Hilton New Orleans Riverside Receives the Coveted 5 Green Key Rating

NEW ORLEANS—Hilton New Orleans Riverside has earned a 5 Green Key designation, the highest rating from the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program, making it Louisiana’s only property to do so. The hotel records over 13 years of sustainability initiatives, including recycling 2.4 million pounds of oyster shells for coastal restoration and diverting millions of pounds of waste from landfills.

The designation recognizes Hilton New Orleans Riverside’s more than 13 years of measurable sustainability initiatives and destination stewardship practices that promote responsible travel, reduce environmental impact and support the long-term vitality of the New Orleans community, including diverting millions of pounds of waste from landfills, recycling oyster shells to help restore Louisiana’s coastline, repurposing glass for coastal protection projects and embedding environmentally responsible practices throughout the hotel’s operations—all while maintaining an exceptional guest experience.

“It is an honor to receive this recognition on behalf of the team at Hilton New Orleans Riverside,” said David Piscola, General Manager, Hilton New Orleans Riverside. “Each day, we look forward to providing outstanding practices that translate into sustainable excellence and enhanced guest experiences. I’m tremendously proud of my team and their hard work.”

The 5 Green Key Designation

Hilton New Orleans Riverside’s years of measurable sustainability progress culminated in earning the prestigious 5 Green Key designation. Green Key Global’s Eco-Rating Program is a five-tier certification designed specifically for hotels and meeting venues and is recognized as one of North America’s leading sustainability certifications for the hospitality industry.

To achieve the highest rating, properties undergo a comprehensive third-party assessment evaluating all aspects of hotel operations, including energy and water conservation, waste management, purchasing practices and community engagement. Certification must be renewed every three years, ensuring an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

Over a Decade of Measurable Impact

The hotel’s sustainability record is grounded in data, tracked annually and growing year over year across multiple programs including LightStay, Hilton’s environmental and community impact management platform that supports the hotel’s sustainable operations and measurement efforts:

• Oyster Shell Recycling: Since 2013, Hilton New Orleans Riverside has recycled more than 2.4 million pounds of oyster shells through its partnership with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana and the hotel’s on-site restaurant Drago’s, helping restore living shoreline reefs that protect Louisiana’s coastline and marine habitats.
• Glass Recycling: Since 2021, the hotel has diverted 259,457 pounds of glass (518,914 bottles) from landfills through its partnership with Glass Half Full, transforming recycled glass into sand and gravel for coastal restoration disaster relief and new glass products.
• On-Site Recycling: From 2023 through 2025, the hotel diverted more than 3.1 million pounds of cardboard, compost and fryer oil from landfills through its comprehensive recycling and waste diversion programs.
• Waste Diversion: In 2024, the hotel achieved a 38.5 percent total waste diversion rate, keeping more than 1.3 million pounds of waste out of landfills while supporting meeting planners through ethical sourcing, local partnerships and food recovery initiatives.

Part of a Global Commitment

This recognition reflects Hilton New Orleans Riverside’s commitment to advancing Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy, the company’s global strategy to drive positive impact and deliver lasting value to its people, hotels and communities. The hotel’s 5 Green Key designation underscores its longstanding dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in supporting Hilton’s broader 2030 Travel with Purpose goals to reduce its environmental impact while driving positive social impact.