CSR and Sustainability

📈 January 22, 3:00 p.m. CT marks a pivotal moment for hotel energy reporting. The 12th Revised Edition of USALI introduces a structured Energy, Water, and Waste (EWW) schedule, enhancing financial transparency. Energy ranks as a major hotel expense after labor, influencing profits directly. The Energy account now includes electricity, fuels, renewable energy, and vehicle fuels in both cost and consumption terms. This standardization aids financial reporting, ESG transparency, and boosts operational efficiency across 30,000+ global hotels.

💧 Since 2011, GCSTIMES, with centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, has advanced sustainable practices, serving 140+ countries. Focused on water management and air pollution control, they aid over 100,000 hospitality groups in eco-friendly transitions. By innovating in sustainable materials and smart cards, they fuse technology with cultural preservation, enhancing global heritage through brands like GCS and AUROkeys, promoting a greener footprint in hotels and resorts worldwide.

🏨 Hilton Anaheim, one of the largest West Coast hotels near major convention centers and theme parks, integrates sustainability into its operations. Utilizing LightStay, Hilton’s sustainability platform, the hotel has achieved emissions reductions equivalent to removing 1,700 cars. Recent renovations include 100% LED lighting, smart thermostats, and low-flow water fixtures, enhancing energy and water efficiency. Waste reduction partnerships, such as with Clean the World, have significantly decreased plastic use across its 1,500+ rooms.

📖 Since 2011, GCSTIMES has been a leader in sustainable development. With five operational centers in China, the US, UAE, France, and Australia, it supports over 100,000 international hospitality groups in 140 countries. Offering products like sustainable smart cards and cultural gifts, their brand portfolio includes GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot. GCSTIMES focuses on integrating sustainability into technology to preserve culture and promote low-carbon development goals.

📈 Jan 16, 2026 - Sustainability in hospitality has become crucial, focusing on data tracking, energy and water management, and waste reduction. Hotels of all sizes can improve efficiency and community impact through integrated systems. Key strategies include leveraging renovations, enhancing energy and water efficiency, and reducing waste. Data tracking ensures accountability and improvement. Sustainability is embedded in operations and guest experiences to strengthen community roles and reduce costs, appealing to modern travelers' expectations.

🏨 Cork International Hotel and Metropole Hotel won the top prize at the Irish Hotels Federation's inaugural Quality Employer Awards on 13 January in Athlone. They received the Exceptional People Management Award for excellence in human resources. The event, held at Radisson Blu Hotel, recognized over 70 hotels. The Irish hotel sector supports 67,000 direct jobs, contributing to 270,000 roles in the wider tourism industry. The awards highlighted significant achievements in employee welfare and engagement.

📅 Hard Rock International, January 2026, Hollywood, Fla. - Expanded anti-trafficking initiatives for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month include educational forums and a 2026 FIFA World Cup partnership. January 14, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, hosts a Warrior Workshop. January 28, Hard Rock Hotel New York, an educational forum with Covenant House. The Social Identity Quest program reached 3.2 million students and 141,000 educators since 2021. Change for Change initiative raised $100,000 in 2025. Over 143,510 team members trained since 2022.

🏨 B&B Hotels completed refurbishments of seven UK hotels, including Birmingham and Cambridge, over 18 months. The investment program, finished with a showcase in Birmingham, updated guest rooms and communal spaces for simpler, modern designs. Sustainability was prioritized, with certifications from SOCOTEC. CEO Patrick O’Connell praised the team for providing affordable, environmentally mindful hospitality. Founded in 1990, B&B Hotels, owned by Goldman Sachs since 2019, operates over 900 hotels globally, and plans further UK expansion.