Our Commitments

We are mindful of the impact of our industry. Within it, at our level, we are working to make a tangible contribution to a more respectful, resilient, and fair economy, aligning with our values and beliefs.

To further advance our positive impact on society and the environment, we are activating all available levers to take action and unite diverse audiences around our vision of ‘the hotel industry of tomorrow’. From the outset, we have gone beyond the framework of European Union regulations.

We are committed to a sustainable CSR approach. And through our partnership with allcolibri - a simple software solution integrated into the checkout process on our website - we empower our clients to make a real social and environmental impact by donating to a cause of their choice.

We particularly acknowledge our environmental responsibilities. Every year, we scrutinise our carbon footprint and strive to reduce our emissions as much as possible without compromising our development. It's a delicate balance we find essential because, without the impetus of economic players, we can rarely get things moving. Finally, we make a carbon contribution; to this end, we have been supporting Sadhana Forest since 2019.

Focus on the project in Haiti with Sadhana Forest

Laure Pouchelon,
Business Development Manager
Sadhana Forest

Maxime Friess, co-founder of
Emerald Stay

@Maxime

Emerald Stay has been supporting Sadhana Forest for 4 years. What initially motivated your approach?

I’ve always been interested in CSR issues. This interest grew and was translated into action during Covid, thanks in particular to the training provided by La Fresque du Climat and Jean-Marc Jancovici online course at the École des Mines. I was determined that this entrepreneurial adventure should have a strong social and environmental responsibility component. However, being aware of the complexity of the subject, I wanted to surround myself with experts who had both theoretical and practical knowledge, which is what I found in Laure from our very first discussions.

@Laure

What is the mission of Sadhana Forest?

Founded in 2003, Sadhana Forest is an organisation that runs projects to plant forests and restore degraded ecosystems in India, Haiti, Kenya and Namibia. The aim is to combat desertification, restore native biodiversity and make a lasting contribution to local self-sufficiency in quality food. Each year, we host thousands of local and international volunteers and train them in innovative techniques and traditional know-how. We also work with many academic partners to contribute to research and scientific advances in the field of reforestation.

Sadhana Forest - Plantation in Haiti

@Maxime

Why did you choose this association ?

My partner and I had decided to focus on direct financing of practical projects. Having previously worked for an international company specialising in the financing of carbon projects, Laure had built up hands-on experience with several hundred project developers. This was precisely what we were looking for.

I then discovered what Aviram had been doing for 20 years with Sadhana Forest. His visionary yet pragmatic approach, anchored in the times, on the ground and over the long term, fascinated me, but also challenged me as an entrepreneur. Prestigious American universities send him students to analyse his unique method, and he is supported by the UN and the World Bank. The Sadhana Forest teams do more than "just" plant trees; they are pioneers in what is known as "natural regeneration", which recognises that the soil plays just as important a role as a carbon sink as the trees themselves, and which aims to regenerate the natural environment to increase the capture effects. Finally, the fact that the species planted are local, nourishing, help to capture carbon and also promote the population's self-sufficiency in food, finally convinced us.

@Laure

Can you tell us more about natural regeneration?

Sadhana Forest operates in arid regions, making it imperative that tree planting is combined with soil and water conservation practices. Implementing sustainable rainwater management, always adapted to the local context, mitigates erosion and recharges the water table. It increases soil moisture levels, fostering tree growth and health. Moreover, the water-efficient irrigation methods we use minimise water evaporation and soil salination.

The retention of water in the soil of these particularly arid areas attracts birds and mammals from nearby and distant locations. They carry seeds with them, which they leave to germinate in the soil. This leads to a natural regeneration of the ecosystem. As vegetation starts to flourish, other animals show up, introducing even more seeds into the environment, perpetuating the cycle. In this way, new trees emerge, extending the impact and benefits of the project far beyond the initially planted trees.

Sadhana Forest - Plantation in Haiti

@Maxime

How does this partnership fit in with your environmental approach?

