AHLA Partners With IncentiFind to Identify Sustainability-Related Savings for Owners, Operators
AHLA | October 30th, 2023
SH Hotels & Resorts to Open First U.S. Treehouse Hotel in Sunnyvale, California
Treehouse Hotels | September 26th, 2022
HVS Monday Musings: Sustainability in the Hotel Industry Is Crucial to Combat Climate Change
Mandeep S Lamba | November 22, 2021
By Mandeep S Lamba, Dipti Mohan Extreme weather, rising sea levels, melting glaciers, storms, and cyclones across the world are undeniable proof of climate change's pervasive influence, which has resulted in massive social and economic losses in recent years. India has not been immune, with devastating floods, cloudbursts, and landslides wreaking havoc in numerous states this year alone. International organizations and governments from all over the world have recognized the crisis and are working together to reduce the impact and safeguard the environment for future generations. At the recently concluded COP 26 UN Climate Change ...
Top Players in Hotel Industry Build Inclusive Sustainability Framework Accessible for All Hotels of the World
November 11, 2021
Shanghai, Paris, Brussels – November 11, 2021 – Jin Jiang International (Holdings) Co., Ltd. including their affiliates Jin Jiang Hotels, Louvre Hotels Group and Radisson Hotel Group, and other leading groups with 25,000 hotels total, launch an initiative to set common definition of hotel sustainability to drive responsible travel & tourism. In a unique cooperation between the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and leading hotel companies, in consultation with distribution partners and key Tourism & Travel stakeholders, the hotel industry celebrates a responsible return to business with an ...
How Addressing ESG Can Also Save Hotels Money
October 7, 2021
Recent weather disasters, social unrest and a heightened awareness of racial bias have prompted hoteliers to double down on their commitments to become better corporate citizens and do more to address environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. These are moves toward a social good, sure, but also have ramifications on hotel company P&Ls. Marriott International, for one. It recently announced a commitment to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. The pledge follows the previous setting of goals by the massive global company to reduce single-use plastics, cut down on food waste by 50% and significantly amp up the...
BENCHMARK® Raises the Bar on Sustainable Dining, Partnering With Two Environmental Brand Leaders, Verlasso and Revol
BENCHMARK, a global hospitality company | September 27, 2021
The Woodlands (Houston), Texas — September 27, 2021 — Sustainable fish farming in ocean waters, environmental preservation, and a healthful, delicious salmon served on stylish and eco-friendly French dinnerware unite in two new partnerships forged by BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company. Noted brand leaders in sustainable practices, Verlasso and Revol join Benchmark in its ongoing efforts to provide carefully sourced, healthful and environmentally responsible food, coupled with an exceptional guest experience. Verlasso is a salmon brand, sustainably farmed in Chile’s Patagonian region. The company farms salmon by taking th...
Best Circular Economy Practices in Hotels: the Producer and Consumer Perspective
Dr Luciano Lopez | September 22, 2021
What is Circular Economy? One definition of economics is to understand how the economic agents make their decisions to satisfy their unlimited needs under the constraint of limited resources. Even though it has been clear for many decades that resources are scarce and that some will be completely depleted in the coming years, concrete solutions to reduce or optimize consumption and production are still underexplored. For instance, even though the concept of circular economy (CE) has been around for 50 years (Ellen McArthur Foundation), it has become popular only recently. Our preliminary research on the topic of circular economy practice...
Benefits and Difficulties of CSR Management in Travel and Leisure Companies
Dr Alessandro Inversini | September 13, 2021
The Covid-19 crisis has reinforced the strategic importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for all organizations. In particular, the pandemic has fostered awareness that firms must introduce responsible policies and processes that focus management attention on long-term sustainability over short-term profits. Managing CSR issues is a necessary way to build consumer confidence & embrace business recovery Awareness is even greater across firms in the Travel and Leisure (T&L) industries whose business has been impacted dramatically by the crisis, as customers halted their buying decisions and business trips. Yet, academic sch...
Sustainability in Hospitality: Putting Construction Issues First
Dr Ricardo J. Da Silva Lima | September 9, 2021
Dr Steffen Raub & Dr Ricardo J. Da Silva Lima Hospitality firms are increasingly keen to jump on the sustainability bandwagon. However, too often they get lost in the complexity of the subject and limit their engagement to unimaginative solutions such as towel reuse in bathrooms. Much larger challenges loom in the physical infrastructure of the hotel itself. In this short paper we outline some important sustainability challenges for hotels from a building perspective. It’s all about energy When asked about the top three sustainability issues related to commercial buildings, most experts will tell you: energy, en...
How to Communicate CSR Effectively on Social Media?
Dr Alessandro Inversini | September 1, 2021
When a business communicates its practices of corporate social responsibility via social media platforms, how effective and impactful is this communication on its audience? CSR, a relevant aspect for all businesses Academic literature and practical evidence suggests that both large international firms and small privately-owned businesses are investing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR can be understood and defined as a series of activities and policies that encompass a firm’s responsibility for its impacts on society and the environment. CSR has become popular in the last decades with companies of all sizes engaging...
