MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA—Sandals Resorts International, the Caribbean’s leading hospitality company, honored its longstanding commitment to environmental and marine conservation this past Earth Day by celebrating the work of its philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation that highlights the intractable relationship between the visitor and the visited. Among the key initiatives this year is an intensified mission of planting 10,000 fruit, timber, and mangrove trees to protect terrestrial and coastal zones across the Caribbean. According to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, an expert on the connections between tourism and its impact on local economies, the success of tourism and the livelihoods of Caribbean people are inextricably linked to...

PARSIPPANY, N.J.—Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 8,900 hotels across nearly 95 countries and territories—released its Environmental, Social and Governance Report highlighting its commitment to operate in a way that is socially, ethically and environmentally responsible. “As the world’s largest hotel company, we have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world while delivering on our mission to make hotel travel possible for all,” said Geoffrey A. Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Now, more than ever, we must help ensure the future remains bright for travelers while we continue to...

CORK, IRELAND—Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, published its 2021 Sustainability Report, highlighting bold new environmental, social and governance commitments and progress towards the company’s sustainability goals. “At Johnson Controls, sustainability is our business,” says George Oliver, Chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls. “This year saw us continue to pioneer new and important paths to sustainability, including our issuance of a green bond in the U.S. capital markets—among the very first industrials to do so. We welcome and embrace the enhanced attention and urgency around tackling climate change and making gains across environmental, social and governance pillars....

MCLEAN, VA.—Last year was undoubtedly one of the worst years in the history of the lodging industry but that bad year saw the continuation of one of the industry’s most notable success stories—Hilton’s Home2 Suites extended stay brand. Designed with “sustainability being a key pillar,” according to Global Brand Head Leonard Gooz, this year marks the tenth anniversary of the brand. As of December 31, 2020, there were 463 open and 409 in the pipeline. According to Hilton, the 500th Home2 Suites is expected to open by the end of this quarter. STR says Home2 Suites saw the most supply...

INTERNATIONAL REPORT—As the world emerges from the pandemic, there is an increasing amount of buzz about sustainability, particularly the climate crisis. Governments around the world are setting ambitious decarbonization targets in advance of the COP26 event in the United Kingdome in December. Investors are putting increasing pressure on companies to measure and disclose their sustainability impacts, and consumers are showing more propensity towards sustainable products. What does this mean for the hospitality industry? While many companies have robust and well-established sustainability programs, and the carbon intensity of the global hotel sector has decreased by 10 percent since 2015, the pandemic has added pressure in areas such as...

BANGKOK—Travel + Leisure’s Global Vision Awards spotlight 30 individuals, companies and organizations making meaningful strides in responsible travel and sustainable living. In addition to thought leadership, these changemakers are also proactively protecting communities and environments and inspiring their industry colleagues and travelers to do their part. To arrive at this year’s list of honorees, an esteemed panel of experts across the travel, hospitality, and sustainability industries submitted nominations, which were then narrowed to a select list of finalists vetted by Travel + Leisure editors. Six Senses has been honored as a group for its dedication to sustainability, conservation, and ethical environmental...

NEW YORK—SH Hotels & Resorts, a subsidiary of global private investment firm Starwood Capital Group led by Chairman and CEO Barry Sternlicht, that manages 1 Hotels, Baccarat Hotels & Resorts and Treehouse Hotels, announced the launch of MISSION by SH, a cause-driven rewards program that allows guests to offset the climate impact of their stay by donating their reward dollars toward carbon offset projects. “SH Hotels & Resorts’ U.S. properties have been carbon neutral since 2018 and we have always looked at the brand as a platform for change and sustainability not just a luxury hotel experience. Launching our loyalty program...

BETHESDA, MD.—LG Electronics has earned the highest-level rating in the 2020 Marriott Supplier Sustainability Assessment Program (MSAP), administered by MindClick. As a supplier of hotel TVs and digital signage displays for 14 Marriott brands, LG has earned this rating for six consecutive years. Announced in advance of Earth Day 2021, the “Leader” rating demonstrates LG’s “exemplary use of environmentally and socially responsible practices throughout the life cycle of all product lines, from material choice to end-of-life solutions,” verified by MindClick through a rigorous audit process. The annual assessment recognizes the Marriott suppliers that have made significant efforts to improve product...

SILVERTHORNE, COLO.—The Pad team isn’t just talking about their commitment to sustainability for their new boutique hotel/hostel that opens this summer in Silverthorne, Colo., they’re taking action and joining more than 3,000 global sustainability leaders in pledging to adopt a new business model and culture that prioritizes purpose alongside profit. The Pad, a 36-room boutique hotel with hostel-style rooms, was recently certified as a pending B Corp with plans of achieving the full B Corp certification once they’re eligible after being open for 12 months. The Pad is on track to becoming the first B Corp certified company in Summit...

Buildings—including our homes and places of work—are responsible for one third of the fossil gas (a.k.a. “natural” gas) consumed in the United States each year. We burn gas and other fossil fuels like oil and propane inside buildings largely to heat the rooms and the water inside them. That adds up to 12 percent of the country’s yearly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Fortunately, efficient electric technology is readily available to replace our old, dirty fossil fuel-burning heating appliances. An NRDC fact sheet released explains how this transition that is crucial to fighting the climate crisis can also make our...