Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Green Key debuts entry-level sustainability program

The program, now open for enrolment, targets hotels with limited resources

Green Key Ready program 2025 logo for hotel sustainability efforts

Green Key Global recently launched Green Key Ready, an entry-level program to help resource-limited hotels begin sustainability efforts and work toward full Green Key Eco-Rating certification.

Green Key Ready Program 2025: A Simple Start for Hotel Sustainability

GREEN KEY GLOBAL, a sustainability certification body, recently launched Green Key Ready, an entry-level program for hotels starting their sustainability efforts or operating with limited resources. The program includes a fundamentals-based questionnaire and supporting materials to help properties prepare for full Green Key Eco-Rating certification.

Green Key Ready is a step toward full certification, helping hotels meet initial sustainability requirements, Green Key Global said in a statement. Green Key Global is owned by the Hotel Association of Canada and the American Hotel & Lodging Association.


“Sustainability is no longer an option—it’s an expectation,” said Anick Levesque, Green Key Global’s managing director. “A year ago, AHLA and HAC strengthened their commitment to Green Key Global, marking a new chapter for sustainability in the hospitality industry. Since then, we’ve expanded our programs to better serve hotels at every stage of their journey. The launch of Green Key Ready is a direct result of that momentum.”

The program was developed in collaboration with hospitality leaders, industry partners, and sustainability experts to provide a structured, affordable framework for properties with limited resources, the statement said.

“On the one-year anniversary of our partnership, AHLA is reaffirming its commitment to meeting guest expectations with the launch of Green Key Ready,” said Rosanna Maietta, AHLA’s president and CEO. “This tool helps hotels of all sizes integrate sustainability into their operations while supporting our Responsible Stay initiative.”

Beth McMahon, HAC’s president and CEO, called Green Key Ready a game-changer for certification.

“It removes barriers for hotels ready to take action by offering a clear, affordable starting point,” she said. “This program will accelerate sustainable practices across the industry and set a new benchmark for responsible hospitality.”

The program also supports hotel brands and management companies by simplifying onboarding, increasing ESG engagement, and offering a path to full certification.

Green Key Ready is now open for enrollment.

In February, the Courtyard by Marriott San Antonio Riverwalk in Texas received the Green Key Global Sustainability Certificate for its eco-friendly practices.

More for you

 CoStar: U.S. Hotels See Early August Performance Dip

CoStar: U.S. hotels post early August dip

Summary:

  • U.S. hotel weekly metrics fell for the week ending Aug. 2, per CoStar.
  • Occupancy dropped to 69.5 percent from 71.5 percent the prior week.
  • San Francisco led gains; Houston had the largest occupancy and RevPAR declines.

U.S. HOTEL PERFORMANCE was mixed for the week ending Aug. 2, with all weekly metrics down and ADR and RevPAR up year over year, according to CoStar. San Francisco led the top 25 markets in year-over-year occupancy, ADR and RevPAR growth.

Keep ReadingShow less
Short-term rentals lead U.S. hospitality RevPAR growth in Q2 2025

Report: STRs outperform hotels nationwide

Summary:

  • STRs led hotels by 9 points in Q2 RevPAR.
  • Mid-Atlantic saw the highest growth at more than 11 percent; Southwest fell 4 percent.
  • September forward occupancy is down 11 percent year-on-year.

SHORT-TERM VACATION rentals saw broad gains across the U.S. in the second quarter, maintaining their edge over hotels despite economic pressures. The shift in the travel accommodation landscape by Key Data tracked more than 13 million listings nationwide.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vision Hospitality Hosts Red Sand Project in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Photo credit: Vision Hospitality Group

Vision hosts Red Sand Project against human trafficking

Summary:

  • Vision held its Red Sand Project to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
  • It fights trafficking through partnerships, staff training and philanthropic support.
  • Tennessee reported 213 human trafficking cases in 2024, involving 446 victims.

VISION HOSPITALITY GROUP held its fourth annual Red Sand Project with WillowBend Farms to combat human trafficking in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event brought together organizations working to combat human trafficking, including the Family Justice Center for Hamilton County and the Hamilton County Health Department.

Keep ReadingShow less
inclusive hiring in hospitality
Shutterstock

Study: Hiring people with disabilities can help hotels

Summary:

  • Researchers say hiring people with intellectual disabilities can help hotels address labor shortages.
  • Job coaches, tailored training, and inclusive communication.
  • The hotel industry still faces a gap of around 200,000 workers post-pandemic.

HIRING INDIVIDUALS WITH intellectual and developmental disabilities could help the hotel industry address ongoing labor shortages and high turnover, according to new research. Employers must also offer support systems like job coaches, clear communication practices and thoughtfully designed roles.

Keep ReadingShow less
CMBS hotel delinquency

Report: CMBS delinquency, CapEx dip slowing recovery

Summary:

  • CMBS delinquency rates remain high, especially for limited-service hotels, a Trepp report said.
  • CapEx investments dropped during pandemic and remain low.
  • The combination of these two trends is slowing the recovery.

  • Keep ReadingShow less