Evolving in Harmony with Place

It’s no coincidence that our story began beside a river. Here in Florence, along the most graceful stretch of the Arno, we’re surrounded by a current that never stands still — alive, fluid, ever-changing. Much like the city itself. Much like us. From this river, we’ve learned our most enduring lesson: to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in place. For us, sustainability is not a slogan but a way of honoring beauty — by preserving it, nurturing it, and returning it to the world each day through mindful choices, tangible gestures, and a quiet, steady commitment to the environment, to people, and to our community. It’s a journey where tradition and innovation meet, where roots and future move in rhythm — always forward, always with respect.

Our Daily Commitment

Every decision we make stems from a simple truth: every small act of change can become another step toward caring for our planet.

In line with the values of the Ferragamo family, where our roots lie, we dedicate ourselves each day to protecting the Earth, our local territory, and the people who make it thrive.

The Planet

At Portrait Firenze, we are committed every day to protecting and preserving our planet and its most precious resources by developing strategies and initiatives that minimize the environmental impacts of our daily operations:

We change linens every three days—unless our guests prefer otherwise—to reduce water and energy consumption. A small pinecone placed in each room helps us communicate this initiative and share our vision with those staying at our hotel.
We partner with Clean the World, the international non-profit that recovers and regenerates hotel toiletries for shelters serving people experiencing homelessness and for families in developing countries, where limited access to hygiene products can significantly contribute to illnesses, particularly among children.
All laundry operations use natural detergents, low-consumption machinery, and EU Ecolabel products.
By using in-room tablets (SuitePad) for guest communications and enabling digital check-out, we have almost completely eliminated paper from our daily operations.
We have installed motion sensors, high-efficiency windows, and low-energy lighting to ensure significant daily energy savings.
Sensor-activated taps and automatic irrigation for our planters promote more responsible water use.
In our suites we use recyclable aluminum coffee capsules; teas and beverages in biodegradable materials; refillable dispensers; and natural wooden accessories to eliminate single-use plastics. Cases and textiles are also selected according to sustainability and recyclability criteria.
We promote the reuse of in-room items—such as hairdryers, throws, and rugs—through sale or donation, and we support virtuous recycling initiatives like RE-CIG®, which transforms cigarette butts into reusable materials.
We believe in sustainable mobility—and our city makes it easy. We encourage guests to explore Florence in an eco-friendly way by providing bicycles and electric scooters, supporting a style of travel that respects the environment and celebrates freedom of movement.

Sustainability at the Table

At Caffè dell’Oro, our idea of sustainability is also about flavor and a sense of place.

Compostable napkins, biodegradable straws.
Use of brass placemats, easily washable and reusable, to reduce the impact associated with industrial washing, water discharge, and transportation.
Collaboration with Biova Project, which turns unsold bread into craft beer.
Partnership with Ecorec to recover used cooking oil for the production of biofuels.
Tuscan Juicery juices, made with zero-kilometre (km 0) ingredients and 100% renewable energy.

The Territory

Being welcomed to Florence also means giving back to the city’s beauty. We collaborate with Angeli del Bello on the “Il Bello dei Vicoli” project, supporting urban regeneration along the stretch between Ponte Vecchio and Ponte Santa Trinità. We also support EDELA, an association protecting the children orphaned by femicide, dedicating one dish on our menu to fund the cause. We promote solidarity initiatives such as donating clothing and materials no longer in use.

People

For us, sustainability is not only environmental—it’s also human. We respect and protect workers’ rights, ensuring safe, inclusive, and healthy workplaces. We collaborate with organizations to include protected categories in the workforce, and we promote training and internship programs for the new generations. Our Code of Ethics guides every choice: transparency, non-discrimination, protection of health, and fairness in relationships with all stakeholders.

Certifications and Awards

DCA (Dream & Charme Assurance) Certification Issued by Dream&Charme and recognized by ACCREDIA, this certifies the quality and sustainability of our properties. Compliant with European anti-greenwashing regulation 825/24, it is based on over 1,200 evaluation parameters. Thanks to this certification, Booking.com has awarded us Travel Sustainable Level 3+. GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) Certification Defines international standards for sustainable tourism, based on responsible management and respect for the environment, culture, and local communities.

You’re Part of Our Project We warmly welcome suggestions on how we can continue to generate a positive impact. Share your ideas by writing to portraitfirenze@lungarnocollection.com.

Evolving in Harmony with Place

Our Daily Commitment

The Planet

People

Certifications and Awards

Social Media