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THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association has launched Responsible Stay, an industry initiative to make meetings, events and guest experiences in U.S. hotels more environmentally and socially responsible. AHLA contends that the initiative is meant to unite major hotel companies, including at least two Asian American-owned companies, around sustainability priorities. Responsible Stay is focused on four areas: Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy efficiency through operational improvements and adoption of clean energy technologies Waste reduction: Investing in waste reduction programs and new, innovative alternatives to reduce, reuse and recycle waste across properties Water conservation: Ensuring the reduction of water usage by implementing water-efficient practices in core areas like laundry, food and beverage, and landscaping Responsible sourcing practices: Sourcing responsibly and prioritizing sustainability in supply chains to prevent harmful environmental and social impacts Under the initiative, AHLA and its members will strengthen environmental programs, education and resources to provide a "responsible stay" for guests, protect the future of the planet and support communities across the country, the statement added.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association and World Wildlife Fund have revamped the "Hotel Kitchen" platform to help U.S. hoteliers reduce food waste, divert food from landfills and lower operating costs. The initiative supports the goal of halving U.S. food waste by 2030, AHLA and WWF said in a joint statement. Hotel Kitchen is part of AHLA's Responsible Stay initiative, which promotes energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation and responsible sourcing, the statement said. Since its 2017 launch, more than 36,000 hotel staff have completed the training, with pilot properties reducing food waste by 17 to 38 percent. "Reducing food waste provides a number of important benefits: it's good for the environment, reduces hoteliers' operating costs and conserves resources at a time when too many Americans are food insecure," said Lauren Pravlik, AHLA's vice president for committees and member engagement. "The Hotel Kitchen platform is dedicated to helping hoteliers achieve these goals, and we are pleased to continue sharing this resource with the industry through our partnership with WWF."

IHG HOTELS & RESORTS recently launched the "Low Carbon Pioneers" program to unite energy-efficient hotels that do not use on-site fossil fuel combustion and supported by renewable energy. This first-of-its-kind community will help IHG test, learn and share sustainability findings, aiming to inspire other properties and promote carbon reduction practices across IHG's portfolio. The company seeks government support for renewable energy access, owner incentives and reduced technology costs to speed the industry's transition to a greener future, IHG said in a statement. "We are excited to launch our Low Carbon Pioneers program as another innovative way in which we're meeting evolving guest expectations, helping our hotel owners future-proof their businesses and reducing carbon across our [portfolio]," said Elie Maalouf, IHG Hotels & Resorts' CEO.

GREEN BUILDING INCENTIVE database IncentiFind is working with the American Hotel & Lodging Association to assist AHLA members identify sustainability-driven cost savings. IncentiFind provides more than half a million incentives, such as tax credits, grants, fee waivers, rebates, and bill credits. The collaboration empowers hoteliers to access $70 billion in incentives, AHLA said in a statement. AHLA said that these credits bolster the adoption of green initiatives, including energy efficiency, renewables, water conservation, and more. These efforts are aimed at diminishing operational costs for hoteliers, the association said. As part of this partnership, AHLA members will receive special pricing on IncentiFind's VERIFY Report, which identifies rebates and savings for asset upgrades, such as buying energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels. AHLA's collaboration with IncentiFind represents the association's ongoing efforts to promote sustainability in the hotel industry through the Responsible Stay initiative. This initiative underscores AHLA members' dedication to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing, the statement said.

THE AMERICAN HOTEL & Lodging Association convened hotel and sustainability leaders in Washington for the second annual "Responsible Stay Summit" on Feb. 28, reaffirming the industry's dedication to environmental sustainability. The summit was part of AHLA's 2022 Responsible Stay initiative and focused on energy efficiency, waste reduction, water conservation, and responsible sourcing, AHLA said in a statement. The summit addressed environmental, social, and governance strategies, federal energy policy, and green financing, while offering crucial support to hoteliers in their sustainability efforts, the statement added. This year's summit featured two announcements: AHLA and the Hotel Association of Canada unveiled a partnership to oversee the Green Key Global sustainability certification program in the U.S. and Canada starting April 1. Additionally, AHLA and Procure Impact launched a Dignity of Work Pledge, aiming to generate 100,000 hours of paid employment for underserved populations, thereby promoting responsible sourcing practices.

The Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas recently earned the Green Key Global Sustainability Certificate issued by Green Key Global in Ottawa, Ontario. The certification evaluates hotels on energy efficiency, environmental practices, waste management, community engagement, and associate education. Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk is committed to community impact and environmental sustainability, the company said in a statement. "We are thrilled to receive the Green Key Global Sustainability Certification," said Dinesh Rao, the hotel's general manager. "We are committed to creating a sustainable future for our guests, staff, and the environment. This certification is a testament to our efforts, and we will continue to lead the way in eco-friendly hospitality."