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BITAC Sustainability Summit Panel: Building, Furnishing & Supply Hotels

By Gavin Fraser | October 18, 2024

In a recent panel discussion at BITAC Sustainability Summit, Joanna Abrams, Founder and CEO of MindClick, moderated a dynamic panel featuring leaders from Marriott International, Hilton, and the Curator Hotel & Resort Collection shared their insights on sustainability within the hospitality industry. Panelists included Laurie Woliung from Marriott, Kashaf Momin from Hilton, and Brent Hayhurst from Curator. Together, they explored the challenges and strategies involved in driving sustainable practices across their organizations.

The panel kicked off with a discussion on the critical adage, “what gets measured gets managed.” Kashaf Momin emphasized Hilton’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, Travel with Purpose 2030, which aims to significantly reduce the company’s carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and waste by 2030. She highlighted the importance of sourcing sustainably, insisting that suppliers must also adhere to these ambitious goals.

Kashaf stated, “We expect our suppliers to focus on sustainability, human rights, and due diligence.” This encompasses everything from sourcing sustainable materials to mitigating human trafficking and forced labor concerns.

Laurie Woliung added that measurement at Marriott is integrated into the design and operational processes. The hotel chain collaborates with MindClick to assess the sustainability of their design prototypes, ensuring that 94% of items meet sustainability standards. However, she noted a shift in design practices: “Previously, we provided 70% prototypical designs, but now that has flipped, with owners opting for 70% custom designs.” This change presents new challenges in ensuring that custom designs also meet sustainability criteria.

Kashaf pointed out that sustainability in hospitality is unique in that it thrives on partnerships. Hilton is a founding member of the Hospitality Alliance for Responsible Procurement, working alongside major competitors like Marriott and Hyatt to unify their message to suppliers and promote shared goals. This collective approach aims to encourage suppliers to enhance their sustainability performance, emphasizing the need for a common front in tackling issues like carbon emissions and modern slavery.

Brent Hayhurst from Curator echoed these sentiments, stating that the industry should shift its mindset from competition to collaboration. “This is about changing perspectives,” he said. “We need to look at sustainability as a shared responsibility.”

Laurie went on to discuss Marriott’s initiative to educate designers and architects on sustainability, which includes a rigorous vetting process for recommended designers and a collaborative educational program with other hotel brands. This program aims to equip designers with the knowledge to incorporate sustainable practices into their work, thus amplifying the impact across the hospitality sector.

One of the critical challenges discussed was the need to align sustainability efforts with financial viability. Laurie highlighted the long-term financial benefits of sustainability investments, particularly through adaptive reuse of existing buildings. Marriott aims to develop 280 adaptive reuse hotels by 2025, recognizing that such projects can significantly reduce carbon emissions compared to new builds.

Kashaf stressed the importance of focusing on renewable energy solutions as a core strategy for reducing overall energy consumption. He encouraged suppliers to identify the most impactful areas for improvement based on their business context.

To wrap it up, Brent emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in the industry, particularly regarding long-term asset management and ROI for hoteliers. He highlighted the need to educate business owners about integrating sustainable practices into renovations, such as considering technology upgrades that support sustainability. For instance, he mentions the potential for installing solar-ready roofs during major renovations and utilizing innovative technologies, like moisture-collecting apparatus, to enhance property sustainability and water management.

Sustainability in the hospitality industry is an evolving landscape that requires constant adaptation and proactive engagement. With impending regulations likely mirroring existing sustainability efforts in states like California, the industry must prepare for a future where sustainable practices are not just beneficial but necessary.

The discussion concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders—owners, suppliers, and operators—to embrace a mindset that prioritizes sustainability as a fundamental aspect of business strategy. By fostering collaboration and education, the hospitality sector can drive meaningful change and create a more sustainable future.

The insights shared during this panel highlight a collective commitment to sustainability in the hospitality industry, driven by measurable goals, collaboration, and a shared vision for a greener future. As these leaders navigate the complexities of sustainability, their efforts pave the way for a more responsible and environmentally-conscious hospitality landscape.

Credit

Gavin Fraser
Editor

Gavin Fraser is an Editor at Hotel Interactive, a leading provider of online resources and information for the hospitality industry serving as a hub for industry news, trends, and insights. Gavin covers the hospitality sector for hotelinteractive.com, distributes its e-newsletter, and moderates panel discussions for the company’s BITAC events.

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