Major hotel brands across North America are increasingly turning to sustainability certification programs to bolster their commitment to environmental stewardship. This week, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) announced a landmark partnership deal, solidifying their collaboration with Green Key Global, the renowned sustainability certification body for hotels.
Leading hotel companies, including Accor, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and more, have joined forces with Green Key Global to uphold rigorous sustainability standards. This strategic alliance underscores the industry’s collective resolve to prioritize sustainability and aligns with all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Established by HAC in 1994, Green Key Global has been instrumental in certifying hotels’ environmental sustainability policies and processes. Through a comprehensive assessment and audit process, hotels demonstrate their commitment to energy and water conservation, responsible land use, waste management, indoor air quality, and more.
Denise Naguib, Global Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity at Marriott International, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Marriott International’s partnership with Green Key Global will empower our properties in the U.S. and Canada to pursue third-party sustainability certification, showcasing their dedication to environmental stewardship.”
The AHLA and HAC partnership with Green Key Global comes at a pivotal moment, as sustainability increasingly influences consumer behavior among leisure, business, and group travelers. Green Key Global’s certification program not only validates hotels’ existing sustainability initiatives but also provides a roadmap for continuous improvement.
The partnership builds on AHLA’s Responsible Stay® initiative, which underscores AHLA member companies’ long-standing and growing commitment to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.
Kevin Carey, Interim President & CEO of AHLA, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “This collaboration allows AHLA to continue supporting and educating our members on crucial factors shaping the hospitality industry. As sustainability takes center stage, AHLA is proud to partner with HAC to address this imperative.”
Susie Grynol, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada, emphasized the milestone, stating, “Expanding the footprint of the Green Key Global brand presents a monumental opportunity for the industry to lead the way in environmental impact. With an accessible and affordable program, we are paving the path towards a sustainable future for all hotels.”
As sustainability becomes an increasingly integral aspect of hotel operations, the partnership between AHLA, HAC, and Green Key Global heralds a new era of environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry.
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Image: Courtesy of the AHLA