce environmental harm, and cut the billions governments spend on clean up, incineration, and health costs associated with throwaway plastic culture.

KEY EVENTS:

1. MEDIA BRIEFING

Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Venue: National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi

2. REFILL AND REUSE FESTIVAL DETAILS

Day 1 – Policy Dialogues
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Program Highlights:

• Media Briefing
• Panel Discussions
• Refill and Reuse Exhibition

Day 2 – Public Festival: “Experience, Refill, Reuse: A Sustainable Lifestyle for All”
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Target Audience: General public, families, schools, artists, innovators

Program Highlights:

• Hands-on refill stations and zero-waste exhibitions
• Children’s upcycling art competitions
• Live music performances and poetry sessions
• Storytelling circles and interactive refill challenges with prizes
• Demonstrations of traditional African reuse practices

Admission: Free and open to the public

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PUNE: TVS Motor Company (TVSM), a global leader in the two and three-wheeler segments, announced the launch of its new electric offering, TVS Orbiter, in Maharashtra. Designed to redefine the everyday commute, the TVS Orbiter combines several segment-first features such as a 158 km IDC range, cruise control, 34-litre boot space, hill hold assist, and advanced connected features. With an industry-first 14” front wheel, the scooter delivers unmatched comfort, convenience, and performance, at an attractive price of ₹94,900 (ex-showroom Mumbai, inclusive of PM e-Drive scheme).

The TVS Orbiter is packed with advanced features like the connected mobile app, front LED headlamp with visor, and a coloured LCD cluster with incoming call display, elevating customer delight and convenience. Its 3.1 kWh battery and enhanced aerodynamic efficiency deliver extended range with stable, efficient performance.

Commenting on the launch, Aniruddha Haldar, Senior Vice President — Head Commuter & EV Business and Head Corporate Brand & Media, TVS Motor Company, said,

“We are committed to consolidating our leadership in the EV space, driving India’s electric mobility journey with a strong foundation of trust and innovation. Guided by the evolving needs of our customers, the TVS Orbiter represents our next step in redefining urban commuting in Maharashtra. It combines everyday practicality with advanced technology, enhanced aerodynamic efficiency, spacious comfort, and segment-first features. We are confident that TVS Orbiter will set new benchmarks in this segment, making sustainable mobility both accessible and aspirational.”

ENGINEERED FOR EFFICIENCY AND CONTROL

Equipped with a 3.1 kWh battery, the TVS Orbiter delivers an impressive IDC range of 158 km. Its enhanced aerodynamic efficiency improves both stability and energy performance, while the 14” front wheel paired with a dynamic rear configuration ensures exceptional grip, precise handling, and confident manoeuvrability in urban environments. The upright ergonomic handlebar further enhances ride dynamics, offering superior comfort and effortless control.

DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

At its core, the TVS Orbiter follows a modern, endearing and purposeful design philosophy that strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and function. The 845 mm long flatform seat ensures comfort for both rider and pillion, while the 290 mm straight-line footboard provides ample legroom. The wide and upright handlebar offers an ergonomic posture, making rides effortless. It also includes 34 litres of under-seat storage, large enough to fit two helmets.

TECHNOLOGY & CONNECTIVITY

The TVS Orbiter offers an intelligent connected riding experience, including:

• Proactive safety: Crash, fall, anti-theft, geo-fencing, and time-fencing alerts.
• Always in control: Check battery charge and odometer remotely on the mobile app.
• Smart navigation: Turn-by-turn guidance with customizable settings.
• Stay connected: Calls, SMS, and personalized alerts on the LCD digital cluster.
• Rider confidence: Hill Hold Assist, Cruise Control, and Parking Assist.
• Up-to-date, always: Effortless OTA updates.
• Dual modes: Eco and Power with regenerative braking for range and safety.

