I N N E R   C I R C L E

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As the world faces climate change and environmental challenges, sustainability has become a key trend in the future development of the tourism industry. It is our collective responsibility to contribute more to the environment and society when we travel, so we invite you to join us in shaping a new era of sustainability for our industry.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE ACTION

EarthCheck, the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organizations, and RCI Sustainability Group, a consulting firm specializing in sustainable design and ESG, jointly host the ‘2024 EarthCheck Inner Circle Sustainability Forum’ in Taipei, Taiwan. This annual global summit brings together the world’s leading experts in sustainable tourism to share key knowledge, experience and wisdom while showcasing visionary milestones for sustainable tourism. The goal for Inner Circle, as always, is to empower industry leaders to take forward the knowledge shared and apply it to their own operations and destinations.

The World's Leading Sustainable Tourism Certification Organization

Since 1987, EarthCheck has been helping businesses, communities and governments deliver sustainable, clean, safe and prosperous destinations for travellers to visit, live, work and play. EarthCheck understands the value of big ideas and the importance of clear communication, and believes that what is Good for Business is also Good for the Planet.

EarthCheck helps tourism businesses and destinations become more sustainable through certification, consulting, training and software solutions.

Their certification programs are respected by travellers, brands and destinations globally, and help consumers make informed decisions about the tourism experiences they choose.

When a travel business displays an EarthCheck certification badge, it signifies that they have been through a rigorous science-backed, people-focused sustainability certification process. This gives them the tools they need to measure their impact, and to make business decisions that save money, resources and the planet.

Domestic and International Green Building Certification Integration Experts

RCI Sustainability Group, established in 2013, is focused on creating a healthier, more sustainable and prosperous world by decarbonizing the built environment and inspiring a net zero future.

They work towards providing a healthy, safe, and sustainable green building environment through professional consulting, sustainability building certification, performance verification, indoor environmental testing and monitoring services, and solutions for building optimization.

RCI services are widely recognized by domestic and international clients, assisting them on their sustainability journey through every stage of the building lifecycle.

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Stewart Moore
CEO & Founder of EarthCheck

Stewart Moore is one of the most experienced planning and ...

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Jenny De Saulles
Director of Urban Development, Ireland

Jenny has worked with Fáilte, Ireland for over 15 years ...

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Steve Newman
Chief Sustainability Officer of EarthCheck

Steve has worked as a Chief Sustainability Officer within thehospitality...

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Dr John Paolo Rivera
Professor at Philippine Development Institute and Asian Institute of Management

John Paolo R. Rivera is a researcher and professor at the ...

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Daniel Gschwind
Professor of Practice at Griffith University

Daniel Gschwind is Professor of Practice in the Griffith ...

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Tim Kobe
Founder and CEO of X8 Ventures

Tim Kobe is a distinguished designer and the founder of Eight Inc, a renowned design firm that ...

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Shawn Jang
Founder and General Manager of RCI Sustainability Group

Shawn Jang is a recognized leader in the global sustainability industry...

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Jason Wang
R&D Director of Business Today

Currently, Jason Wang is in charge of ESG and Sustainable ...

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S. Steven Pan
Chairman of Silks Hotel Group

S. Steven Pan is the Executive Chairman of Silks Hotel Group and the ...

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Eliza Li
Chairperson of Sustainability Services Company, PwC Taiwan

Master of Accounting from The George Washington University/Gra...

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James Chung
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), China Airlines

Currently, James Chung is the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of China Airlines, ...

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Sammy Su
Head of Sustainability Strategy of TÜV Rheinland

As Head of Sustainability Strategy at TÜV Rheinland and Advisor to RE100’s local ...

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Jack Wu
Chairman of FARGLORY Recreation & Hospitality

Promote participation:Led the BOT project for the New Banqiao ...

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Jeffrey Liu
Founder of Twice a Week Inc.

Le Cordon Bleu-trained restaurateur with decades of experience in building ...

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John Liao
Vice President of RCI Sustainability Group

John graduated from The Ohio State University and possesses extensive...

