In recognition of World Environment Day 2026 and this year’s theme of Climate Action, Virgin Limited Edition is shining a spotlight on the environmental initiatives taking place across its collection of properties worldwide. From renewable energy projects in the British Virgin Islands and Kenya to water conservation programmes in Morocco and regenerative farming in Mallorca and South Africa, the collection continues to evolve its long-term commitment to responsible tourism and environmental stewardship.

As the climate crisis accelerates, World Environment Day 2026 focuses on the urgent signals being sent by the planet and the collective responsibility to respond through meaningful action. Across the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, sustainability is not approached as a standalone initiative, but as an ongoing commitment integrated into daily operations, guest experiences and long-term conservation strategies.

Leanbh Collins, Head of Global Sustainability for Virgin Hotels Collection, said: "At Virgin Hotels Collection, we believe exceptional hospitality goes hand in hand with positive impact. Across our Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, that belief is reflected in practical climate action shaped by each property and its environment – from renewable energy and water conservation to waste reduction and support for local ecosystems."

"We’re proud of the progress being made, while recognising that sustainability is a journey of continuous improvement. There is always more to do, and our focus remains on making responsible, meaningful changes that support the places, communities and ecosystems around us for the long term."

Virgin Limited Edition is included within Virgin Holdings Limited’s SBTi-approved climate targets, which help guide decarbonisation plans, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, and support long-term climate resilience.

POWERING PLACES WITH NATURE

Properties across the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio are making significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimise carbon emissions.

At Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, three wind turbines and a solar farm of more than 1,230 solar panels provide up to 650kW of renewable energy that contributes significantly to the running of the island through an integrated off-grid solution. The island also operates a fleet of 50 electric vehicles and continues to explore innovative ways to improve energy efficiency across all operations.

In Kenya, Finch Hattons recently completed a 242kW photovoltaic solar farm, allowing the camp to operate fully off-grid with 24-hour solar power. Mahali Mzuri also uses solar energy to power both the guest camp and staff accommodation, supporting its low-impact tourism model within the Maasai Mara ecosystem. In South Africa, the Ulusaba airstrip runs entirely on solar power, while 921 solar panels across the property help reduce reliance on grid electricity and generators. Mont Rochelle is also continuing to expand its renewable energy efforts, with new solar panels currently being installed across the estate.

At Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas, the estate’s connection to the local power grid removes the need for diesel generators, helping to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise pollution across the estate. Hot water across the estate is pre-heated using recovered energy from air conditioning and refrigeration systems, while a biomass boiler fuelled by recycled wood chippings helps significantly reduce propane consumption.

In Verbier, The Lodge has replaced its diesel-fuelled water boilers with a more sustainable wood pellet alternative. Managed through the local municipality, the heated water is distributed throughout the wider Verbier community.

PROTECTING EVERY DROP

Water conservation remains a major priority across the collection, particularly in regions where water scarcity presents growing environmental challenges.

At Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, wastewater is recycled and reused to irrigate the gardens and vegetable plots, while rainwater harvesting systems help support the hotel grounds and kitchen garden. Following the devastating earthquake in 2023, Kasbah Tamadot also helped reconstruct wells in the villages of Imi Oughlad and Timezra, alongside the installation of a water storage reservoir in the Asni Valley.

Mahali Mzuri has developed five rainwater collection points to provide drinking water for wildlife during dry seasons, alongside a new rainwater harvesting system at the camp’s local primary school, helping provide clean drinking water for students.

On Necker Island, rainwater collection systems can capture between 20,000 and 300,000 gallons of water in a single day of rainfall, which is then reused for irrigation. Seawater is also transformed into usable water for the island through reverse osmosis technology.

Ulusaba in South Africa has Bio Boxes that purify grey water into drinking water, which is then pumped into reservoirs used by wildlife across the reserve. At Son Bunyola, the hotel also has its own water purification system, through which 100% of wastewater is treated and reused to irrigate the gardens.

RETHINKING RESOURCES FOR A REGENERATIVE FUTURE

Across the collection, Virgin Limited Edition properties continue to reduce single-use plastics and implement circular waste initiatives designed to minimise environmental impact.

Necker Island has eliminated single-use plastic water bottles through refillable systems and water filtration, replaced plastic straws with bamboo alternatives, and introduced composting and refillable sunscreen stations. Staff uniforms are made from recycled ocean waste and plastic, and the island’s iconic Red Dock is constructed using recycled plastic planks.

Similar initiatives are reflected across the wider portfolio, with all properties offering filtered drinking water in reusable glass bottles, operating without single-use plastics, providing reusable slippers, and continuing to roll out refillable amenities and other plastic-free alternatives across guest experiences.

COMMITTING TO LASTING CLIMATE ACTION

While each property faces unique environmental challenges depending on its location and ecosystem, Virgin Limited Edition’s broader approach remains focused on long-term, measurable progress. Through investments in renewable energy, water conservation, biodiversity protection and responsible tourism practices, the collection continues to evolve its environmental commitments while supporting the communities and landscapes that surround its properties.