Hersha Hospitality Trust just released its 2017 Sustainability Report. The report represents the progress of the REIT’s EarthView sustainability program which just completed its seventh year. For those of you not familiar with Hersha, the REIT owns and operates 49 branded and independent lifestyle hotels. Since 2010 the company has realized $9.1 million in savings from EarthView. With 2010 as the baseline year Hersha has reduced energy consumption per occupied room by 21 percent, reduced greenhouse gas emissions per occupied room by 25 percent, reduced waste sent to landfills by 45 percent, and reduced water consumed per occupied room by 10 percent. From a community impact standpoint, Hersha employees have volunteered 14,200 hours since 2015, raised $320,000 for autism awareness since 2015, provided clean water for 3,600 people for 21 years since 2014, and sent 487,000 bars of soap to developing nations since 2011.
The report mentioned guestroom energy managements systems, LED lighting retrofits, variable speed drive upgrades, efficient laundry technology, and tankless water heaters as having been key to energy reductions.
In May, properties and corporate offices showed their commitment to communities by holding the annual Hersha Day of Service. Over 200 leaders across the company volunteered at various organizations including Habitat for Humanity, the SHARE Food Program, GrowPhilly Garden, and the Schuylkill Banks River Cleanup.
One highlight of the report is a National Initiatives section with pop-ups describing initiatives at individual properties around the United States.
“As we look to the future, we are encouraged by the growing awareness of sustainability in the business community,” said Jay H. Shah, CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust, in the report. “We see now more than ever that talented individuals are seeking to work with innovative companies that are top performers in both their businesses and their commitments to the environment and society. EarthView embodies this interest. I am proud of our team’s leadership in this regard and remain committed to maintaining a platform for innovation and cultivation of new concepts in sustainable hospitality. EarthView creates value today and ensures long-term value for all our stakeholders including our local and global communities.”