SAFETY & ASSURANCE

The TVS Orbiter redefines safety with an advanced suite of connected features, including time fence, live location tracking, navigate-to-vehicle, crash and fall alerts, emergency notifications, geofencing, anti-theft, and towing alerts – ensuring a truly intuitive riding experience. With 169 mm ground clearance, LED headlamp with integrated indicators, edge-to-edge combination lamps, a USB charging port, and robust body balance, the TVS Orbiter inspires unmatched confidence and assurance on every ride.

VIBRANT PALETTE:

TVS Orbiter is curated with a palette of exciting colours – Neon Sunburst, Stratos Blue, Lunar Grey, Stellar Silver, Cosmic Titanium, and Martian Copper.

The post Discover the TVS Orbiter: An Innovative Solution for Sustainable Urban Mobility in Maharashtra appeared first on NRI News.

Initial focus areas include:

• Sustainable and Secure AI Co-Development: The companies will develop sustainable and highly secure private AI solutions for organizations in regulated sectors such as financial services, insurance, defense, and the public sector. The companies will provide end-to-end solutions from infrastructure to business processes powered by AI applications for clients operating on private clouds.

• AI-Driven Innovation for IT Infrastructure & Customer Experience: The companies will pioneer the integration of Mistral AI technologies into NTT DATA’s customer experience platforms, beginning with agentic AI call center solutions in Europe and Asia Pacific. Joint projects could include co-development of LLMs for specific languages, which will further AI innovation tailored to local markets and specialized needs.

• Go-To-Market Expansion: NTT DATA and Mistral AI will jointly develop and execute regional go-to-market strategies tailored to the unique dynamics of countries, including France, Luxembourg, Spain, Singapore, and Australia. End-to-end AI services will range from use-case development and customization to implementation, support, and managed services. Dedicated sales teams will be assigned to address key client needs and priorities.

To drive innovation and implementation excellence, NTT DATA will establish a Mistral AI Center of Excellence staffed with subject matter experts and dedicated resources. In addition, Mistral AI will launch a technical enablement and certification program for NTT DATA personnel.

Abhijit Dubey, CEO and Chief AI Officer*, NTT DATA, Inc.

Arthur Mensch, CEO, Mistral AI.

Brochmann Laurent, Global Chief Digital Officer, Dennemeyer.

In another early effort, NTT DATA Luxembourg and Mistral AI will co-develop a sovereign platform in Luxembourg for clients in the regulated financial services and insurance industries.

Olivier Posty, Head of France and Luxembourg, NTT DATA.

* Additional role effective Sept. 1, 2025

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The event, held at the IUS Campus in Sarajevo from 18-19 June 2025, was supported by platinum sponsor Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and BH Telecom, which sponsored a key panel on artificial intelligence.

The conference was inaugurated by IUS Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Yıldırım, who highlighted its global significance, stating, “This conference represents a pivotal moment for global collaboration, uniting diverse perspectives to advance ethical finance and sustainable development, aligning with IUS’s commitment to fostering innovation and moral responsibility in economic systems.”

Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem, Acting Director General of IsDBI, delivered a keynote address, articulating a bold vision for Islamic finance. He stated: “Islamic finance offers the blueprint for aligning finance with markets, technology with values, and innovation with sustainability. As the world desperately seeks a new paradigm, we must rise to the challenge and contribute to a better future that we all aspire to. The path ahead will not be easy. But the mission is worth the journey.”

Dr. Ahmet Albayrak, Executive Vice President of Kuveyt Türk Katılım Bankası and Patron of the IUS Center for Islamic Finance, Innovation, and Sustainability, emphasized the importance of uniting global thought leaders to strengthen the moral and digital foundations of economic systems.

One of the highlights of the conference was the participation of three distinguished recipients of the Islamic Development Bank Prize in Islamic Economics:

• Dr. Mehmet Asutay, Professor of Middle Eastern and Islamic Political Economy & Finance, Durham University Business School, UK
• Dr. Mohammad Kabir Hassan, Professor of Economics and Finance, University of New Orleans, USA
• Dr. Habib Ahmed, Sharjah Chair in Islamic Law and Finance, Durham University Business School, UK

These luminaries enriched discussions with their expertise, offering profound insights into the intersection of ethics, innovation, and finance.

