NATIONAL REPORT—Data analytics has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to derive insights and value from data. This technique is now being applied to the environment to address some of the planet’s most pressing issues, as sustainability moves up in the agenda of many companies. In this article, we will explore the impact of data analytics on the environment and how it can be used to promote sustainability. What is Data Analytics? Data analytics refers to the process of examining and interpreting data to gain insights and make informed decisions. This can involve a variety of techniques,...

NATIONAL REPORT—With more drivers switching to electric vehicles each year and the demand for EV charging stations increasing, more restaurant operators are exploring the possibility of installing them at their locations. Subway and Domino’s are just two restaurant brands investing in this super-charged technology. Starbucks is another, having recently purchased 60 ChargePoint DC fast chargers for up to 15 locations along a 1,350-mile route from the Colorado Rockies to Seattle. Investing in EV charging stations not only helps support sustainability goals, it’s also a potential driver of more customer traffic at the restaurants where they exist. Why? Drivers charging their vehicles would...

ATLANTA—IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) announced an industry-leading renewable energy offering for IHG hotels in select markets across the United States in collaboration with Ampion, a leading provider of community solar solutions. IHG is the first hotel company to provide hotels a community solar offering that includes Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), helping hotels reduce greenhouse gas emissions by accessing renewable energy through solar panel projects built near a hotel’s community. The electricity generated by solar panel projects is fed into the local power grid, and hotels can subscribe to a portion of the projects and will receive both Green-e certified RECs and a...

NATIONAL REPORT—Sustainability is about synergy and how every piece of the pie contributes to overall sustainability—and this includes cleaning solutions. Many organizations are now promoting their sustainable business operations through the cleaning products they select to maintain their facilities. This is where citric-acid-based cleaning solutions come into focus. These are environmentally friendly cleaning solutions made from renewable resources that have a reduced impact on the environment—and—contribute significantly to sustainability. According to Hannah Joannse with ProNatural Brands, a marketer of these products, citric-acid-based cleaning solutions promote sustainability in several ways, including: They are biodegradable. This term is bantered around quite a...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—The aim to reduce food waste and offer more low carbon foods in the hospitality industry is set to be a key focus for the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s (SHA) partnership with World Resources Institute (WRI). The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and WRI have a shared commitment to helping the hospitality industry reduce its food-related emissions by 25 percent by 2030. By shifting to low carbon foods and reducing food waste the industry can maximize its action on climate change and meet its targets for addressing the climate crisis. The partnership aims to engage employees and customers by bringing the latest science...

ROCKVILLE, MD.—Choice Hotels International recently released its 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. (See the recent press release.) The report highlights significant new steps that should cut utility costs, save time for franchisees, and increase the company’s ESG commitments. Among the steps highlighted in the release is the hiring of Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Sustainability for Choice Hotels. That hiring was announced in April 2022. Green Lodging News recently interviewed Brumagim about Choice’s ESG initiatives. Here are the results of that interview in Q&A format. GLN: Prior to your appointment, nobody was leading the ESG charge at Choice. (Unless...

HOLLYWOOD, FLA.—Some of the many victims of the Ukraine War, including injured Ukrainian citizens and their families, may see their lives improve following a record-setting $750,000 raised by Hard Rock Heals Foundation at a recent Ukraine Relief Fund Gala Dinner hosted by former World Champion Heavyweight Boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Nearly 1,000 guests came together at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to raise $750,000, the most money ever raised at a charity event organized by Hard Rock Heals Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization connected to Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming. The Ukraine Relief Fund Gala was generously underwritten by Seminole...

SEATTLE—Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, announced the summer 2024 opening of Hotel Westland, a carbon positive, adaptive reuse hotel in Seattle’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood. Construction recently began on the 120-room hotel to modernize the historic structure, giving it a second life and ensuring it lasts for generations to come. Operated by Aparium Hotel Group and architecturally designed by The Miller Hull Partnership with interiors by Curioso, the boutique lifestyle hotel will highlight historic character maintained from the building’s 1907 construction, modern guestrooms and amenities, Pioneer Square’s first rooftop bar, and a signature restaurant, fueled by an authentic connection to...

NATIONAL REPORT—The unexpected announcement by President Biden to ban surprise fees for airline and hotel services during the 2023 State of the Union address has shed light on the lack of transparency surrounding fees that have frustrated many hotel guests. Travelers want to know what they are paying for and feel they are getting value for their money. To minimize “fee friction” and build a more enriching, rewarding experience for their guests, hotels need to think creatively and offer unique amenities that create memorable and engaging experiences. A New Amenity for Hotels: Micromobility Hotels must keep pace with changing guest expectations as the hospitality...

HOUSTON—Climate change has become increasingly front of mind, with many organizations looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and limit their impact on the environment. One “tool in the toolkit” is the purchase and use of carbon offsets, allowing organizations to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by supporting a variety of sustainable projects. What Are Voluntary Carbon Offsets? Voluntary carbon offsets are something organizations can purchase to support projects around the globe to either reduce emissions entering the atmosphere or remove carbon dioxide (CO2). These offsets are generated from a wide variety of sustainable projects, such as wind and solar...