Sustainable Travel 2021: On the Way to Net-Zero Emissions
July 27, 2021
By Gaïane Herrero Before Covid19, the hospitality industry accounted for around 10% of our global economy. In 2019, no less than 15,000 hotels were in the pipeline attesting to the industry growth and place in our society (Hotel Management). In such a thriving industry implemented changes can have a global impact not only on its activities but also on other industries. As we face difficult times with the Covid19 and the climate change crises, it is time for us as an industry to take a stand and inspire others with our actions. The hospitality industry must change to strive in the long-term and has the chance to inspire others by...
ESG in Hotel Real Estate: Systemic Solutions for a Systemic Problem
Kimberly Yoong | June 24, 2021
By Kimberly Yoong The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reported that in 2019, emissions from building operations had reached record-high levels and estimated that direct building carbon emissions must be halved by 2030 in order to reach 2050 net-zero targets. Meanwhile, from the hotel sector’s standpoint, the situation is not anymore rosy: as the industry’s global footprint continues to grow rapidly, hotels will need to reduce their absolute carbon emissions by 66% by 2030 and 90% by 2050, to avoid a corresponding increase in carbon emissions. A social awakening on all levels For decades, we have been putting off envi...
Sustainable Hospitality Design: Catching Up
Scott P. Rosenberg | June 3, 2021
By Scott Rosenberg The world’s environment is affected primarily by real estate, transportation, and manufacturing. Due to the influence that these industries have on each other, it is clear that designing and operating sustainable buildings have a tremendous impact on the environment. Some of the concerns addressed by sustainability practices include inefficient site planning; lack of smart growth; waste of water, electricity, and energy; overconsumption and excessive waste; not using sustainable materials; minimizing transportation; the lack of healthy indoor air quality; increased pollution; depletion of the ozone layer; and climate...
New Research Shows New Net Zero Model Brings Benefits for Hotel Sector
IHG Hotels & Resorts | May 4, 2021
A new paper co-authored by international property consultancy Gleeds, global engineering and design consultancy Arup, global hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts, and energy management and automation specialist Schneider Electric has revealed how the hotel industry can tackle the net zero carbon challenge and save £millions in the process. Entitled ‘Transforming Existing Hotels to Net Zero’, the team compiling the research used a real-life case study to consider what opportunities exist to decarbonise existing hotels and drive operational energy to net zero carbon. With energy consumption typically accounting for as much as 60...
How Online Consumer Reviews Impact the Future of Sustainable Practice
March 9, 2021
By Aurore Beaussaut, Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios Why are some hoteliers still lagging behind? All business must embrace sustainability, especially at a time when customers are more enlightened and informed about their purchase choices. Media suggests that ethical and sustainable issues have become a key consideration for consumers. Unsurprisingly, concerns for the environment are becoming increasingly important for the tourism industry. More hoteliers recognize environmental, social and financial factors. A growing number of pro-environmental hotels are at the cutting-edge of sustainable accommodation. However, the large majority of est...
Sustainable Hotel Management: Trends Hoteliers Should Know in 2021
Natacha Reymond | February 24, 2021
Along with the pandemic and associated health and economic concerns, climate change is driving the world’s agenda. Business leaders everywhere are wrestling with how to respond to rising public and political pressure and align their systems and operations with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, established to keep global warming below 2°C and ideally 1.5°C. None more so than for hotels, that means reducing their emissions by 90 percent by 2050. Let’s take a look at what sustainable hotel management means in 2021. Why sustainable management matters for hotels Along with hotels, the transportation and food and beverage industrie...
IHG Hotels & Resorts Reveals Guests’ Growing Passion to Travel Better
IHG | February 15, 2021
People are more mindful than ever about travelling consciously following the Covid-19 pandemic, reveals a new global survey by IHG® Hotels & Resorts. The research is commissioned as part of IHG’s launch of ‘Journey to Tomorrow’: a 10-year action plan comprising a series of far-reaching new commitments to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel. 60 per cent of the 9,000 adults surveyed across the US, UK, Germany, Greater China, the UAE and Australia agree that they want to be more environmentally and socially conscious on their travels. This is led by 69 per cent of younger travellers (aged 18 t...
Hospitality’s Role in Driving Sustainability and Community Projects
August 11, 2020
As one of the world’s largest industries, it’s up to travel and tourism to lead the way toward a carbon-smart, sustainable future that contributes to the well-being of people and the planet. This means giving back to local communities, particularly now, since so many places around the world that depend on visitors are struggling as a consequence of COVID-19. Even before the virus took its devastating toll on the industry, visitors have been looking for ways to create deeper and more meaningful connections with the places they care about - a trend known as voluntourism. Voluntourism, when done right, is a win-win situation for everyone:...