Over 160 participants from more than 20 countries, including academics, industry leaders, policymakers, and representatives of international organizations, engaged in dynamic sessions exploring topics such as Islamic fintech, sustainable investment, and the moral foundations of economic systems.

Notable sessions included “Reviving the Moral Foundations of Economic Life,” “Islamic FinTech for Inclusive and Ethical Futures,” and “Green Waqf: Islamic Sustainable Solutions to Climate Change.” A special parallel session, led by Dr. Beebee Salma Sairally, Editor of the International Journal of Islamic Finance and Sustainable Development (a jointly produced journal by IsDBI and INCEIF), provided valuable guidance on publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

The conference is expected to pave the way for Bosnia and Herzegovina to become an intellectual hub for the development of Islamic economics and finance in the region and to contribute to the national and regional sustainable development agenda.

The post Islamic Development Bank Institute’s Contributions to Ethical Finance and Sustainable Development appeared first on NRI News.

This year’s World Environment Day theme, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ shaped the direction of the on-ground activities. As part of the week-long celebration, HMSI’s dealerships and service outlets across India actively engaged with customers and local communities. Key activities included the distribution of saplings to all customers visiting at dealership, awareness campaigns on the harmful impact of plastic pollution, and 1,25,000 tree plantation drives across multiple cities and towns. Free Pollution Under Control (PUC) check-up camps were also conducted to promote cleaner and more efficient vehicle usage.

In its 25^th year of operations in India, HMSI has reached a significant production milestone, crossing 70 million units of cumulative production since the start of local manufacturing in 2001. This milestone contributes to Honda’s achievement of cumulative global production of motorcycles, which has reached 500 million units since 1949. As the production scales, HMSI remains aligned with Honda’s global vision of realising zero environmental impact not only with its products, but throughout the entire product lifecycle, including all corporate activities, through its Triple Action to ZERO initiative focusing on carbon neutrality, clean energy, and resource circulation. The company continues to strengthen operational efficiencies while promoting cleaner technologies and manufacturing processes across its facilities. The Environment Week initiative highlights the role of collective participation- from customers and dealers to employees and leadership- in shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

These efforts were designed to create grassroot impact, reinforcing the message that even small, everyday actions can contribute meaningfully to environmental health. The event brought together HMSI associates and local representatives for a tree plantation drive and an employee awareness session which focussed on integrating sustainability into workplace and community practices.

In parallel to these on-ground efforts, HMSI continues to integrate sustainability into its operations. The company’s third factory in Narsapura, Karnataka, currently meets 98% of its energy requirements through renewable sources. Across all manufacturing locations, HMSI is expanding its capability to source over half of its total energy needs from renewable inputs.

To reduce dependency on freshwater sources and promote long-term environmental resilience, HMSI continues its journey toward water conservation by adopting advanced rainwater harvesting techniques at all its factories. The Third factory at Narsapura (Bangalore) meets its maximum water requirements through rainwater alone. All four manufacturing plants operate as Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) facilities.

All HMSI plants have been awarded the prestigious GreenCo World Class rating, achieving Platinum and Platinum plus levels. The company has also received several national accolades, including the National Energy and Water Awards, in recognition of its unwavering commitment to sustainability.

With both on-ground and long-term investments in clean manufacturing, HMSI’s celebration highlights a broader approach to supporting a sustainable future through awareness, action, and innovation.

The post Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s Nationwide Efforts for a Sustainable Future appeared first on NRI News.

Freyr Energy, a leading force in India’s solar industry, is expanding its footprint in Maharashtra, driving the adoption of clean and affordable energy. With over 1,000 successful projects and more than 13 MW of installed solar capacity across the state, the company is playing a pivotal role in Maharashtra’s transition to sustainable power.

