When hoteliers think about return on investment (ROI), the conversation often focuses exclusively on dollars—energy savings, reduced water bills, or increased occupancy. While those financial outcomes matter, they are often lagging indicators. What happens first—and what is equally valuable—is the non-financial ROI. These are the benefits that don’t show up immediately in the balance sheet but can transform how a hotel is perceived, how staff and guests engage, and how communities and investors respond. The following seven impact areas offer a roadmap for measuring non-financial ROI in sustainable hospitality, supported by practical examples and metrics. Brand Reputation & Trust Sustainability...

Last year saw the emergence of a new spectacle, with local residents in some major European tourist destinations undertaking very vocal protests against tourism, often armed with water pistols, to provide an amusing and newsworthy nuisance to some visitors. Whilst the sight of people squirting diners on Las Ramblas might have begun as an amusing diversion from the main news of the hour, its return in 2025 heralds a worrying trend but highlights a serious point. The protests this year in Spain, Portugal and Italy (though notably not France) are larger and better organized and, it is feared, could act as a deterrent to some...

In the hospitality industry, uptime is everything. From small inns to sprawling Vegas hotels, an unexpected power outage can result in lost revenue, frustrated guests, and reputational damage. These concerns explain why so many hotels across the United States install onsite generators to provide backup power. In the event of a grid failure, these tried and trusted pieces of equipment come online within seconds, keeping the lights on and ensuring operational continuity. Because backup generators operate under different conditions than primary equipment, they must maintain peak readiness while spending most of their time on standby. Therefore, it’s important to know what...

In the past, sustainability in hospitality was often considered a marketing “bonus”—a small checkbox for eco-friendly lighting or recycling bins in guestrooms. Today, that perception has shifted dramatically. For a growing segment of travelers—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—environmental responsibility is not just a preference. It is a deciding factor in where they choose to stay, dine, and spend their travel dollars. This generational shift is reshaping the hospitality industry. Hotels that align with climate-conscious values are building stronger brand loyalty, commanding premium rates, and future-proofing their operations against rising environmental regulations and resource costs. The Rise of the Climate-Conscious Traveler Multiple studies...

Facility managers looking for high-impact sustainability upgrades are turning to an often-overlooked fixture: the urinal. The shift toward waterless urinals, specifically, appears to be gaining momentum across commercial real estate, education, and healthcare sectors. This is because managers are under increased pressure to reduce water usage, trim utility expenses, and meet growing environmental compliance standards. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, each conventional urinal replaced with a waterless unit can save approximately 26,000 gallons of water annually. In a facility with 50 urinals, that's 1.3 million gallons saved per year—enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools. These aren’t minor efficiency tweaks....

In an industry where tight margins and high guest expectations intersect with the growing demand for sustainability, innovation is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Hotel operators today face rising energy costs, resource constraints, and labor challenges, all while striving to deliver exceptional guest experiences. At the heart of addressing these challenges is a technology that’s often misunderstood or underutilized: Artificial Intelligence (AI). While many hotels have adopted smart thermostats and automated check-in systems, the true potential of AI lies in its ability to unify and analyze the data these systems generate. Too often, AI is confined to individual...

For facilities in the hospitality and recreation industries, water is central to the guest experience, and managing it comes with unique challenges. From resorts with sparkling pools to water parks to swim schools, teams must balance guest satisfaction with water safety and compliance. Yet, even with seasoned operators, unexpected issues can arise, and these can lead to costly violations, system breakdowns or even serious health incidents. The Biggest Blind Spots One of the most persistent misconceptions is that visually clear water equals chemically safe water. Operators often prioritize aesthetics over water chemistry, assuming that if it looks good, it is good....

Pools are a popular amenity for hotel guests, as they provide a place for adults to relax and kids to play. While many hotels have pools open all year long, the long-awaited pool season is here for some in colder climates. Many outdoor pools opened around Memorial Day weekend, offering guests a place to refresh during their hotel stay. With hotel staff juggling multiple activities like guest bookings, room cleanings and room service, it is important that proper care and attention are also placed on pool maintenance. Pool chemicals and equipment are critical tools in pool operations to maintain proper...

Pest infestations can be a devastating blow to your business’s reputation. In today’s hyper-connected world, a single negative review or viral social media post can send shockwaves across your brand, impacting thousands or even millions of consumers in a matter of hours. The fallout from such incidents can tarnish a reputation and drive away loyal customers. Maintaining a pest-free environment for your guests is not just about safety and cleanliness, it is essential for safeguarding your brand’s integrity. Proactive pest prevention practices are at the core of a sustainable, forward-thinking pest management strategy, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience...

NATIONAL REPORT—Several large hotel brand companies in the United States, as well as hotel ownership groups, have now formally committed to require third-party sustainability certifications for their properties. These must be from an approved and generally known and respected nonprofit certification body like Audubon International. These companies have embarked on a sustainability transformation journey for their physical assets, along with program and employee behavior changes in their hotel operations. The goal is to positively impact team culture, their overall business, and the community. They deserve credit and recognition for showing such leadership for the hospitality asset class in commercial...