In the September 2012 edition of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in the US, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company was cited for several innovative and highly successful social and environmental initiatives.

"I could not be more proud to receive this award on behalf of our 40,000 Ritz-Carlton ladies and gentlemen around the world; all of whom are committed to making a difference to these lives of others in their communities" said Hervé Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton.

The annual Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards recognizes companies who are true global citizens. The magazine has been encouraging and supporting the travel industry do-the-right-thing initiatives since its launch 25 years ago. According to Condé Nast Traveler, the resorts, hotels, cruise lines, airlines, and tour operators they celebrate prove that when you give your travel dollars to socially and environmentally responsible companies, you can have superb travel experience and, at the same time, know you have helped the planet and its people.

The "Doing it All" World Savers award celebrates the overall winners in eight industry sectors. The Ritz-Carlton won in the category of large hotel chain (more than 20 hotels), for the work conducted within its Community Footprints framework at its 80 properties worldwide.

"Engage. Contribute. Inspire. These are the guiding principles of Community Footprints, and this philosophy has served us well since 1983, when our first mission statement vowed that all Ritz-Carlton hotels would be "positive, supportive members of their communities and sensitive to the environment" said Sue Stephenson, Vice President, Community Footprints, The Ritz-Carlton.  "Through Community Footprints, we are taking our sense of doing the right thing as a company and expanding our outreach on a global basis. Our hotels and resorts recognize there can be no greater reward than giving back to those most in need," she added.

The Ritz-Carlton strives to make a meaningful difference in communities around the world. Tackling poverty by building homes, providing food, and offering education and training services to those who otherwise wouldn't have options to secure competitive jobs and break the cycle of poverty. The Ritz-Carlton is also committed to working towards a more sustainable future by protecting and preserving natural resources and minimizing the impact on the environment by reducing energy and water consumption; sourcing environmentally preferred products; increasing local and organic dining options by partnering with local farmers, growers and seafood purveyors; creating green construction standards for hotel developers, and engaging employees and guests in conservation efforts

Through the third pillar of Community Footprints, the company also supports disadvantaged children who lack access to opportunity and education, and are at risk of exploitation.  Through the Community Footprints "Succeed Through Service" program, they engage and inspire at-risk young students from low-income surroundings. The one-year curriculum focuses on career exploration, life-skills training and community projects to help young students focus on a future that unlocks their potential and overcome the challenges of life. Since the program's launch in 2010, over 9,000 children have benefitted from Succeed Through Service. The aim is simple – to nurture inspiration.

In 2011, The Ritz-Carlton made cash and in-kind donations valued at $4,425,250 to charitable organizations and contributed over 80,000 volunteer hours.