CSR and Sustainability

🏨 In London, Hotels with Heart, led by Abigail Tan and Emily Goldfisher, transforms St. Giles Hotel into a community hub. Since the pandemic, they've offered housing to 49-100 homeless individuals, collaborating with Westminster and Camden Councils. Their Hotels with Heart Academy, launched in 2022, has trained 40 individuals in hospitality, providing pathways to employment. The initiative partners with charities like Coram and Breaking Barriers, emphasizing community support and changing public perceptions of homelessness.

💬 79% of 2,200 tech professionals globally now consider diversity crucial in employers. Younger professionals (18-34) value it more (81%) than older ones (66%). Women face networking challenges; traditional models may exclude them. Mentorship is vital, yet 63% of women lack formal mentors. Inclusive networking and reciprocal mentorship can foster growth. The industry must empower women, ensuring leadership diversity becomes standard, not rare.

📈 Populus Denver, home to Pasque and Stellar Jay, is America's first carbon-positive hotel, opened in October 2022. Executive chef Ian Wortham leads sustainability initiatives, using a biodigester for food scraps and sourcing ingredients like bison over beef for ecological benefits. The hotel collaborates with partners like Flying B Bar, a ranch practicing regenerative agriculture, to minimize environmental impact. These efforts make Populus Denver a leader in eco-friendly hospitality.

🍹 In 2025, Wunder Werkz, in partnership with Mike Capoferri and Rahul Marwah, opened Semiprecious in Denver's Sunnyside, occupying a 1950s showroom. The bar features a unique, 100% recycled plastic counter by The Good Plastic Company, marking a first in the U.S. Inspired by Le Corbusier's Cabanon, the design incorporates oxblood and cobalt blue hues. Wunder Werkz co-owns Semiprecious, highlighting design's critical role in the hospitality industry's success.

📖 Newmor Wallcoverings unveils three collections—Broxton, Prism, and Slate—crafted in Wales for contemporary hospitality spaces. Broxton features a herringbone design with nine colorways. Prism, inspired by cut crystal, offers a nine-color palette with metallic accents. Slate mimics Welsh slate’s texture in nine natural shades. All designs use at least 20% recycled material, highlighting sustainability and craftsmanship.

📖 Queens Hotel, Leeds, earned Green Key accreditation for sustainable operations. Achieved by meeting 13 criteria, including energy efficiency and waste management, this adds to existing Green Tourism and Greengage EcoSmart awards. A Green Team, led by Sunil Lad and assisted by Mission Net Zero, implemented eco-friendly practices. Owned by Pandox and managed by Axiom Hospitality, the hotel combines luxury with sustainability and runs social responsibility programs.

📁 20 October, Dublin: The Irish Hotels Federation and Fáilte Ireland hosted a conference for over 200 hoteliers to discuss sustainability. Themed “Climate Action: Driving Competitiveness,” the event focused on global trends and operational efficiency. Notable speakers included Craig Bennett and Richard Burrett. Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme, launched in February 2024, involves over 300 tourism businesses. 87% of IHF members plan sustainability investments, while 75% of global travelers aim for sustainable travel.

🏨 Zeal Hotels' Voco Zeal Exeter Science Park was named 'Green Building Project of the Year' at the Edie Net Zero Awards 2025 in the UK. This 142-room hotel, aiming for a BREEAM Outstanding rating, was chosen from a shortlist of nine. It boasts multiple sustainability accolades, including three Gold titles at the Food Drive Devon Awards and Gold from Green Tourism. Zeal plans to expand its sustainable model across the UK.

💸 Chris Green, president of Humanitarian Hotels, oversees three hotels owned by the Pulte Family Foundation, which donates 100% of its profits to charity. Over the past five years, the foundation has supported 292 charities with $167 million. They prioritize staff well-being, offering multiple health plans and financial training. Their properties, including the recently renovated St. John's Resort, host major events like the LIV Golf Tournament. They've embarked on a $114 million project for individuals with disabilities.

🏨 Meliá Hotels International and Les Roches partner in 2025 to launch the "Meliá Future Talent Programme." Les Roches, ranked second globally for hospitality management, will tailor its curriculum to Meliá's needs. Students will intern globally at Meliá properties and may secure three-year contracts post-graduation. The programme, accredited by Swiss and U.S. bodies, emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and leadership. This initiative builds on Les Roches' past collaborations, linking education with industry needs.