A significant portion of this impact stems from the Commercial and Industrial (C&I) sector, where the company has installed over 7 MW of solar capacity. Notable clients include Savera Mouldings Pvt. Ltd. (916 kW), Mazagaon Dock (360 kW), MEDA (615 KW), Bahirat Estate (120 kW), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (177 kW), and RM Chemicals (300 kW). In smaller cities and towns such as Beed, Aurangabad, Satara, and Solapur, Freyr Energy has completed collective installations exceeding 1 MW, showing its reach beyond urban centers. Pune has emerged as a key residential market for the company, with more than 200 rooftop installations and over 1.5 MW of installation capacity.

Maharashtra’s residential rooftop solar segment is witnessing new momentum, driven by a tech-enabled push to make clean energy adoption easier and more accessible for homeowners. At the heart of this shift is a proprietary digital platform that streamlines the entire solar journey—from consultation and system design to financing, installation, and post-installation support. The app-based model offers a one-stop, transparent solution that empowers users to transition to solar with greater confidence and convenience.

To solarize 7,000 homes in the state by December 2025, the company behind the initiative is also removing financial roadblocks through zero-interest loan schemes and an accelerated digital loan evaluation process. This approach significantly lowers upfront costs, encouraging more households to make the switch to solar.

Radhika Choudary, Co-founder and Director, remarked, “The Government of Maharashtra has laid out progressive policies to promote renewable energy, and our efforts align with these goals. More importantly, we’re helping customers get the highest returns for the lowest investment. In many ways, we’re setting new benchmarks—offering exceptional quality at an affordable price.”

The company’s long-term plans include supporting thousands of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in their transition to solar energy by 2030. With rising energy costs straining operational budgets, especially for smaller businesses, solar offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative that supports both financial and environmental goals.

By combining customer-first thinking with digital innovation, the clean-tech player is contributing to India’s solar mission, making clean energy a possibility, an accessible and impactful reality for homes and businesses alike.

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OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa will open the Forum alongside President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and Minister of Finance Mohammed Aljadaan of Saudi Arabia. Senior government officials from across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean, along with heads of multilateral institutions, will join forces to drive solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.  

President Alkhalifa said: “Today’s interconnected crises – from climate change to economic volatility – demand institutions that are agile, responsive, and resolute. The OPEC Fund stands firmly with our partners and with the Global South. Our Development Forum is not just a platform for dialogue – it is a catalyst for collective action and transformative impact. Together, we can transform adversity into opportunity.”

The 2025 Forum will tackle four high-impact themes: financing development, climate resilience, digital inclusion, and sustainable transitions for vulnerable economies. Sessions will focus on generating actionable ideas and partnerships that can accelerate progress toward the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals. A series of cooperation agreements will be signed to further strengthen South-South partnerships.

Confirmed speakers at the OPEC Fund Development Forum include the Vice-President and Minister of Finance of the Republic of Botswana, Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, the Prime Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, Américo d’Oliveira dos Ramos; the Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Jeremiah Manele; the Minister of Finance of Nigeria, Adebayo Olawale Edun; the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Mikayil Jabbarov; the  Minister of Planning and International Cooperation of Guinea, Ismaël Nabé; the Minister of Finance of Nepal, Ghanshyam Upadhyaya; and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning of Rwanda, Yusuf Murangwa.

Institutional leaders participating include the President-elect of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and current President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Sidi Ould Tah; the Executive President of CABEI,  the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, Gisela Sánchez; the Executive President of CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, Sergio Díaz-Granados; the President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Daniel M. Best, and the Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser.  

On June 16, one day prior to the Development Forum, the OPEC Fund will host the annual meeting of the Heads of Institutions of the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), followed by a high-level roundtable on Mauritania with President Ghazouani to mobilize coordinated support for Mauritania’s national development priorities, particularly in energy, food security and infrastructure.

The week’s activities will culminate with the OPEC Fund Ministerial Council and Governing Board meetings on June 18, where new projects supporting sustainable development will be approved.