Sustainability: More Relevant to the Future of Tourism Than Ever?
July 7, 2020
As lockdowns begin lift and people start to travel again, hotels are scrambling to figure out the new normal. Experts confirm that those owners and managers who focus on innovation and sustainability will be most likely to bounce back and thrive in the future. A sustainable approach will be key in driving economic development globally. In fact, as travel restrictions have begun to lift, UNWTO secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili remarked, “The timely and responsible easing of travel restrictions will help ensure the many social and economic benefits that tourism guarantees will return in a sustainable way. This will contribute to the live...
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Enhances Commitment to Sustainability and Transparency by Publishing Third-Party Certified Environmental Product Declarati
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions | May 12, 2020
Worldwide provider of security access solutions demonstrates product life cycle transparency and ongoing support of waste reduction while enhancing customer abilities to achieve certifications such as LEED, Green Globes and BREEAM. Stockholm – May 12, 2020 – ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has announced its latest achievement in maintaining a priority on sustainability and transparency with the recent publication of third-party certified Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for 18 of its security-based solutions. ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions worked with Sustainable Solutions Corporation to conduct the Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and pu...
Simple Steps Hotels Can Take for Climate Consciousness
Larry Mogelonsky | January 22, 2020
By Larry Mogelonsky, MBA, P. Eng. (www.hotelmogel.com) Unarguably, the climate has noticeably changed in recent years. Weather patterns are more erratic and less predictable. Along the eastern side of North America, this currently means less snow. But for other places, like Australia, the perilousness of the situation may result in swift corrective legislation. Despite any rhetoric or debate, the fact is that every hotelier needs to recognize that being a good corporate citizen means doing your part. At all costs, you want to avoid being labeled a violator of our planet’s ecosystem, especially when there are many simple yet visible st...
Sustainable Tourism: Why Should Hotels Lead in This Effort?
Lisa Xie | January 21, 2020
Sustainable tourism has grown significantly is the last few years. Why and how can hotels implement more sustainable practices, taking inspiration from the UN SDGs? By Lisa Xie The tourism industry has one of the highest growth rates out of all industries in the world, accounting for 10.4% of global GDP and 319 million jobs (10% of total employment in 2018)1.. At the moment, there is no sign of a slump in this trend. In 2018, 1.4 billion international tourist arrivals were recorded (up 47% from the 2010s' 950.8 million) and the number is expected to rise to 1.8 billion in 2030. Hotels are only one of the many actors that play a big...
Sustainable Hotels: Learnings from Designing a Carbon-Positive Hotel
the authors | December 19, 2019
With over 60% of consumers world-wide worried about climate change, the notion of sustainability has become more pressing than ever. Designing a Carbon-Positive Hotel – Challenges From Single-Use Plastic Ban to Carbon-Neutrality: what practices should be embraced by sustainable hotels While working on the assignment of designing a climate positive hotel, we conducted research about the biggest carbon emitters and challenges of hotels. Our research concluded that greenwashing is one the biggest issues the industry is facing. Greenwashing is the act of companies trying to attract the growing green market through false public relations ...
10 Ways Hoteliers Can Achieve Additional LEED Credits
Kacey Bradley | December 19, 2019
By Kacey Bradley Two-thirds of today's travelers want to stay in an eco-friendly hotel, according to a survey by TripAdvisor.com. As such, earning a LEED certification opens the door to a huge group of potential clients who want to stay in green quarters. Of course, becoming a LEED-certified hotel isn't an easy process. Normally, you have to follow three steps: registering your project, presenting your eco-friendly facets and submitting the application. Once you earn your approval, you'll fall under one of four levels to determine the standard of eco-friendliness in your accommodation: LEED-certified: 40 to 49 points Silver: 50...
Saving on Utility Bills in Hotels
Sam Reed | December 18, 2019
There are close to 50,000 hotels and motels in the United States, and they spend around 6 percent of their operating costs on energy each year, according to Energy Star. Most of that is used for lighting and climate control. Because hotels and motels operate 24 hours per day, those two things run almost constantly. Making a few energy-efficient changes can make a big difference. Energy consumption at hotels also accounts for 60 percent of its carbon footprint. Upgrade your lighting Most of the changes to lighting can be done inexpensively while cutting a hotel’s energy bill by as much as 20 percent, according to Carbon Trust. Car...
Hilton Expands Food Donation Initiative to Nearly 300 Hotels in Time for the Holidays
Hilton | December 12, 2019
Hilton’s efforts will feed more than 160,000 annually, while diverting millions of pounds of food waste from landfills McLean, Va. - As the holiday season approaches, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is announcing the expansion of its innovative food donation initiative to all of its managed hotels across the United States and Canada, representing one of the largest hotel food donation programs to date. The company expects to donate nearly 100 tons of food over the next year — enough to feed more than 160,000 people — while also diverting millions of pounds of food waste from landfills. “We have a century-long tradition at Hilton of playing...