Hoshino Resorts, one of Japan's leading hospitality groups, is continuously exploring new and innovative ways to reduce a hotel's environmental impact.

The hotel management company which operates 69 establishments in and outside of Japan recently begun an operation together with JGC HOLDINGS CORPORATION, REVO International Inc. and SAFFAIRE SKY ENERGY to recycle waste cooking oil into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Derived from non-fossil fuels such as waste cooking oil, vegetable and animal fats, and wood-based biomass, SAF can significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to conventional fuels made from crude oil.

When fuel is 100% made of waste cooking oil, CO2 emissions can be reduced by approximately 80% compared to conventional aviation fuels, including raw material collection to fuel production and combustion.

The Japanese government aims for SAF to reach a 10% ratio of aviation fuel by 2030 but to meet this goal, a stable supply for domestic SAF is essential. Securing raw materials in Japan can be an issue as much of the waste cooking oil that could be recycled is discarded or exported overseas.

Hoshino Resorts has committed to providing waste cooking oil from its properties for the operation which began on April 17, 2024. It is first being implemented at OMO Kansai Airport, an airport hotel just one station away from Kansai International Airport and will gradually be implemented at other Hoshino Resorts properties across Japan.

The operation follows the news of Hoshino Resorts' nearby property, OMO7 Osaka, receiving an environmental award for its 7,600 square meter "Miya-green” garden area at the 42nd Osaka Cityscape Architecture Awards in January 2024.

Since 1981 the award show hosted by Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City aims to encourage and recognise organisations that construct and maintain outstanding buildings and urban landscapes. OMO7 Osaka is an urban tourism hotel that opened in 2022 which integrates environmentally conscious technology into its architecture as part of its environmental management.

This includes Japan's first membrane covered exterior design, which reduces the solar radiation load and mitigates the heat island effect. Additionally, the 7,600 square meter "Miya-green" garden area provides cooling effects which all contribute to reducing the hotel's environmental impact.

Hoshino Resorts has been actively promoting environmental management since 1993. This approach aims to enhance customer satisfaction and operational revenue while minimising environmental impact.

One of the oldest and largest international events since 1851, the World Expo will be held in Osaka and will take place for six months during 2025. The Expo 2025 concept of 'Designing Future Society for our Lives' will focus on developing and adopting best practices from around the world to drive co-creation by the global community in designing a sustainable society that supports social challenges, emerging sciences and evolving technologies.

With Jetstar having recently launched direct flights between Sydney and Kansai International Airport, the upcoming Expo 2025 and aforementioned properties in Osaka add to a myriad of reasons for Australians to visit Japan's food capital and second largest city.

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About Hoshino Resorts

Hoshino Resorts was first established as a Japanese inn/ryokan in 1914 in Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture before it began the operation of other resorts in Japan. Today, it has evolved into a highly influential hotel management company and is run by 4th-generation family member Yoshiharu Hoshino. Providing a unique experience focused on the local charms of each destination and a high level of omotenashi, Japanese-style hospitality, the company has expanded rapidly out of Karuizawa since 2001 and now operates more than 60 accommodations both in and outside Japan with one of the following categories: luxury hotel brand “HOSHINOYA,” hot spring ryokan brand “KAI,” countryside resort hotel brand “RISONARE,” city tourism hotel brand “OMO,” free-spirited hotel brand “BEB,” or other unique lodgings.

https://www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/

About OMO

OMO is a city tourism hotel in a convenient city-centre location, perfect for exploring the deep, urban culture. We consider the city centred around the hotel to be part of our resort, offering a variety of options to see, eat and shop. With the cooperation of the local community, city lovers can get an insight into culture through our original tours and maps; sharing locals' all-time favourites to hidden gems only with you!