For the full agenda and speaker list of the OPEC Fund Development Forum 2025, visit: opecfund.org

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AHMEDABAD: Adani Cement and CREDAI (Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India) have entered an exclusive preferred partnership to advance sustainable and high-quality construction in India. The signing took place in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Pramod Sawant, during the CREDAI Governing Council Meeting held in Panjim, attended by industry body office bearers and leading developers from across the country.

This strategic alliance brings together Adani Cement and the country’s apex body of private real estate developers, aiming to benefit both organisations and the broader construction industry. Under this collaboration, Adani Cement will leverage CREDAI’s nationwide network of 13,000+ developers to strengthen its B2B outreach, while CREDAI members benefit from Adani Cement’s industry-leading solutions.

Vinod Bahety, CEO – Cement Business, Adani Group, stated: “Our exclusive partnership with CREDAI is a testament to Adani Cement’s commitment to nation-building through sustainable and innovative construction. By joining hands with CREDAI, we aim to accelerate the adoption of world-class cement products and green concrete solutions in India’s real estate sector. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of building a greener, smarter urban future – one where Adani Cement’s technical expertise and CREDAI’s on-ground experience come together to create stronger, safer, and more sustainable structures. We are excited to work closely with CREDAI members and support them with the best of our materials and R&D capabilities, ultimately delivering superior value to homeowners and contributing to India’s growth story.”

In practice, the industry body members will have the advantage of enhancing their project quality in various parameters, including:

• Availability of Adani Cement’s Innovative Concrete Solutions: Availability of Adani’s diverse Ready-Mix Concrete (RMX) and advanced concrete solutions customised to varied requirements, from standard grades to specialised mixes. Notably, this includes Adani Cement’s green RMX range like ECOMaxX ultra high-performance concrete (UHPC), which offers the industry’s broadest range of green concrete with 30–100% lower embodied carbon content compared to conventional concrete. Self-compacting concrete (SCC), Jetsetcrete – high-strength concrete (HSC), and Coolcrete – thermally controlled concrete (TCC) are also included in the range. Such eco-friendly concrete options allow developers to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of their projects without compromising on strength or performance. Adani RMX will soon announce the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for all their concrete grades via lifecycle assessment (LCA) carried out recently. Support and ease of availability for Adani’s RMX is rapidly growing with its increasing footprint through 101+ plants across the nation.
• Specialist & Premium Cement Products: Benefit from Adani Cement’s wide range of specialist and premium cement brands, such as the flagship Ambuja Plus and ACC Concrete Plus, known for superior strength and durability. These high-performance products will help developers achieve greater structural quality and durability in their projects. It is noteworthy that around 30% of Adani Cement’s total trade sales come from its premium products.
• GRIHA-certified Green Products: Ambuja’s range of innovative and blended cement products, such as Ambuja Cement, Ambuja Plus, Ambuja Compocem, and Ambuja Kawach, and ACC’s Suraksha, Concrete Plus, Gold, F2R, and HPC, are listed in GRIHA’s (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) green product catalogue. GRIHA is a national green rating system developed by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.
• Advanced Additives & R&D Support: A broad array of advanced additives and admixtures developed through Adani Cement’s deep technical R&D capabilities will now be available for all CREDAI members. This includes proprietary innovations such as Alccofine – a micro fine mineral additive that enhances concrete strength and durability, among other cutting-edge products. Backed by Adani Cement’s state-of-the-art cement and concrete research facilities, these additives enable customised high-performance concrete solutions for complex construction challenges.
• Technical Services: Adani Cement’s technical services team – part of its Adani Certified Technology (ACT) initiative – will closely engage with CREDAI developers to provide material consultancy, quality assurance, and on-site support. Knowledge-sharing initiatives, including Concrete Talks on innovative materials and techniques, will help further build the capabilities of CREDAI’s member engineers and construction professionals. By combining Adani Cement’s material expertise with CREDAI’s execution capabilities, the partnership is expected to raise the bar for construction quality, safety, and sustainability in upcoming projects.

