The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s newly formed Standing Committees are taking decisive steps towards resolving one of the industry’s most challenging issues – harmonising industry metrics and streamlining reporting and benchmarking in sustainability. The Alliance’s CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, believes that the industry could achieve a shared definition on standards and certification as early as next year.
At the Alliance’s Autumn Summit, the industry-led Standards and Reporting Committee identified this issue as their top priority. “Looking ahead to 2024, I am optimistic that we can address the issue of complexity within standards and reporting in the industry,” says Glenn Mandziuk. “Our Standing Committees and key partners can drive large-scale, tangible change, and I look forward to working with all committee members as they act on their agreed priorities.”
During their inaugural meeting, the Standing Committees established various priorities, including the creation of Sustainability Toolkits and the development of a Positive Impact Fund. This fund aims to bring community benefits and propel the industry towards Net Positive Hospitality, where the industry gives back to destinations more than it takes.
The Standards and Reporting Standing Committee has committed to creating a common framework for standards that is benchmarkable, KPI-oriented, and aligned with existing standards. In addition, the committee will update the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI), the world’s leading carbon measurement tool widely used in the hospitality industry, making carbon measurement more transparent and comparable.
Denise Naguib, Co-Chair of the Standards and Reporting Committee and Global Vice President, Sustainability & Supplier Diversity of Marriott International, expressed her enthusiasm for the committee’s priorities, stating, “Building a framework is imperative for the sector to reach Net Positive Hospitality. A top priority for members at the meeting was the updating of the HCMI tool, which has guided the industry’s carbon calculation for a decade, with the goal of adoption across the entire hospitality industry.”
The Financing the Transition Standing Committee, led by Co-Chair Austin C. Wentworth, Head of North America of STRIVE by STX, has identified the creation of a Positive Impact Fund as a key priority. This fund aims to promote and channel ambitious, tangible corporate climate action in destinations around the world.
Recognising the importance of technology in driving the industry towards Net Positive Hospitality, the Technology Transfer Standing Committee, co-chaired by Torsten Kuttig, Director Hotel Development, ECE, aims to create a directory of innovative, sustainable technology solutions and best practices. This directory will focus on energy, water, waste, and people, facilitating collaboration and the sharing of technology solutions within the industry.
The Supply Chain Optimisation Standing Committee, co-chaired by Dr. Megan Morikawa, Global Sustainability Office Director, Iberostar Group, and Ulrike Rabmer-Koller, CEO of Rabmer Group, aims to identify collective actions that the industry can take. By prioritising actions such as toolboxes and agreeing upon standards and measures, the committee aims to add value and ensure sustainability throughout the industry’s value chain.
Jan Hein Simons, Co-Chair of the Risk and Resilience Standing Committee and Director Hotels Benelux for Colliers Alternative Real Estate, highlighted the committee’s commitment to developing industry standards and due diligence on human rights and labour. The committee aims to set minimum requirements and standards that ensure the safety of people and communities where the hospitality industry operates. They also plan to create a Hospitality Trust Index to track industry progress towards Net Positive Hospitality.
The Communications and Public Relations Standing Committee, co-chaired by Cris Tarrant, Chairman of BVA BDRC, and Dimitris Manikis, President, and Managing Director for EMEA of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, recognises the importance of effective storytelling. The committee aims to communicate the industry’s success stories, champion sustainable initiatives, and overcome challenges to drive the entire hospitality ecosystem towards Net Positive Hospitality.
The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is dedicated to transforming the industry and leading it towards a more sustainable future. By prioritising key initiatives and fostering collaboration, the Alliance’s Standing Committees are set to make a significant impact on the industry’s sustainability efforts.
