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...

Despite a challenging year for the electric vehicle (EV) industry, one truth remains constant: the future is still electric. While the current market may seem clouded by uncertainty—driven by shifting policy signals, cost concerns, and uneven infrastructure, there are powerful developments quietly setting the stage for a robust EV resurgence. From unprecedented charging infrastructure initiatives to supportive domestic policies, the groundwork for long-term success is being laid, even if the path is bumpy in the short term. The Current Climate: A Crossroads, Not a Crisis The EV market is experiencing what many experts would describe as a period of recalibration. The...

The hospitality industry is experiencing a period of adjustment. Multiple factors are converging to create a storm of uncertainty. However, a ray of hope is shining through in the form of the growing sustainability movement. The number of visitors from 20 major countries to the U.S. decreased by 10.3 percent this past March when compared to the same time last year. In addition, travel from Western Europe saw a noticeable drop of 17.2 percent, according to data by the U.S. International Trade Administration. This comes at a time when many of our neighbors to the North are also pausing on travel...

While the hospitality market’s sustainability ambitions have hit the launchpad here in the U.S., they haven’t quite reached a sustained orbit.  But we’re on our way, and to get there, our nation must first acknowledge that, at this moment, we’re trailing much of the world in this vital stewardship movement throughout. We’ve got a way to go. The commercial asset class of hospitality is still trailing behind much of the developed world to date. So, what in the world does that mean for our industry in 2025 and 2026? Many great sustainability technologies are now available, and more innovations enter the...

As more consumers and designers increasingly prioritize wellness, biophilic design has become a driving force in furniture manufacturing, especially within hospitality spaces. Beyond simply adding greenery, biophilic design extends to the materials and textures and is reflected in the craftsmanship that collectively shapes a space holistically. Incorporating biophilic elements into furniture manufacturing involves utilizing responsibly sourced materials like reclaimed wood, embracing organic forms, and applying textured finishes. It’s imperative for brands to design biophilic furniture that connects to nature while minimizing environmental impact. A commitment to durable, recyclable materials ensures that sustainability is built into every piece—without compromising the client’s...

Today’s design decisions for the hospitality industry, and the built environment generally, will have an impact on human health, ecosystem health, and planetary health for generations. So, it’s important that “cost” is appropriately defined and understood. This is made more complicated by a lack of published information (the majority of products used in the built environment do not fully disclose their contents and only a small minority of HPDs are prepared by an independent third party) and the prevalence of greenwashing. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or simply “vinyl”) is very familiar to many designers and has been for decades, so understandably,...

In today’s evolving business landscape, social sustainability has emerged as a crucial pillar of responsible governance, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive, inclusive environments that benefit individuals and communities. For the hospitality industry, social sustainability involves fostering an atmosphere where all guests feel valued and understood, including those with invisible disabilities like autism. This approach aligns with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and opens new brand opportunities to serve a broader demographic. By making accommodations for autistic guests, hotels can enhance guest satisfaction, loyalty, and inclusivity—essential qualities for a socially sustainable business. Expanding Hospitality to Include Guests with Autism As mid-level...

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it has become an integral selling point in the hospitality industry. Travelers are increasingly conscious of a hotel’s sustainability efforts and environmental impact. It’s finally become a proactive focus rather than a reactive afterthought. With this, it’s high-time that property managers and engineers recognize that successful, whole-property water management is more than just fixing leaks and implementing low-flow fixtures. By dedicating resources to automation, real-time monitoring, water recycling and predictive analytics, properties can optimize their water usage to be more eco-friendly. Tech is Evolving Technology is playing an enormous role in advancing comprehensive water management...