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Jason Wang

R&D Director of Business Today

Currently, Jason Wang is in charge of ESG and Sustainable Taiwan Operations of "Business Today", leading the sustainable management issues of Taiwanese companies. He graduated from National Taiwan University's GMBA, Tamkang University's Graduate School of American Studies, and the News Group of the Department of Mass Communication at Fu Jen Catholic University. He has served as Chief Editor of the Digital Content Editorial Department of "Business Weekly", Chief Editor of "Business Today", Senior Correspondent of Reuters, and Senior Editor of "Wealth Magazine."

Stewart Moore

CEO & Founder of EarthCheck

Stewart Moore is one of the most experienced planning and management consultants in the Asia-Pacific region. He has over 30 years of experience in a wide range of disciplines from business and strategic planning, policy development, tourism destination management and marketing, sustainability, risk management and corporate and social responsibility.

Jenny De Saulles

Director of Urban Development, Ireland

Jenny has worked with Fáilte, Ireland for over 15 years in both national and regional roles working on Destination, Product, Industry and Commercial Development. Jenny De Saulles also has extensive FMCG experience, previously working with Nestlé across the globe in a variety of commercial roles as well as in private consultancy.

Eliza Li

Chairperson of Sustainability Services Company, PwC Taiwan

Eliza Li is the Leader of Sustainability and Climate Change Services at PwC Taiwan. With her CPA qualification in Taiwan, US and China, and years of capital market and financial reporting advisory services experiences, in 2013, Eliza started her journey of helping Taiwan companies in the areas of sustainability roadmap and strategy, Net Zero carbon emission planning, ESG and climate governance, Carbon Disclosure Program (CDP) and Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) performance improvement, Social Return on Investment (SROI), Science-Based Target (SBT) and Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) implementation and preparation of Sustainability Report. As a CPA, Eliza also provides assurance service on Sustainability Report. With her diversal consulting experiences in financial and non-financial areas for Taiwan companies, Eliza is a frequent speaker in different forums and universities providing her insights in Sustainability trends and developments.

John Paolo R. Rivera

Professor at Philippine Development Institute and Asian Institute of Management

John Paolo R. Rivera is a researcher and professor at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) and the Asian Institute of Management (AIM). He focuses on socioeconomic research, particularly in macroeconomics, tourism development, and poverty economics. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, with over 1,000 citations on topics like sustainable tourism and youth entrepreneurship. His work significantly contributes to economic policy discussions in the Philippines, making him a key figure in both academic and policy-making circles.

S. Steven Pan

Chairman of Silks Hotel Group

S. Steven Pan is the Executive Chairman of Silks Hotel Group and the listed FIH Corporation in Taipei, which is the leading listed hospitality company in Taiwan. Silks Group consists of 4 hotel brands including international luxury Regent, cultural luxury Silks Place, hotspring resort Wellspring and boutique hotel JUSTSLEEP brands. FIH is the owner and developer of Group’s flagship Regent Taipei Hotel and Regent Galleria, the first luxury hotel and retail mixed use complex in Asia. The Group also manages Regent branded residences and listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REITs) in Taiwan. Steven obtained a BA in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley in 1986 and an MBA from Columbia Business School in 1988. Prior to joining FIH in 1991 he was an Associate at First Boston.

Shawn Jang

Founder and General Manager of RCI Sustainability Group

Shawn Jang is a recognized leader in the global sustainability industry, dedicating over 20 years to fostering a greener, healthier built environment. He has successfully managed and implemented sustainable design strategies for corporate programs worldwide, helping clients achieve their environmental goals.

Shawn actively shapes the sustainability landscape by serving on the LEED Steering Committee, contributing as a reviewer for educational content, and leading workshops across Asia. He also brings his expertise to academia as an assistant professor at Feng Chia University, where he teaches the first international LEED Lab.

As the founder and visionary behind RCI Sustainability Group, RCI has become a trailblazer in the region, pioneering the introduction of internationally recognized certifications such as LEED, WELL, EarthCheck, and UL Healthy Building Program. RCI forward-thinking approach has revolutionized how sustainability is perceived and implemented across the building sector, setting new benchmarks for excellence and environmental stewardship.

At RCI Sustainability, Shawn’s leadership is more than just a title—it’s a movement. His work is a testament to the power of vision, challenging the status quo, and setting a new course for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world.

