CSR and Sustainability

🚧 Bob W's Sustainability Report indicates hotel carbon emissions are five times higher than estimated. In London, on February 3rd, 2025, Bob W and Furthr introduced 'LEGIT' to assess true environmental impact. HCMI's per-night emissions data used by 30,000 operators—including Hyatt and Marriott—is eclipsed by LEGIT's comprehensive assessment, which considers construction materials, cleaning, toiletries, and waste, revealing a 419% higher carbon footprint than HCMI's for Bob W's properties. An example is Koti Katajanokka in Finland, where emissions jumped from 1.48 to 19.7 kgCO₂e/night with LEGIT. Bob W, the first climate-neutral hospitality provider in 2021, aims for net-zero by 2050 and reported a 90% increase in GHG emissions in 2023, due to a 200% portfolio expansion. They encourage industry collaboration for sustainability.

🌍 McKinsey reports 80% of travelers visit only 10% of tourist destinations, causing environmental strain. 75% of tourists aim to travel sustainably within the next year, with 73% preferring hotels that practice sustainability. Over 200 sustainability certifications exist for the hospitality industry, vital for marketing and compliance. Challenges include the variety of certifications, data management, and regional differences in sustainability regulations. Digital tools can optimize data collection efficiency, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, while benchmarking against industry standards can offer commercial and social benefits.

📈 Tobias Reinecke was promoted to Head of Development, Investments, and Portfolio Growth at Choice Hotels EMEA, since September 2022. Under CEO David Beers, the leadership team aims to expand their portfolio and brand across the EMEA region by 2025. Currently, the company operates over 400 hotels in 17 countries with brands like Ascend Hotel Collection, Clarion, Comfort, and Quality. The focus is on sustainable growth, profitability, and enhancing stakeholder value propositions.

🛏 Research by Bob W. reveals hotel carbon emissions are at least five times greater than previous estimates. Their new tool, LEGIT, developed with environmental consultancy Furthr, provides detailed environmental impact metrics, now published on their booking site and app. Bob W's application of LEGIT showed emissions 419% higher than HCMI's estimates, due to factors like construction materials and indirect supplier emissions. At their Koti Katajanokka property in Finland, CO₂ emissions per night were recalculated from 1.48 kg to 19.7 kg using LEGIT. Bob W's Sustainability Report for 2023 discloses a carbon footprint of 4,489 tonnes CO₂e, a 90% increase from 2022 due to portfolio growth. Committed to transparency, Bob W became the first climate-neutral international hospitality provider in 2021 and aims for net-zero by 2050.

🍻 Tattenham Corner in Epsom, Surrey, reopens after a lavish refurbishment by Young’s, featuring a two-floor pub overlooking Epsom Downs racecourse. It includes a horseshoe bar, barn with reclaimed beams, a snug, garden room, The Paddock and The Oaks event spaces, and an all-weather garden with outdoor bar and kitchen. Head Chef David Vild offers locally sourced British cuisine, with an eco-friendly Robata grill. Enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and a global wine selection. The pub is now open for all-day dining, including Sunday roasts with 28-day aged beef and other premium cuts. Visit at KT18 5NY or www.tattenhamcornerpub.co.uk.

🏕 HotelREZ, a hotel representation company, partnered with Greengage to offer ECOsmart certification to its properties, showcasing their commitment to sustainability. The certification, available since 2020, assists properties in demonstrating their environmental efforts with four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum. It provides transparent criteria, such as carbon footprint per stay. The partnership aims to make sustainable hospitality more accessible across the UK and Europe, with the certification process streamlined through HotelREZ's platforms. ECOsmart will also feature on platforms like GDS and REZMedia, enhancing visibility for environmentally conscious travelers. HotelREZ itself is undergoing an ECOsmart audit, emphasizing its dedication to sustainability.

🍳 Café Momentum, a nonprofit restaurant, started a $10 million campaign for a new Dallas flagship location, expected to open in 2026. The organization, founded in 2015, offers internships to justice-involved youth, increasing capacity from 80-100 to 120 interns annually. Expansions include Atlanta in March 2025, Denver by early 2026, following Nashville's rebranding to Pathways Kitchen in August 2024. The new 12,000-square-foot space will offer mental health services, educational support, and workforce training.