Green is the new Gold in Monaco

14th September 2023
In a land of opulence and grandeur, where all that glitters is usually gold, there are a growing number of ways to do your bit for our planet and make greener choices during your time in Monaco.

Whether you are eating out, indulging in some retail therapy, or travelling from one party to the next, here’s our guide to low impact luxury in Mon-Eco.

Sustainable Stays

Hotels awarded with Green Globe label

Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel - Green Globe certified since 2014. By winning this prestigious and rigorous international label - along with its Gold Standard certification in 2018 — the hotel has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sustainable development. With a focus on continuous improvement, the hotel has introduced numerous actions to give meaning to its commitments, including the availability of green vehicles - 100% electric courtesy cars, eco-ethical and organic, made in France cosmetics in all rooms and holding an annual clean-up of the nearby public beach to raise awareness among users and to protect the environment.

Monte-Carlo Bay - Located on the border of the Larvotto natural reserve, the Monte-Carlo Bay hotel is committed to sustainable development.  As well as being awarded Green Globe certification in 2014, the hotel made good on its environmental commitments by signing the National Energy Transition Pact at the Grimaldi Forum, making it a pilot hotel for energy transition initiatives in Monaco. Today, the hotel has managed to combine quality of service, competitiveness, and effective energy management by installing the Smart + pilot system, which saves a month’s worth of energy every year.

Hotel Hermitage - This iconic hotel in the heart of Monaco oozes elegance, calm and understated refinement. The hotel puts its prestige and know-how towards promoting sustainable development with a number of initiatives including selective sorting and recycling programmes and installing LED light bulbs throughout the hotel.  In January 2018, the hotel gave structure to and formalised its sustainable development efforts by creating a team of twenty people to monitor all activities, with the credo “For Ever Green”.

Hotel de Paris - A simple flight of steps leads from the Place du Casino to the majestic lobby of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. Awarded with Green Globe certification in 2019, the hotel group signed its fourth sustainable development charter in 2022 with one of four main objectives being to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030.

Hotels awarded with the Planet 21 label

The Fairmont - Located in the heart of Monaco with one of the best views of the Formula One circuit, this luxury urban resort is committed to sustainable responsibility with initiatives such as the use of labelled environmental products for cleaning, limiting the volume of flushing water available in guest rooms and introducing a linen recycling program. They also offer guests high speed electric car charging facilities. The hotel also has four heat pumps that generate energy and supply the hotel with air conditioning and heating.

Novotel - This modern and stylish hotel belongs to the Accor Group and, as such, follows the group’s environmental policy via the Planet 21 programme, based around four strategic priorities to work with its employees, involve customers, innovate with its partners and work with local communities. The Novotel Monte-Carlo has signed the National Energy Transition Pact and is a TripAdvisor Ecoleader.

Hotels awarded with La Clé Verte label 

Méridien Beach Plaza - Part of The Marriott Group, The Méridien Beach Plaza is the only hotel in Monaco with a private beach. It is Green Key-certified and has signed the National Energy Transition Pact. The hotel is also an EcoPartner on TripAdvisor.

Metropole Monte Carlo - "Green Attitude" is one of the strengths of the Hotel Métropole, an establishment that is environmentally friendly and keen to reduce its impact in order to preserve biodiversity. The hotel holds the Green Key and TripAdvisor Ecoleaser certifications, and signed he Energy Transition Charter in March 2018. The hotel's restaurants have been certified by 'Mr Goodfish' and are committed to serving only sustainable seafood.

Eat your Greens

Conscientiae - This stunning restaurant describes itself as the first multi-featured centre for environmental innovation in Monaco, focusing on the well-being of the community and our planet. The seasonal 'menu for the planet’ changes frequently, following local markets and harvests so guests are ensured fresh and seasonal ingredients every day.

Elsa - An intimate venue nestled within the Monte Carlo Beach hotel which is part of the Relais and Chateaux collection. Whether you choose to eat in the timeless and elegantly decorated restaurant or on the magnificent terrace overlooking the sea, you will enjoy a celebration of sustainable fine dining. Elsa describes its menu as an ode to the seasons, inspired by nature and enhanced by delicate creativity. Elsa was awarded an "Ethical and Environmental Responsibility Prize" by La Liste during the Special Mediterranean Awards 2023.

