INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has updated its Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) and is calling on the hospitality industry, including corporate clients and booking platforms, to use common measurement metrics to ensure a transparent and globally comparable approach to carbon, water and waste reporting. To remain up to date amidst a changing landscape of climate action, HCMI has been reviewed and improved based on user feedback and research by Cornell University’s Center for Hospitality Research. This version has been updated to align with the latest GHG Protocol guidance and to better incorporate renewable energy with the support of Greenview. Publicly available carbon emissions factors have...

NATIONAL REPORT—Annual changes in U.S. hotel utility costs and in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or inflation, have historically proven to be strongly correlated. As of August 2022, CBRE is forecasting CPI growth to be 7.7 percent in 2022, followed by another 3.6 percent in 2023. Since inflation has averaged just 2.2 percent since 2000, these inflation projections have hoteliers concerned about operating costs. Given that rising energy costs are a significant driver of the current rise in CPI, hotel managers are especially worried about utility department expenses. Over the past 50 years, utility department expenses have averaged between 3...

COLOGNE, GERMANY—HRS, the leading global corporate travel and payment technology platform, and GBTA, the world’s largest business travel association, announced results tied to sustainability and corporate lodging from a comprehensive survey of travel management and procurement leaders from Europe and North America. The results from the survey showcase the increasing frequency of sustainability as a key factor in influencing where millions of business travelers may decide to sleep when they are on the road in 2023 and beyond. According to the research, nearly two-thirds (65 percent) say they would prioritize hotels that have earned a validated sustainability certification (i.e. LEED or HRS Green Stay, for...

ATLANTA—AAHOA, the nation’s largest hotel owners association, held its inaugural HerOwnership Conference & Retreat at the Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront on October 26 and 27. The HerOwnership Conference & Retreat was far from your typical women’s event. While this event was women-centric, it focused specifically on women who are interested in owning their first hotel or learning about owning hotels in general. This conference and retreat was designed to educate women about how to own a property or business and promote women who are interested in exploring hotel ownership. “Seeing all of these dynamic women in all areas of hospitality come together...

BEREA, KY.—Olympia Hotel Management (OHM) has announced that it will operate the Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant, which is owned by Berea College, in Berea, Kentucky. The Historic Boone Tavern Hotel & Restaurant was built on the old Dixie Highway (U.S. Route 25) and opened in 1909 in the center of town. Named after the early Kentucky explorer, Daniel Boone, it was designed by architect J. C. Cady in the Colonial Revival style. The venerable property is a member of the Historic Hotels of America and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel has welcomed a long...

PASO ROBLES, CALIF.—The Allegretto Vineyard Resort, nestled in Paso Robles wine country, has recently partnered with Kind Traveler, a hotel booking site and sustainable travel media platform that empowers travelers to positively impact the communities they visit. Kind Traveler Hotels offer special rates and perks upon a $10 nightly donation to a charity that positively impacts the local community. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort chose the Surfrider Foundation SLO, an organization dedicated to protecting and enjoying the world’s ocean, waves, and beaches through a robust activist network. The Allegretto Vineyard Resort, a gem of San Luis Obispo County, has always been interested in...

BETHESDA, MD.—Element Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, unveiled an innovative collaboration with Lettuce Grow, a nationally recognized leader of hydroponic gardening. Together, they are providing travelers with direct access to free, farm-fresh produce while on the road. Element Hotels is driven by a wellness-first mindset that is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and providing a balanced stay while redefining the longer stay experience. Designed for the healthy, active traveler, Element’s signature fully equipped kitchens make eating nutritiously a little bit easier while away from home. This first-of-its-kind hospitality collaboration brings all the perks of mindful eating...

LAAMU, MALDIVES—The new Sustainability Camp at Six Senses Laamu marked World Tourism Day on September 27 this year, complementing the brand-wide Climate Warriors initiative and the resort’s Junior Marine Biology program already in place. Covering the topics of “Zero Waste”, “Home Grown”, and “Nature Conservation”, it aimed to give teenage guests and their families insights into the sustainability initiatives and techniques used for the resort’s operations and provide a skillset for the daily improvements they can make at home, striving towards a more sustainable way of life. Sustainability Camp took place over three days, with two 90-minute sessions per day. Four sessions...

NEW YORK–A new study in the Journal of Building and Environment found that WELL Certification drives significant benefits across occupant satisfaction, perceived health, well-being and productivity. The peer-reviewed study, titled “Impact of WELL Certification on Occupant Satisfaction and Perceived Health, Well-being, and Productivity: A Multi-Office Pre- Versus Post-Occupancy Evaluation,” is the largest and most comprehensive longitudinal research of its kind. It analyzed the impacts of WELL Certification on occupants across four perspectives: satisfaction with the workplace, as well as physical and mental health, well-being, and productivity. Using extensive pre- and post-occupancy survey data, the analysis was able to assess the impact of WELL Certification...

LONDON—The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing both organizations to closer collaborative working, focusing on improving the environmental and social impact of the global hospitality industry. Through the MoU, WTTC and the Alliance have pledged to promote a united voice for a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry, cooperating on new research projects to foster an understanding of the latest in sustainability innovation. The two organizations will also work together to raise awareness of new initiatives and success stories, launch new commissions and advisory bodies,...