Rejuvenate the Heart, Empower the Future - Spring City Golf & Lake Resort's GSTC Sustainable Development Hotel Certification Award Ceremony

(Kunming, China, 7 June 2023) On 7 June 2023, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort was awarded the prestigious Sustainable Hotel Certification by Bureau Veritas (BV), a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-accredited certification body, for its initiatives in the green environment, ecological conservation, nature, and humanity, as well as employment and economic development. It is the first BV certified sustainable hotel in China that meets the GSTC criteria. The event was graced by representatives from Kunming Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the Yangzonghai Management Committee, GSTC, BV and Keppel.

At the ceremony, Mr. Mervin Ho, General Manager of Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, said, "The sustainable hotel certification of Spring City Golf & Lake Resort issued by Bureau Veritas, a GSTC-accredited certification body, not only signifies Spring City’s success as the first resort in China certified by Bureau Veritas to meet GSTC standards but also affirms our efforts in environmental improvement programs, such as conserving cultural and natural heritage sites and reducing carbon footprint. In addition to its dedication to environmental sustainability, the resort is a significant contributor to the continuous economic and human capital development of the impoverished districts in Kunming City that surround the resort.”

Zesong Yang, Secretary of the Party Working Committee and Director of the Administrative Committee of Yangzonghai, addressed the ceremony: "On behalf of both Committees, I congratulate Spring City Golf & Lake Resort. Yangzonghai, known for its stunning natural beauty, excellent ecology, and rich culture, has seen significant tourism industry progress. This progress is guided by Xi Jinping's ecological civilization philosophy and our commitment to innovation, coordination, green development, openness, and sharing. The GSTC Sustainable Development Hotel Certification awarded to Spring City Golf & Lake Resort enhances Yangzonghai's image, strengthens the prestige of Yangzonghai National Tourist Resort, and expands the influence of our 'green' brand, promoting sustainable regional socio-economic development."

Dehua Fan, a member of the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Research Academic Committee and former Director of the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Planning Research Institute, stated: "On behalf of the Kunming Branch of the China Tourism Research Institute and the Yunnan Provincial Tourism Planning Research Institute, I commend Spring City Golf & Lake Resort for adhering to Xi Jinping's ecological civilization philosophy and pursuing low-carbon, sustainable tourism. Congratulations on the resort's Global Sustainable Tourism Development Committee certification and thank you for contributing to Yunnan's tourism development. With ecotourism at its core, Yunnan's tourism industry has a significant competitive edge. I hope the resort continues to succeed in sustainable tourism, becomes a leading sustainable tourism destination in China, and continues contributing to high-quality golf development in Yunnan, the construction of specialized and diverse resorts, the advancement of ecological civilization, and the development of a South and Southeast Asia-focused center."

Ms. Tang Sujun, board member of GSTC, said, "The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is responsible for developing and managing the GSTC Standard, a global standard for sustainable tourism. Through a partnership with ASI (Assurance Services International), we accredit compliant certification bodies based on GSTC's accreditation rules. The accredited certification bodies have the authority to certify hotels or accommodation industries, tour operators, and destinations for sustainable tourism. Today, on behalf of GSTC, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to Spring City Golf & Lake Resort becoming a GSTC-certified sustainable hotel that meets GSTC criteria!"

Ms. Zou Fengxian, Vice President of Bureau Veritas and General Manager of Bureau Veritas Certification China, the certification body whose mission is "Shaping a world of trust” and audited Spring City Golf & Lake Resort based on GSTC Hotel criteria, was delighted to express herself on the joyous occasion: "Sustainable development and eco-tourism are unquestionably a common trend in global development that actively responds to the Chinese government's important dedication to maintaining ecological and economic development. It is the concrete application of "clear waters and green mountains are as valuable as mountains of gold and silver." Being certified by a credible and accredited certification body signifies that your tourism products or services have already met the most stringent social and environmental standards in the market. With increasing public concern about the potential positive and negative impacts of tourism, the certification will also provide you with a reliable solution for addressing complex environmental and social challenges. Today, on behalf of Bureau Veritas, I would like to proudly issue the GSTC certificate to congratulate on Spring City's sustainability achievements and welcome more hotels and tour operators to become GSTC certified, promoting their commitments to ESG sustainable development!"

Keppel, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort’s parent company, is a Singapore-headquartered global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Keppel places sustainability at the core of our strategy. This includes both running our business sustainably and making sustainability our business. In 1992, Keppel entered China with an international development concept in its real estate business and partnered with the Yiliang County government in Kunming to develop the Spring City Golf & Lake Resort in the Yangzonghai area. The resort is in the eastern suburbs of Kunming, Yunnan Province, and enjoys picturesque views of the beautiful Lake Yangzonghai.