John Liao

Vice President of RCI Sustainability Group

John graduated from The Ohio State University and possesses extensive cross-disciplinary experience. He has been involved in automotive business development at Inchcape Group in Hong Kong, B2B corporate channel strategy integration and sales at Staples Inc. in the U.S., and the export of machinery manufacturing, accumulating broad expertise across various fields. Since joining RCI Sustainability in 2020, he has led the company's business development and marketing department, applying sharp market insights and strategic planning to drive business growth and deepen the client base. He excels at building and maintaining long-term partnerships by prioritizing client needs and helping the company stay at the forefront of sustainable development trends.

Jack Wu

Chairman of FARGLORY Recreation & Hospitality
  • Education
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA), John Molson School of Business, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
  • Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA), College of Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
  • Professional Experience
  • General Manager, Caesar Park Hotel Kenting
  • General Manager, Caesar Park Hotel Taipei
  • General Manager, Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao
  • Vice President, Caesar Park Hotels and Resorts
  • Chairman, Farglory Leisure and Recreation Business Group
  • Expertise
  • Marketing and branding strategy
  • Hotel management and operations
  • Brand development
  • Public-Private Partnership

Promote participation:Led the BOT project for the New Banqiao International Tourist Hotel

Jack Wu graduated with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the John Molson School of Business, Concordia University in Montreal, Canada . In 2007, he earned an Executive MBA (EMBA) from the College of Management, National Taiwan University .

Steve Newman

Chief Sustainability Officer of EarthCheck

Steve has worked as a Chief Sustainability Officer within thehospitality industry for almost a decade, giving him a deepunderstanding of sustainable operations, management andstrategy. He has designed, led and delivered projects across allaspects of ESG, translating complex issues to actionable, targeted,initiatives across different cultures and geographies, and hasproduced multiple award-winning ESG investor reports. Prior toworking in the hospitality industry, Steve spent ten years inacademia as an ecologist specialising in ecological and climatechange modelling, working in SIDS to understand and managenatural resources. Steve has spent a decade in each of theAmericas and Asia, employing a stakeholder engaged approach toempower businesses to create, measure and communicate positivesustainable impact.

Daniel Gschwind

Professor of Practice at Griffith University

Daniel Gschwind is Professor of Practice in the Griffith Institute for Tourism at Griffith University since August 2022. He was the CEO of Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) from 2001 to 2022, representing the industry in numerous committees and forums. He is an Adjunct Professor at University of Queensland since 2002. Daniel is also the Chair of Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ), the Chair of the Tourism Reef Advisory Committee of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the Chair of QMF: Queensland Music Trails, a Director and founding member of the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre (RRRC) and a Director of Tourism Whitsundays. He previously served as a member of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) from 2009 to 2013.

He is the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Queensland.

Earlier in his career Daniel was involved in yacht charter operations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean before relocating to Australia where he completed an Honours Degree in Economics at the University of Queensland. He worked as a Senior Economist for the Queensland Treasury for six years before taking on his tourism roles.

Sammy Su

Head of Sustainability Strategy of TÜV Rheinland

DAs Head of Sustainability Strategy at TÜV Rheinland and Advisor to RE100’s local partner in Taiwan, Sammy Su plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability initiatives and champions public-private partnerships to advocate for government policies and drive industry solutions toward ESG and sustainability goals.

Over the past decade, Sammy has collaborated with global, regional, and Taiwanese partners, including RE100, the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), BloombergNEF, Taiwan Power Company, CPC Taiwan, and Taiwan International Ports Corp., to lead flagship projects and author eight influential reports, including the 'Taiwan Energy Market Briefing: Net-Zero Plan and Aggregated PPAs' (co-published with RE100 in December 2022) and the 'Paving the Way to Net Zero Power' report (co-published with Taipower in December 2023).

James Chung

Sustainability Officer (CSO), China Airlines

Currently, James Chung is the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of China Airlines, leading the company’s sustainable development strategies and practices, and supervising the implementation of external sustainability issues engagement and cooperation affairs.

James graduated from Northrop University in the United States with a master's degree in electrical engineering and an MBA in aerospace management from Toulouse Business School in France. He has more than 30 years of experience in a wide range of fields at China Airlines and has complete qualifications. He has worked at China Airlines Maintenance Division, He also serves as the manager of the Corporate Development Office and is familiar with aviation industry development trends and industry competition trends. He has also been assigned to Okinawa Branch and European regional branches as outstation supervisors, and served as director of the Alliance Affairs Office of SkyTeam Airline Alliance, responsible for the company's Communicate on airline alliance affairs and promote business cooperation among member companies.