Sparkling Credentials

Pomellato - Luxury Italian fashion fine jeweller, Pomellato has a multifaceted strategy to achieving a more sustainable and responsible approach to luxury, safeguarding the cultural and historical heritage of jewellery making, sustainable sourcing and environmental profit and loss accounting. They have been awarded RJC certification from the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Graff - The house of Graff produce an exquisite array of the finest gems. They established The FACET Foundation – For Africa’s Children Every Time - designed to support the education, health and wellbeing of communities in southern Africa where Graff sources, cuts and polishes many of its beautiful stones. They currently fund charitable programmes in Lesotho, Botswana and South Africa.

Tasaki - In 2021, Japanese jewellery house Tasaki opened their first store in Monaco, located in the Hotel de Paris. Tasaki’s iconic pearls are ethically and sustainably sourced from their own pearl farms, and they only handle diamonds that carry a Kimberley Process Certification, which verifies ethical production. 

Fred - Ever since Fred Samuel discovered the light on the French Riviera, it has been the heartbeat of the brand. When Fred met Princess Grace in 1976, she was wearing a ring that he himself had designed: "It’s a ring that I adore, I wear it all the time” her Royal Highness told him. This joyous jewellery maker is committed to respecting human rights and is a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. 

Cartier - One of the most well-known and respected names in the luxury jewellery market, Maison Cartier has embodied a tradition of excellence since 1847. Recognising a duty to set industry standards, in 2005, Cartier was one of the 14 founding members of the Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC). Then in October 2021, the Maison launched the Watch & Jewellery Initiative 2030, which hopes to create an entirely sustainable watch and jewellery sector by building climate resilience, preserving resources and fostering inclusiveness.

Boucheron - Maison Boucheron is renowned for the exceptional quality of its stones and craftsmanship.  They have set a target to have 100% traceability for their key raw materials by 2025; these include gold, platinum, diamonds and coloured gemstones for the jewellery line. CEO Hélène Poulit-Duquesne says, “we have a responsibility and an opportunity to act with integrity, to help preserve the natural world where we source our precious metals and stones, and to embody our family spirit, treating everyone who touches our business with fairness and respect.”

Van Cleef & Arpels - Created in 1906, Van Cleef & Arpels is a much-loved jewellery house based on the values of creation, transmission and expertise.  VCA supports a circular economy concept in the deployment of its activities, which means that wherever possible, it avoids a linear “take, make, dispose” system and supports innovative circular models, which aim to keep products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times, and to design out waste. They are also a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Chopard - Known for their exquisite 'happy diamonds’ range, Chopard's commitment to sustainability is facilitated by an overarching and well-established internal governance structure, based on strong family values.  As part of their 'responsible business’ statement, the company says, “In 2013, we embarked on a Journey to Sustainable Luxury, an ambitious long-term commitment driven by a sense of profound humility and dedicated to making a positive difference in the luxury business.” They are a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council.

Chaumet - As a member of the Responsible Jewellery Council, Chaumet only uses diamonds that conform to the Kimberley Process and the regulations in effect.  The Kimberley Process, which has been in practice since 2003 and adopted by over 75 countries, is an international certification scheme that aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds.  Conflict diamonds, also known as ‘blood’ diamonds, are rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments.

Travel Light - climate friendly cabs

Monaco City Taxi - In order to meet the growing demand for public transport during the summer, while developing its policy of energy transition and soft mobility, the Prince’s Government has decided to repeat the “Monaco City” operation already carried out in 2019 and 2022. It will provide 26 electric vehicles, compared with 20 in previous years. While professionals focus primarily on journeys within Monaco (zone 1), where the fare is 18 euros with no waiting time, these taxis can also take customers picked up in Monaco to neighbouring towns (zone 2), where the fare starts at 25 euros.

Cars with a Conscience

BMW Electric models - BMW now have a range of fully electric cars which are not only good for the planet but stylish too. From the iX SUV model, i7 and i5 saloon models and the i4 Gran Coupe, there is something for everyone to get around Monaco in style. There are a growing number of fast electric charge points around the principality.

During this year's Monaco Yacht Show, the Sustainability Hub will be open for its second year, showcasing an array of innovations in the Darse Sud tent.  The exhibition area welcomes companies that specialise in technology aimed at reducing each superyacht’s environmental footprint.  The Sustainability Hub was created as part of the Monaco Yacht Show's eco-friendly approach, which was initiated in 2005.  This year, exhibitors include Ampros, Boero YachtCoatings, Etyc, Fabiani Yachts, French Eaux, Nature Safe Marine, Sialia Yachts, Siemens Energy, HY-Plug.