Sustainability at Aman Venice

Preserving the precious waters around this extraordinary Italian archipelago is of paramount importance. It is part of every Aman hotel’s philosophy to give guests opportunities to opt out of having towels and sheets unnecessarily changed, so as to have a lighter environmental touch. Whenever turnover is declined by guests, Aman Venice donates to a local charity. Before arrival, it is explained to guests why these initiatives are so important, and an artisan-made sign — made from upcycled Venetian bricola wood, the pillars which allow gondolas to dock — encourages less laundering. Less linen means less risk of polluting the waters. The laundry service comes by boat every two days, with linens delivered in cloth bags, never paper or plastic. 

Lighting accounts for nearly five percent of global carbon emissions‚ so the fact that this 16th-century Grand Canal palace proudly radiates care of captivating‚ yet responsible lighting is important. Of the historic palazzos in Venice, Aman Venice is one of the few to be entirely illuminated by LED lighting — even down to its chandeliers. Motion sensors and an intelligent lighting system help optimise efficiency, and, as with all Aman properties, the journey to a more sustainable way of being has included a full transition to this greener glow.  

Aman Venice works with the non-profit Marevivo, affiliated with University Ca’ Foscari Venezia, to look after these protected marine areas, and to tackle pollution, and help promote environmental education. By volunteering to help with clean-ups, the team members provide a service, and Aman Venice’s staff from this neighbourhood become especially engaged with important conservation issues, sparking social change in the wider community. Plastic bottles have all been eliminated from Aman Venice’s premises, thanks to initiatives such as refillable drinking bottles given to everyone who works at the hotel. 

Aligned with Aman’s hyperlocal procurement principles, Aman Venice works with social cooperative and family-run enterprises. All ingredients served are organic, seasonal and come from suppliers certified in a way that supports a zero-kilometre and high-animal-welfare code of ethics. Pasticceria Giotto is one esteemed supplier that brings best-in-class baked goods from the celebrated social-enterprise bakery in a prison; through this initiative, individuals are empowered to break cycles of crime, and often their involvement leads to industry placements and sustained long-term employment. 

Seasonal ingredients are showcased throughout the dining experiences, from the growers of the islands of Sant Erasmo to the small suppliers across Veneto. Taste this at Arva, as well as through Aman Venice's acclaimed ‘Cook the Lagoon’ private dinners at the Palazzo Kitchen Table. Through this, a next-level taste of indigenous flavours comes alive in the menu, thanks to fresh produce and seafood from the nearby market, choreographed by thrice-Michelin-starred Chef Norbert Niederkofler, who is recognised for his respect for the environment and no-waste cooking, in partnership with executive chef Matteo Panifilio. Climate-friendly vegan and vegetarian choices are also honoured — even with the tasting menus.  

This storied culture-steeped city is spilling with specialists unique to this Italian coastal destination. Aman Venice works hard to protect declining skills through regenerative interior design and by engaging guests with little-known local talents. Aman Venice strives to be a positive part of its San Polo community, working closely with the Associazione Piazza San Marco to support endeavours to encourage sensitive, tailor-made tourism.  

Curated experiences allow a rare audience with the characters behind the handcrafts in a way that supports prized professionals such as at family-run Berta Battiloro — which is vital since, if young apprentices aren’t helped, the art forms will be lost, especially as accommodation becomes too expensive for local residents.  

Aman Venice celebrates these gold workers practising their unrivalled golf-leaf alchemy, which adorns the iconic churches, and also the Byzantine glass-mosaic makers from the centre of town, rarher than those in world-famous Murano. This safeguards their 18th-century mastery and supports the search for future generations to whom they can pass their secrets in a region at risk of losing its artists.