PROFILE
eing a hotel company sustainability leader , as well as an an-
B
imal and nature lover , while living in Bangkok is not so easy . Just ask Jeff Smith , vice president of sustainability for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas , who grew up outside Toronto watching nature shows . So while surrounded by hustle and bustle , Smith walks to Six Senses headquarters every morning , refuses to buy a car and spends weekends searching out green spaces .
“ I struggle with the urban environment , to be honest ,” says Smith , who has been leading Six Senses ’ environmental efforts for three years . “ I try to live plastic-free . I say no to plastic bags a couple of times every day . I won ’ t use takeaway containers for food . I eat in restaurants or I eat at home .” He adds , “ We make those choices or we don ’ t . I think of it very philosophically in terms of those choices .”
Smith takes that clarity of purpose to work as he develops his role at a hotel management company . He has a master ’ s degree in environment and sustainability and a technical background in environmental engineering , ecosystem risk
THE EVANGELIST JEFF SMITH
RIGHT CHOICE
the
38 hotelsmag . com April 2019