In this approach, our motto remains “measure, reduce, contribute”. That’s why we are committed to generating an accurate greenhouse gas balance sheet for all our activities. We have developed a model to calculate our emissions at three levels of scope, following the guidelines set out in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

We then aim to reduce any emissions wherever possible. We equip our adapted properties with intelligent technology to control temperature and avoid unnecessary journeys (Nuki Smart Lock). We have also chosen LEED GOLD offices for our headquarters, which are very rare in Barcelona. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognised certification system for buildings of high environmental quality.

Finally, we have a 'carbon contribution' budget that we pay to Sadhana Forest at the end of each year.

@Laure

What are the best practices for maximising the impact of a reforestation project?

In addition to the criteria mentioned above, such as the proportion of indigenous trees planted in the forest area, the diversity of tree species, and soil and water conservation practices, the impact will be greatest if the project has been designed with local people, through a participatory process that includes the exchange of technical and indigenous knowledge.

Furthermore, plant protection, monitoring, and long-term maintenance work are essential. Our on-site teams consistently ensure the protection, growth and upkeep of the trees. The impact of a reforestation project will also be maximised if most of the budget is spent on planting trees and restoring forest ecosystems. In our view, it is key that management and overheads only account for a minority of expenditure, so that the majority of funds can be used to implement actions on the ground.

Sadhana Forest in Haiti - Maya walnut (Brosimum alicastrum) seedlings

@Maxime

What specific project have you decided to finance and why?

I have a personal history with Haiti, I am well acquainted with the reality of the country, I've been there several times. I particularly admire the association's long-term vision and resilience – being the only one that has consistently stayed and worked tirelessly for years, despite facing natural disasters and political challenges. When Sadhana Forest suggested that I fund this project, which holds both environmental and social significance, the decision was an obvious choice.

@Laure

Can you tell us more about the objectives of this project and its impact?

Haiti is among the countries most severely affected by deforestation and continues to experience chronic instability. The population faces challenges with an often inadequate and poor-quality nutritional diet.

Our project is based in the town of Anse-à-Pitres, in the south-east of the country. Since 2010, Sadhana Forest Haiti has been working to help local people become food self-sufficient while simultaneously restoring forest ecosystems for the long term. We involve local people in planting indigenous, nutritious trees that are particularly well-suited to the region's fine, degraded soils and difficult climatic conditions.

With the aim of sharing knowledge with as many people as possible, our association also offers free courses tailored to the specific needs of communities. For instance, we have provided training to many local farmers to teach permaculture, and they, in turn, have already trained 7,000 people.

Cyclura cornuta, a reptile species in Haiti

@Maxime

What visibility do you have of the project development?

Laure and the team regularly update us on the project's progress, and we are delighted to see it grow from year to year, as does Sadhana Forest in the broadest sense. We remain impressed and sensitive to what they are achieving for the benefit of our planet and many human beings.

@Laure

In conclusion...

We believe that transparency and openness are crucial for the development and sustainability of our projects. Sadhana Forest plantation sites are freely accessible to both our partners and the general public.

We invite anyone interested in learning more about the challenges of reforestation to come and witness our practices and Nature-Based Solutions firsthand.

Sadhana Forest plantation sites are freely accessible to both our partners and the general public

OUR OTHER CSR PILLARS, CLOSELY TIED TO OUR BUSINESS

Quality of life at work

Within the company, we pay particular attention to the working conditions of each and every employee, whether on a permanent or seasonal contract, at the head office or in our destinations. While the hotel industry is heavily affected by the phenomenon of undeclared work, at Emerald Stay, everyone is declared and benefits from social protection. And it’s the same with our providers.

We have been officially recognised as a Great Place to Work since 2022 and certified HappyAtWork by ChooseMyCompany® – a label awarded primarily on employee perception. These certifications have been successfully renewed each year.

0% ILLEGAL SOCIAL RISK (ISR)

No illegal or harmful social practices (e.g. harassment, mobbing) have been identified in our company, as measured by an independent third-party audit conducted via anonymous, confidential reviews.