Jeffrey Liu

Founder of Twice a Week Inc.
  • Professional Experience
  • Le Cordon Bleu-trained restaurateur with decades of experience in building successful dining concepts in a competitive industry.
  • Featured by Prestige 40 under 40 and GQ’s Tastemakers of 2020.

Since 2022, Little Tree Food has consecutively earned the Michelin Green Star and Bib Gourmand recommendation for three years. The founder of Little Tree Food, Jeffrey, opened the first Little Tree Food in October 2017. Although he graduated with a degree in finance, he pursued his passion for culinary arts by studying at the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in California, combining his financial knowledge with food. He now has over a decade of experience in restaurant management.

As both the quality control and purchasing manager, Jeffrey insists on sourcing more than 90% of the ingredients directly from Taiwanese producers. He presents innovative and unique plant-based dishes using "whole foods." Little Tree Food is not exclusively for vegetarians but aims to show the public that plant-based cuisine is not limited to processed foods.

Jeffrey is dedicated to promoting the concept of being a flexitarian by having vegetarian meals twice a Week, which benefits the body and helps reduce carbon emissions to protect the planet. This approach naturally integrates healthy eating habits into daily life, like a small seedling gradually growing in everyone's heart. This is what "Little Tree Food" stands for.

Tim Kobe

Founder and CEO of X8 Ventures

Tim Kobe is a distinguished designer and the founder of Eight Inc, a renowned design firm that has worked with top-tier clients like Apple, Coca-Cola, Nike, and Virgin Atlantic. With a passion for creating meaningful experiences that resonate with people on a fundamental level, Kobe's design philosophy is rooted in his deep understanding of human behavior.

He holds a degree in Environmental Design from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, and has expertise in various design disciplines, including branding, product design, interior design, strategy, and communication. His work has won numerous international design awards and has been featured in publications across Asia, Europe, and the United States.

In addition to his design work, Kobe is an esteemed speaker and educator who has addressed various conferences and events worldwide. He has lectured at several prestigious design schools, including the National University of Singapore. He is an advisor to the board of Design Singapore Council and a frequent juror of the President Design Award Singapore, and is a trustee at Art Center College of Design.

Kobe also is Founder and CEO of X8 Ventures, an innovation consultancy that helps companies develop new products and services. He divides his time between United States and Asia where he continues to innovate and inspire the design industry. In 2021 he authored the book "Return On Experience," which delves into his design philosophy and approach to creating compelling experiences for customers.

AGENDA

【2024/10/23 EarthCheck Inner Circle Forum】
Time:09:25-16:35 (09:00-09:25 Registration)
Venue:Regent Taipei 3F Ballroom

09:00

Delegate registration

09:25

Welcome

09:30

Minister’s address
Deputy Director General, Tourism Administration, M.O.T.C., R.O.C.

09:40

Official welcome
Founder and General Manager of RCI Sustainability Group, Shawn Jang
CEO & Founder of EarthCheck, Stewart Moore

10:00

Ceremony
Celebrating 2024 EarthCheck certification in Taiwan

10:20

Theme 1
Establishing a Pathway to Sustainable Growth for Destinations

Lead Speaker:

Director of Sector Development Fáilte, Ireland, Jenny De Saulles

Panel Speakers:

Chairperson of Sustainability Services Company, PwC Taiwan, Eliza Li

Distinguished Guest :

Chairman of Silks Hotel Group, Steven Pan

Moderator Panel :

R&D Director of Business Today, Jason Wang

12:00

Lunch / Break Time

13:00

Official welcome

CEO & Founder of EarthCheck, Stewart Moore

13:10

Theme 2
Net Zero Planning: Strategies for Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Tourism

Lead Speaker:

Chief Sustainability Officer of EarthCheck, Dr Steve Newman

Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), China Airlines, James Chung

Panel Speakers:

Head of Sustainability Strategy of TÜV Rheinland, Sammy Su

Moderator Panel :

R&D Director of Business Today, Jason Wang

14:50

Theme 3
Community and Industry Engagement and Sustainable Tourism Development

Lead Speaker:

