Everyone in a purchasing position shops based on price. Very easy. Not so easy is shopping based on the sustainability of a product and the sustainable practices of the company that makes it. That could soon change if the newly launched Hospitality Sustainable Consortium is successful in creating a Hospitality Sustainable Purchasing Index (HSPI). Led by MindClick SGM, the Consortium is in the process of creating the Index that will score the corporate social responsibility, environmental, and product sustainability performance of suppliers—first suppliers of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and then focusing on operating supplies and equipment (OS&E). I strongly support this initiative that already has founding members including Marriott International, Audit Logistics, Benjamin West, Delta Faucet Co., Innvision, InterfaceFLOR, PE Five Winds, RTKL, SERA Architects, and Valley Forge Fabrics.
I spoke with Joanna Abrams, CEO of MindClick this past week and she said the Web-based Index could be up and running by early to mid 2012 (see related article). Highly significant is the commitment of Marriott International. Abrams told me she is currently in discussion with two other “globally recognized brands” and one “new to the lodging community.” The Index is currently in a pilot stage with evaluation by Consortium members of questionnaires, rating methodologies, data gathering and reporting. The goal is to have as many as 40 to 50 companies participating in the pilot phase that will run through late fall.
“We are looking for statistically enough of a sample in the various product categories,” Abrams says. “Ideally four suppliers in each category and 10 to 12 categories.” Product categories to date include artwork, bedding, carpet, case goods, drapery, electronics, fabrics, faucets, lighting, seating, transportation, and wall vinyl.
Consortium Membership Open to All Stakeholders
Vendors can join the Consortium and have a voice and vote in shaping the Index by helping to evaluate and modify the questionnaires and rating criteria and/or they can complete the pilot HSPI and obtain a performance assessment to get a head start on understanding the key performance criteria that will be integrated into future purchasing efforts. In addition to those in the corporate offices of the major brands and suppliers of products and services, the Consortium is also open to purchasing companies and owners and operators of lodging establishments. “The objective of this is for everyone to come to the table,” Abrams says.
Companies joining the Consortium do pay to belong. The amount is based on the type of organization and level of involvement. Once the Index is officially launched, there will be a subscription fee for site users that will vary based on the level of information access desired. For the Consortium and Index to be sustainable, it will need the financial support of our industry.
There are many reasons this type of Index is needed. Here are 10 of them:
1. There is currently no single source to access information about the sustainability of a product or service and the environmental/social practices of the product/service provider.
2. Having one agreed-upon industry Index will save the major brands and other stakeholders from all going off in their own directions about what sustainability means.
3. Those using the Index will be able to compare suppliers against one another. This will pressure low-scoring suppliers to improve their business practices—ultimately helping the environment at the same time.
4. Suppliers will not only be pressured to take a closer look at their own operations but those of their suppliers as well.
5. Suppliers will be able to use the Index to benchmark their own performance, setting the stage for continuous improvement.
6. Hotel brands will be able to set minimum performance level standards by product category for use by all purchasing stakeholders.
7. Ultimately, guests will benefit by being exposed to products that have less negative impact on their health (better indoor air quality, for example).
8. The Index will streamline how the industry gathers sustainability data from suppliers.
9. The Index will establish criteria for sustainability performance measurement.
10. Finally, the Index will align sustainability standards with the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system. Currently, most FF&E products are not able to contribute to LEED certification.
Abrams, who says her company has 30 to 40 people ready to work on the Index, is optimistic about the project’s future.
“The fact that we have gotten this far bodes well,” she says. “The Consortium members want this to succeed.”
What do you think? Are you excited about having a single online source to access for product/service and company sustainability information? Or, are you skeptical about the success of this type of Index? With all of the competitive and political pressures in our industry, will enough brands and suppliers participate to make the Index worthwhile? I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at (440) 243-2055 or by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
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