From the initial planning, design, and construction of the project to its ongoing operation, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort has always placed sustainable development and ecological conservation at its core. It has achieved numerous "green" achievements through years of tireless efforts and dedication. In 2008, it was certified on ISO 14001 environmental management system certification. In 2009, it was awarded the Gold Award of the Green Building Mark by the Singapore Construction Authority. In that same year, Spring City was certified as a member of the Audubon International Nature Reserve by Audubon International Bird Partnership Program. In 2010, Spring City was awarded the Audubon International Classic Habitat Certification. In addition, Spring City has won over 170 honors, including "World's Top 100 Courses," "Best Golf Resort in Asia," "Top 10 Best Courses in China and Hong Kong," etc., leading the development of high-end cultural tourism in Kunming and Yunnan. In 2022, Spring City was honored with the prestigious World's Best Golf Hotel Resort award. In the same year, it was ranked 77th among the world's top 100 courses.

Spring City plans to effectively achieve the development of renewable energy by 2025 by converting waste to energy and reducing the use of water and fossil energy. Through a number of measures such as replacing fuel-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, implementing scientific control over lawn growth in summer, adjusting high water-consuming and deciduous tree species, and implementing solar retrofitting of traditional equipment such as lighting and landscaping, 70,000 kWh of electricity will be saved annually, and all transportation will be electrified by 2025.

Over the years, Keppel has actively fulfilled its social responsibility. It has donated approximately 160,000 Singapore dollars to affected areas, such as the Ludian earthquake in Yunnan. It has also invested more than 80,000 Singapore dollars in cataract rehabilitation surgeries for the poor in Yunnan, benefiting more than 150 local patients. In addition to introducing the group's sustainable development philosophy to the city while practicing sustainable development projects, Spring City is dedicated to giving back to the community and contributing to the fight against poverty in Yunnan over the long term. Furthermore, Spring City has organized various charity projects in Yunnan with a total investment of over 60,000 Singapore dollars (including donations to local nursing homes, schools, communities, etc.) and staff volunteer services for a total of approximately 18,000 hours.

Over the past 30 years, Spring City has generated approximately 100 million Singapore dollars in local taxes and fees, creating employment opportunities for approximately 20,000 residents in the Yangzonghai area of Kunming. In the future, Spring City will continue to build on the foundation of its GSTC Hotel certification and continue its commitment to sharing the resort's sustainability philosophy with more travelers by creating and promoting sustainable tourism, such as farming, eco-friendly hiking, and exploration of flora and fauna resources, hence actively advocating environmental practices. At the same time, Spring City will actively cooperate with local governments, help communities, and care for employees, aiming to drive the development and globalization of the entire Yangzonghai area as well as the ecological community of Kunming.

About the Global Sustainable Tourism Council（GSTC）

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) establishes and manages the global sustainable tourism criteria, or GSTC Standards. Currently, GSTC consists of two sets of standards: the Sustainable Tourism Destination Criteria for public policymakers and destination managers and the Sustainable Tourism Industry Criteria for hotels and travel agents. These standards serve as the guiding principles and minimum requirements that any tourism business or destination should strive to achieve to ensure the sustainable development of the world's natural and cultural resources while realizing the full potential of tourism to contribute to conservation and poverty reduction.

The GSTC Standards form the basis of the GSTC's accreditation of certification institutions to provide certification services for hotels or accommodations, tour operators, and destinations that adhere to sustainable policies and practices. The GSTC does not directly certify any tourism product or service but rather accredits the bodies that provide the certification. The GSTC is an independent and neutral non-profit organization with a diverse and global membership base. Its members include national and regional governments, leading tourism companies, hotels, tour operators, NGOs, individuals, and communities. All GSTC members are committed to striving for best practices in sustainable tourism.

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is globally well-known in testing, inspection, certification and technical consulting services. Created in 1828 and the headquarter set in Paris, France, it now has around 1,600 offices and labs, and more than 80,000 staff members in 140 countries. Bureau Veritas delivers professional services and innovative solutions to its 400,000 clients in multiple key industries, to ensure the products, facilities and production flows meet codes and standards of quality, health, safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Restarting China operation in 1993, Bureau Veritas has over 130 offices and labs, and more than 17,000 professional staff members in 55 cities across the country. As a trusted partner, Bureau Veritas offers innovative solutions that go beyond simple compliance with regulations and standards, reducing risk, improving performance and promoting sustainable development. 

Bureau Veritas is one of the four certification bodies accredited by ASI and GSTC to provide GSTC Hotel and Tour Operator certification in the world, and has issued dozens of GSTC Hotel certificates in Turkey, leading the market share.

About Keppel 

Keppel Corporation is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Through its quality investment platforms and asset portfolios, Keppel contributes to advancing sustainable development, the energy transition and the digital economy, while creating enduring value for stakeholders.

About Spring City Golf & Lake Resort

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort was founded in 1998. It is a joint venture between Keppel, Singapore's flagship multinational company, and the Yiliang County Government of Kunming City in the field of real estate. It is located on the southeast shore of Lake Yangzonghai in Kunming and is picturesquely surrounded by green mountains and crystal-clear lake water.

Spring City Golf & Lake Resort covers a vast expanse of land totaling 5.04 km2, which features two world-renowned 18-hole championship golf courses, a five-star clubhouse, villas, luxury rooms, and suites, as well as conference and leisure facilities. The poetic ecology of the mountains and the lake, exciting activities, and thoughtful and warm services make it an ideal choice for leisure vacations, family outings, and high-end business conferences.