Name: Jeffery Smith Title: Vice President Sustainability Company: Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas Years in Current Position: Two Years, Six Months Primary Responsibilities: Managing operational impacts across 18 hotels and 32 spas, while supporting sustainable development for a pipeline of projects that grows the brand to touch on six continents. Organization’s most significant accomplishment in global corporate responsibility: “We eliminated plastic amenity bottles in 2003, plastic straws in 2016, and have been using coral safe sunscreen since 2019. Also, in every hotel there is a provision for funding to be spent outside the hotel operation. It allows each hotel to decide what is locally...

There are many sides to sustainability. The concept is most associated with being earth-friendly: mindful use of renewable resources, attentive recycling practices, and limiting energy use in an effort to put less stress on the environment. In the hospitality industry, sustainability generally refers to sourcing green materials and engaging in energy-efficient practices, from recommending the reuse of towels—the better to save water and power—to shutting down conference rooms when not in use. But sustainability is also about putting people first. In the hospitality industry, this attitude comes naturally: the guest experience is always the priority. Nevertheless, lighting control is often overlooked as...

ASPEN, COLO.—The COVID-19 crisis has been profoundly disruptive for the hospitality industry, so it’s not the time one would imagine a resort would be enhancing its focus on sustainability and environmental initiatives. But the Aspen Meadows Resort isn’t a typical hotel. As the original home to The Aspen Institute—which gathers leaders, scholars, and others to address some of the world’s most complex problems, including climate change—the Meadows is able to leverage the Institute’s guidance to operate more harmoniously with nature. The Aspen Institute’s Energy and Environment Program and its Green Team, a volunteer committee focused on implementing sustainability initiatives within the Aspen...

In Japan, Toshiba is using its advancements in hydrogen energy in an innovative “Hydrogen Hotel” project, to help Kawasaki City overcome the city’s pollution problem. Opened on June 1, 2018, the hydrogen hotel in Kawasaki City is an innovative project, where the hotel creates hydrogen from waste plastics to supply about 30 percent of the energy the hotel needs. In the first year after its opening, the hotel ran a test in which it recycled even the amenities used in the hotel rooms (toothbrushes, hair combs) as feedstocks for hydrogen production. Headquartered in Kawasaki City, and having researched fuel cell...

CINCINNATI—The Procter & Gamble Co. announced a new commitment to have its global operations be carbon neutral for the decade through a series of interventions that protect, improve and restore nature. Recognizing the next decade represents a critical window for the world to accelerate progress on climate change, P&G will go beyond its existing Science Based Target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by additionally advancing a portfolio of natural climate solutions. These efforts will deliver a carbon benefit that balances any remaining emissions over the next 10 years, allowing P&G operations to be carbon neutral for...

HARRISBURG, PA.—Hersha Hotels and Resorts (Hersha Hospitality Trust) has released its 2019 Hersha EarthView Sustainability Report. The 35-page report summarizes Hersha’s 2019 impact and the strides it has made in its environmental, social, and governance efforts towards a more sustainable, connected, and inclusive world. For those of you not familiar with Hersha, a Real Estate Investment Trust, the company owns and operates 48 upscale, luxury and lifestyle hotels in urban gateway markets and coastal destinations. Hersha’s EarthView program has existed since 2010. According to Hersha, $100 million in portfolio value has been attributed to EarthView as of 2019. EarthView has...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) announced that October’s “Best of HFTP” in-person events will pivot to a virtual “Cyber HITEC.” The in-person event, which included HITEC San Antonio, HFTP Annual Convention, Entrepreneur 20X and Club Forum, was scheduled for October 26 to 29, 2020 in San Antonio, Texas. In response to the continued health safety concerns and travel restrictions related to the current pandemic, the HFTP Global Board of Directors has determined it is best to switch gears and concentrate efforts on a virtual program. It is making this decision well-ahead of time to allow participants, exhibitors,...

AUSTIN, TEXAS—Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) is ready to usher in a return of the face-to-face, hospitality meeting with its upcoming North American Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC). Raising the event’s relevance are three innovative strategists who will deliver thought-provoking keynotes responsive to today’s recovering hospitality climate. These big picture sessions will explore how to raise your company’s digital profile—Erik Qualman; emerging technologies important for adapting to the new hotel environment—John Picard; and what customer service will look like post-pandemic—Justin Taillon, MBA, Ph.D. HFTP CEO Frank Wolfe, CAE, FIH says, “Right now gathering to share knowledge, generate...

NATIONAL REPORT—For good reason, becoming more environmentally friendly is now a priority among many property owners worldwide. With the threat of a looming climate crisis, it makes sense that those who can adjust to become more eco-conscious and environmentally friendly do so. As such, this article will be looking into small changes that don’t require heavy expenditure or lots of man hours to put into place that can be done either by yourself or with the help of a professional. We’ve been sure to weigh up the environmental cost of each change to make sure the fix isn’t as harmful...

NATIONAL REPORT—At a time of low occupancies caused by COVID-19, spending money on upgrades other than those related to cleaning and maintenance is likely not a priority. At least one company, however, is offering a “pay as you save” program that makes investing in LED lighting upgrades very enticing. “Through our ‘pay as you save’ program, it is zero down with very low interest rates. In most cases reductions in lighting costs are greater than the cost of the new lighting,” says John Hutchcroft, V.P. of Field Development, YellowBlueLED. “For the most part they are immediately cash flow positive and...