CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL’S 2024 Sustainability Report includes a more comprehensive range of carbon emissions by the company than past reports. The company also announced a $150,000 annual partnership with the National Park Foundation, noting that 95 percent of its U.S. hotels are within 90 minutes of national parks.
Previous reports had included Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which are direct and indirect emissions caused by a company, according to ClimatePartner.com. This year’s report also includes Scope 3 emissions for the first time, which are “all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain of a reporting company,” according to ClimatePartner.
"At Choice Hotels, we are dedicated to building a better tomorrow today by integrating sustainable practices across our business," said Megan Brumagim, Choice’s vice president, upscale brands and chief sustainability officer. "Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and driving long-term value for hotel owners. We are proud of the progress we've made and remain energized to continue our journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow."
Also new, Choice Privileges members can convert points into cash donations to support conservation through the NPF partnership, the company said in a statement.
Choice’s "Your Community, Your Choice" grant program marks its fifth anniversary, having contributed $275,000 to local nonprofit organizations since inception, the statement said. The program supports projects addressing food security, veteran support and aid for trafficking victims, and involves hotel owners in these efforts.
The company received several recognitions in 2024 for its work in sustainability and corporate responsibility, Choice said. These include being named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, receiving the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Award for CO2 sequestration technology, and the PACT Freedom Award for efforts against human trafficking.
Choice reported 2.3 percent year-over-year domestic RevPAR growth in the first quarter, outperforming its chain scale competitors by 60 basis points, while net income rose 44 percent to $44.5 million, a 52 percent increase from the first quarter of 2024.