This announcement comes at a pivotal time when India’s cement consumption patterns are undergoing a significant shift. Traditionally, individual home builders (IHBs) in the retail segment constituted the largest share of cement usage, accounting for roughly 60% of demand. However, rapid urbanisation and infrastructural growth have fuelled a surge in B2B demand – large real estate developments and public infrastructure projects are now driving cement consumption at an unprecedented pace. Government-led construction of highways, metro systems, and smart cities, alongside private sector high-rise developments, is contributing to the ‘non-trade’ segment’s momentum, gradually balancing the once IHB-dominated market.

In particular, the rise of high-rise and skyscraper construction is reshaping urban skylines and construction requirements. With India’s urban population projected to exceed 600 million by 2030, vertical development through tall buildings is becoming essential to meet the demand for urban space. These projects require specialised cement formulations and technical know-how to ensure safety and longevity at greater heights. Adani Cement’s deep knowledge and technical expertise in high-strength concrete and new-age building materials positions it as an ideal partner to support such ambitious vertical developments. From supplying concrete optimised for pumping to great heights, to advising on mix designs for faster setting and higher load-bearing capacity, Adani Cement’s experience will help CREDAI developers confidently undertake taller and more complex projects.

CREDAI’s leadership echoed similar optimism, noting that the partnership will empower its member developers with assured supply and advanced know-how from one of India’s top cement producers. With Adani Cement now contributing nearly 30% of the cement used in India’s housing and infrastructure projects, the tie-up ensures that CREDAI builders can directly tap into this robust supply chain and expertise. Both Adani Cement and the industry body expressed confidence that this synergy will propel quality standards, encourage sustainable practices, and expedite project completion times across the real estate industry.

The post Adani Cement and CREDAI: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for Urban Construction appeared first on NRI News.

PARIS: Ahead of World Ocean Day (8 June), Novotel proudly marks the first anniversary of its transformative three-year partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), reaffirming its commitment to protecting the wellbeing and longevity of the ocean with the launch of two new food policies: Novotel’s Sustainable Seafood Principles in partnership with WWF France and the launch of a pioneering global Plant-Forward food ambition across 600 hotels.

“At Novotel, we are taking decisive action to protect our oceans, and the partnership with WWF is a driving force of this commitment,” said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “Through their guidance and expertise, we can drive change at scale across our 600 hotels and more widely across the industry and communities we reach. At Novotel, we’re committed to making it easier to make choices that have a positive impact on the longevity of the planet, on marine life, and future generations. From responsible sourcing to a Plant-Forward approach, our ocean impact strategy is designed to drive real change. Together, we can lead the way toward a healthier, more sustainable future – one positive choice at a time.”

DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER, MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD

The new Sustainable Seafood Principles were created in partnership with WWF and led by the fisheries experts at WWF France. The new guidelines, launched globally across Novotel’s 600 hotels, include banning 350 species of endangered seafood, promoting responsible fishing by 2027, serving only MSC-certified wild-caught species or responsibly sourced local fish, and using ASC- or organic-certified farmed seafood for salmon and shrimp, fostering supplier collaboration where needed. WWF France has created Sustainable Seafood Training, a comprehensive global training programme for Novotel chefs, food and procurement teams, and is working alongside Novotel and Accor to improve traceability.

Furthermore, Novotel has pioneered a Plant-Forward1 ambition, targeting all its 600 hotels to have a minimum of 25% plant-based menus by 2026. Today 39% of hotels dedicate at least 25% of their menus to plant-forward options. Novotel is committed to offering market leading, tasty, sustainable, and Plant-Forward philosophy at scale, guided by a leading culinary institute.