Philippine Institute for Development Studies, Asian Institute of Management, Dr John Paolo Rivera

Panel Speakers:

Professor of Practice at Griffith University, Daniel Gschwind

Chairman of FARGLORY Recreation & Hospitality, Jack Wu

Founder of Twice a Week Inc. Jeffrey Liu

Moderator Panel :

R&D Director of Business Today, Jason Wang

16:30

Final acknowledgments

Founder and General Manager of RCI Sustainability Group, RCI, Shawn Jang

CEO & Founder of EarthCheck, Stewart Moore

16:40

End
【2024/10/24 Elite Leaders Dialogue】by invitation only, not open for public registration.

Day 2 is an exclusive session with key clients and facilitators, centered on achieving commercial and operational outcomes in a collaborative environment. The day will begin with a summary of Day 1, followed by focused discussions led by our clients to address and resolve key challenges.

08:30

Delagates arrive

09:00

Opening

09:10

Guest Introduction

09:20

Summary of key issues

09:35

Topic 1
Sustainable Luxury- balancing profit, guest expectations and sustainability

10:20

Breaktime

10:30

Topic 2
Measuring and communicating sustainability and social impact

11:05

Topic 3
Climate Resilience (risk and crisis management) and the role played by biodiversity credits

11:40

Open Panel Discussion

11:55

Final acknowledgments

12:00

Lunch time

13:00

END

For event enquiries, please contact us at eddie@rci.green

【2024/10/25 Masterclass on Sustainable, Human-Centric Design with EarthCheck】
A paid event.

Day 3 is a one-day Masterclass on Sustainable Design exploring key concepts of sustainability with real world examples showcasing the impact and achievements made by EarthCheck accredited projects. The morning session will focus on building legacy through principles such as human-centric design and the well-being and needs of people, retail strategy and sustainability. The afternoon session features an introduction to EarthCheck’s Design Accredited Professional course, learning outcomes and how to implement EarthCheck’s sustainable design principles in a project. Through an interactive, hands-on workshop we’ll explore how to apply the concepts learned to hypothetical or existing projects.

08:30

Registration

09:00

Introduction to Sustainable Design and EarthCheck's Legacy
- Overview of EarthCheck's impact and achievements in sustainable design
- Discussion on the importance of building a legacy through sustainable practices

09:30

Human-Centric Design in the Built Environment
- Explore the principles of human-centric design, focusing on the well-being and needs of people, retail strategy and sustainability)
- Case studies highlighting successful human-centric design projects
- Interactive discussion on integrating these principles into current and future projects

10:30

Break Time

10:45

Development & Future Trends of Taiwan Hotels
- Understanding the current application trends in Taiwan
- Aligning with global environmental awareness
- Future goals and directions for infrastructure development

12:00

Lunch

13:30

Biodiversity
- Deeper understanding of biodiversity
- Q&A session to address specific queries and provide personalised guidance

14:00

Intro to EarthCheck Design Accredited Professional Certification [EDAP]
- Overview of the EDAP certification and its benefits.
- Explanation of the course structure and key learning outcomes.

15:00

Break Time

15:15

EDAP Core Modules
- Detailed exploration of the core modules within the EDAP course, focusing on practical application in real-world projects

16:45

Networking & Discussion
- Informal networking session where participants can discuss what they've learned, share ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

For event enquiries, please contact us at libby@rci.green

Registration

2024/10/23 Wed.

News

Traffic

Take the Sun Yat-sen Freeway and exit at the Chongqing North Road interchange. Turn left onto Minzu East Road and continue straight until you reach Linsen North Road, then turn right to arrive.

The hotel offers valet parking services. There is also a VIP parking area available on the 4th and 5th basement levels of the hotel for guests' convenience.

Take the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi line (Red Line) to Zhongshan Station and exit at Exit 3. It is about a 6-minute walk to the destination.

Buses: 218, 220, 221, 227, 247, 260, 261, 287, 310, 40, 636, 659. Get off at the Ambassador Hotel Bus Depot  and walk about 3 minutes to reach the destination.

Take the Taiwan High Speed Rail to Taipei Station, then transfer to the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi line to Zhongshan Station, Exit 3. It is about a 6-minute walk to the destination.