We believe that our people’s well-being and growth are key to our success. This is why we are implementing concrete actions to support them on a daily basis:

Fully funded personalised coaching programmes, agreed between the coachee, the coach and the company, designed to support individual development (e.g. boosting self-confidence, improving emotional intelligence, achieving work-life balance).
Comprehensive health cover with a private health insurance for all employees (France and Spain).
Mental health support included in our private healthcare schemes.
Pet-friendly headquarters in Barcelona, enhancing employees’ life comfort.
Remote work policy that supports both flexibility, work-life balance, and carbon footprint reduction - a stance we uphold despite increasing market pressure, especially from investors, to limit telework following reports like McKinsey’s.
Home office equipment and virtual office solutions provided.
Quarterly charitable giving: each “Star of the Quarter” receives a budget to support the cause of their choice.
Non-discrimination statement to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all areas of our business.

Emerald Stay has been recognised with the

¨Great Place to Work¨ label since 2022

Amenities and recycling

We are mindful of the environmental impact of hospitality amenities. That’s why we offer our guests eco-conscious hygiene and beauty products, prioritising natural ingredients, artisanal formulas and sustainable formats.

We’ve made a shift from single-use solids to recyclable and refillable liquid dispensers, which better match our discerning guests’ expectations while significantly reducing plastic and cardboard waste.

Additionally, we recycle all non-functional electronic equipment (computers, mice, keyboards, headsets, etc.) at designated collection points in Barcelona, where our headquarters stand.

We offer our guests eco-conscious hygiene and

beauty products

Technology at the service of decarbonation

Most of our properties are now equipped with a connected lock. In the world of smart homes, the Nuki smart lock stands out as a safe bet. The device turns a smartphone into a key. There's no more physical hand delivery. The front door can be locked and unlocked remotely, eliminating the need for frequent car journeys by local teams.

We also encourage property owners to install home automation systems wherever possible. These systems enable better energy control – from optimised indoor temperatures to automated A/C shutdowns – aligning guest comfort with sustainability. Guests are also made aware of best practices regarding energy and resource use (e.g. lighting, towel changes) through written communication.

Most of our properties are now

equipped with a connected lock

LOCAL ROOTS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC POSITIVE IMPACT IN OUR DESTINATIONS

We maintain a continuous physical presence in our destinations and exclusively collaborate with on-site professionals in all our operations. This model avoids unnecessary travel, supports local employment, and ensures that guests benefit from authentic, expert knowledge of the region. At times, we even invest in local community life, such as such as sponsoring the SCMVA football club in Morzine, our historic birthplace, and the WHOOP UCI World Mountain Bike Series in Les Gets, reinforcing our commitment to the social fabric of the area.

We always prioritise local hiring and sourcing policies whenever operationally possible. Thus, we work with Dauphiblanc as our main linen supplier in the French Alps, a regional company which is engaged in a robust CSR approach and uses rapeseed oil-fuelled delivery trucks.

Emerald Stay exclusively collaborates with on-site

professionals in all our operations

GOVERNANCE & ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES

At Emerald Stay, governance is a reflection of our values. We are committed to running our business with integrity, responsibility, and full transparency. From top management, we actively discourage micromanagement, promoting instead a culture of trust, autonomy, and accountability.

We pay close attention to employee engagement. Thanks to the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) framework, every team member understands their contribution to the bigger picture, to the company’s broader mission. We acknowledge that uncertainty and lack of purpose can lead to burnout more than workload or time pressure. That’s why we place such importance on structured, meaningful alignment, ensuring everyone feels connected, empowered, and motivated.

Last but not least, we have chosen Talent Garden to host our Barcelona central offices, as, among other criteria, it holds a rare LEED Gold Certification. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a globally recognised certification system for buildings of high environmental quality.

We ensure that every team member feels

connected, empowered, and motivated

Escape

Flourish

Each Emerald Stay property, whether a slopeside Alpine chalet, beachfront Mallorcan villa, historic Catalan finca, or secluded Marrakech riad, has its own sense of place and connection with the locals.