EDUCATION & AWARENESS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Novotel welcomes more than two million family stays a year, and this summer, families at Novotel will experience two new edutainment games designed by WWF France and Novotel to inspire and empower children to be ambassadors for the ocean. “Guardians of the Mediterranean” is an interactive card and digital game inspired by the WWF Blue Panda boat, created to educate families about ocean conservation in a fun, engaging way. “Sea Turtle” is a lively digital quiz that helps children learn about the threats faced during turtle migration, including ghost gear, plastic, and pollution. 

“Inspiring and educating the next generation is key to protecting our ocean,” added Jean-Yves. “By engaging young minds through play, we plant the seeds of awareness, empathy, and action for a healthier, more sustainable marine future. As a leading family-friendly hotel brand, Novotel is perfectly placed to champion this vital mission.”

A YEAR OF PROGRESS: STRENGTHENING NOVOTEL’S COMMITMENT TO THE OCEANS

Since its launch in June 2024, Novotel has made significant strides to deliver upon its ocean preservation and sustainable impact plan:

1/ REDUCE IMPACT

Novotel’s commitment to reducing its impact aligns with Accor’s industry-leading mission towards positive hospitality, including:

• Phasing out single-use plastics across Novotel hotel operations
• Installing large-format and refillable dispensers in hotels
• Minimizing food waste through innovative solutions and guest engagement 
• Launched microplastic filter pilots in two Novotel hotels in France to reduce the impact of hotel laundry

2/ DELICIOUS, HEALTHIER & MORE SUSTAINABLE FOOD CHOICES

In addition to the new Plant-Forward ambition and Sustainable Seafood Principles, Novotel has implemented significant actions:

• A globally managed Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) was launched in Q1 2025 in collaboration with WWF, including support of the Indian Squid FIP in Kerala, India
• Launched a partnership with Seafood Souq to ensure all seafood suppliers and products are onboarded to SFS Trace and meet required traceability standards, including an 18-hotel pilot in the Middle East.
• A Seafood Taskforce procurement project has been launched in Europe in collaboration with WWF France, working directly with five suppliers to improve traceability as part of the brand’s commitment to support WWF’s ambition for sector-wide change throughout the supply chain.

3/ ENHANCE EDUCATION & OCEAN AWARENESS

Novotel is committed to raising awareness of the importance of the ocean to modern life, inspiring hotel teams, guests and communities to positively contribute to a more balanced life with the ocean.

• New global Ocean Awareness Training for all Novotel teams in all 600 hotels, enhancing their knowledge and inspiring their action and commitment. The training has been developed in partnership with AXA Climate.
• New WWF Sustainable Seafood Training: for all chef, F&B and procurement teams, including the impact of overfishing, sustainable seafood sourcing and best-in-class sustainability practices in restaurants.
• Edutainment in-hotel events, programming, and games to inspire positive action amongst the Novotel community.

4/ CONTRIBUTE TO RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Novotel is supporting essential WWF France conservation projects around the world, investing to support ocean impact, research, and action through critical projects.

1/ The protection of Posidonia in the Mediterranean

• Where: Europe
• Why: Per hectare, the Posidonia meadow sequesters five to seven times more carbon than the tropical forest
• Status: Action plans underway in 9 coastal cities; 8 mooring fields in the project; and 73 buoy conversions completed in 2024 and 41 planned in 2025.

2/ The identification and removal of “ghost gear”

• Where: Mediterranean Sea
• Why: Lost, abandoned, and otherwise discarded fishing gear is a major threat to marine life
• Status: Over 1,000 hectares prospected in Bonifacio; several nets identified; pilot retrieval with underwater robots scheduled for 2025–2026; new prospection missions in Calanques and Ajaccio planned.

3/ Supporting WWF France’s Blue Panda boat

• Where: Europe – France, Greece, Türkiye, Italy, and Croatia
• Why: The Blue Panda sails across the Mediterranean conducting missions to develop science-based solutions and recommendations to protect Mediterranean marine life, to raise public awareness, and to lead lobbying missions with countries and communities.
• Status: 2024 campaign completed across France, Greece, Turkey, Italy and Croatia; educational visits reached 550+ children in France; Cap Cétacés anti-collision system tested; ghost gear prospection and Marine Protection Areas studies conducted; Blue Panda to be in Nice 8–14 June for UNOC with stakeholder events.

