Implementing and investing in sustainable hotel initiatives can be daunting for some hotel owners. A Hilton sustainability expert said a great place to start is by finding wins that "transcend any type of efforts" and gathering data.
If it's a win for business, the guest and the community, that sustainability practice gets the green light, Hilton Vice President of Global ESG Jean Garris Hand said during a podcast with Hotel News Now.
"We're always looking for ways to support our ownership community in finding these sustainable solutions that will deliver on every front, including from a cost-neutral perspective," she said. "We found that the most effective solutions pretty much check three boxes. One is that they're a win for the environment, two is that they're a smart financial investment for our owners and three that they're an improvement for the guest experience."
LED light bulbs, for example, are a win for everyone. They're more efficient, use less energy, last longer and are more cost-effective.
For hoteliers that are now starting to invest in and implement sustainability practices, Garris Hand said it starts with data. Much of what gives an ESG program credibility is having robust data to back up any claim.
"It's really hard to manage what you are unable to measure. Really having that measurement piece with a baseline from which to measure is a critical first step ... as well as having a robust data governance structure once that baseline is set ... that enables ongoing tracking and measurement. That can be done through many reputable partners," she said.
Hilton began tracking initiatives in 2009, allowing teams to share best practices with each other and enabling Hilton to save more than $1 billion in utility costs.
Garris Hand also leads the Travel With Purpose program at Hilton that is focused on promoting responsible travel and tourism across the globe.
Ultimately, travelers continue to seek brands that contribute positively to the environment, she said.
"We work to reduce our environmental impact across 7,500 properties around the world. We make sure that we have a positive role in the communities where we operate and that we're contributing to their growth in really a responsible manner. We do all of these things under a strong governance structure with accountability and transparency in our reporting ... and use a data-driven approach," she said.
Making sustainability efforts resonate with guests is another goal. Garris Hand cited data from Hilton's recent trends report showing that most travelers feel that planning a vacation that ticks sustainability boxes is overwhelming.
"We're really working hard to give our guests those opportunities for that cultural connection and sustainable experiences ... whether it's finding EV charging stations on our website or using digital key rather than a plastic key card," she said.
For more insight on Hilton's sustainability goals, tips for engaging teams to promote initiatives and finding cost-neutral solutions, listen to the podcast below.