4/ Tracking and tracing marine turtles

• Where: Global, with a specific focus on Asia-Pacific
• Why: Six of seven species of marine turtles remain threatened by harvesting, illegal trade, being caught by commercial fisheries, and the loss of nesting beaches. Mapping nesting beaches, migratory corridors, and foraging grounds for critical turtle populations.
• Status: ‘Blue Corridors’ initiative launched October 2024; over 12,600 turtles tracked globally; data gathering and connectivity analysis ongoing in 2025; update to be published by WWF at UNOC 2025.

5/ Protecting the sea turtles of the Western Atlantic

• Where: Guiana Shield
• Why: Mobilising civic society and fighting illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing will help protect leatherback turtles breeding on coastal areas of the Guianas, and green and olive ridley turtles from Brazil to Venezuela.
• Status: Youth ambassador programme launched; regional delegation to attend UNOC in June 2025; field projects including eco-guide training, citizen science, and advocacy actions ongoing through 2025-2026.

Ludovic Frère Escoffier, Ocean Program Manager, WWF France, said: “Protecting the ocean also means protecting our common future. Faced with the growing threats of overfishing, pollution, and loss of biodiversity, economic players have a key role to play. We welcome Novotel’s commitment to integrating the preservation of marine ecosystems into its strategy. By collaborating with influential companies in the tourism sector, together we are accelerating the transition to more sustainable, responsible practices that are compatible with ocean resilience.”

“The ocean is our planet’s greatest source of balance – the ‘lungs of the world’,” added Jean-Yves Minet. “It regulates climate, supports livelihoods, and protects ecosystems. But that balance is at risk. To secure a sustainable future, we must rebalance our relationship with the oceans, reducing our impact and ensuring marine health. Our well-being is deeply tied to the health of the ocean. Protecting the ocean isn’t just about the environment, it’s about supporting human health and longevity too.”

WHAT’S NEXT FOR NOVOTEL? POSITIVE STEPS TO IMPACT OCEAN LONGEVITY

Looking ahead, Novotel remains committed to amplifying its impact by: 

Collaborating with industry leaders at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice to drive meaningful change

WWF Sustainable Seafood Training – launching summer 2025

Ocean Awareness Training in partnership with AXA Climate – launching summer 2025

Expanding sustainable seafood practices across all hotels 

Embedding a new Plant-Forward menu strategy in all hotels

Introducing new guest engagement programs focused on ocean preservation 

Continuing to support critical WWF France ocean preservation projects around the world

For more information about Novotel’s sustainability initiatives, learn about our partnership with WWF, and to read the Report in full, visit Novotel – Ocean

6 DELICIOUS PLANT-BASED DISHES @ NOVOTEL HOTELS

1. Azzurra Kitchen @ Novotel Monte Carlo.
   1. Beetroot and Chickpea Hummus with Tahini, Fresh Herbs, spring vegetables, and purslane shoots.
2. MOKU @ Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort
   1. Green Paw Paw Salad with green paw paw & carrot, avocado, soft herbs, edamame, nam jim dressing, cassava crackers & charred lime
3. Novotel Melbourne Airport – Boccata Restaurant & Bar
   1. Rigatoni with Confit Tomatoes, Stracciatella and Pangrattato
4. Bokan @ Novotel London Canary Wharf
   1. Black Lime Tofu, Dashi Broth with an Onion and Spinach Marmalade – part of the vegan tasting experience and vegan bottomless brunch
5. Flying Elephant @ Novotel Dubai Al Barsha
   1. Zameen Ke Kebab, honey glazed beet, spicy mascarpone, Masala plum coilee
6. Ici&là @ Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles
   1. Quinoa Lover Burger with quinoa-chili galette, Alsacian cheddar, pesto rosso, aubergine, courgette, and green salad

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