Leading Hospitality's Sustainable Transformation

Career Journey to McKibbon Sustainability Leadership

My professional career spans over three decades of experience in different sectors, from managing energy, infrastructure, hospitality, and real estate companies to corporate sustainability, always leading optimization processes, operational excellence, and value generation. As the Corporate Sustainability Manager, I led McKibbon Hospitality’s inaugural sustainability report. My role involves conducting a dual materiality assessment (DMA) and developing strategies to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. I also oversee the sustainability performance of over 100 hotels across 25 premier brands in 50 cities across 12 U.S. states. Additionally, I manage implementing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sustainability programs, including Building Performance Standards (BPS) and Florida Green Lodging certification.

Key ESG Metrics Shaping Sustainability Strategies

Key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics are essential for evaluating sustainability strategies, driving long-term value, and creating a positive impact. Environmental factors include measuring the total carbon footprint in tons of CO2 equivalent across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, monitoring overall energy consumption in kilowatt-hours with a focus on renewable sources, and tracking water usage in kilogallons while implementing conservation efforts in hotels. Solid waste management and recycling rates, along with biodiversity initiatives to protect and restore ecosystems, are also critical.

On the social front, companies assess employee wellbeing, health, safety, satisfaction, and engagement. Workforce diversity, community engagement through donations and volunteer programs, and human rights policies in supply chains further shape sustainable practices.

Governance considerations include board diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity, and expertise, executive compensation aligned with sustainability performance, strong ethical policies against corruption, and transparent reporting practices following recognized corporate social responsibility standards.

Innovative Solutions Reducing Food Waste Effectively

Reducing food waste is key to a sustainable future, and a circular economy offers innovative solutions. We collaborate with our Food & Beverage teams to implement strategies like food donation programs to redistribute surplus food and AIpowered inventory systems to optimize production and reduce spoilage. Composting initiatives divert organic waste from landfills, creating nutrient-rich compost. Additionally, kitchen staff education promotes better storage, portion control, and creative leftover use. These actions create a closed-loop system, maximizing resource efficiency.

"Embracing innovation, fostering collaboration, and aligning local realities with global sustainability goals are key to transforming the hospitality industry. It’s about maximizing resource efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing guest experiences for a better future"

The circular economy plays a crucial role by emphasizing resource reuse, recycling, and regeneration. It ensures food is fully utilized before disposal and minimizes environmental impact. The approach also encourages innovation and collaboration, creating economic benefits and new opportunities in waste management. By reducing food waste, the circular economy lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and reduces landfill burdens, fostering a healthier planet.

Approach to Aligning Multi-Region Sustainability Goals

Aligning sustainability goals across multiple states and countries, each with its own regulations and operational models, requires a strategic and adaptable approach. Here’s how I would approach it:

Aligning sustainability goals across regions requires balancing a global vision with local realities. This involves understanding local regulations and identifying commonalities and differences. A flexible sustainability framework is then developed. Engaging local stakeholders, such as government and community organizations, ensures alignment and compliance. Action plans are tailored to meet local regulations, brand standards, and operational models. We’ve implemented a strong monitoring system to track progress, incorporating feedback and adapting to changing regulations. Through open communication, regional collaboration, and technological resources for data collection, we enhance transparency, ensuring effective pursuit of sustainability goals while respecting regional differences.

Strategies Achieving Significant Pollution Reduction

The board tasked me with resolving contamination in the bulk storage business unit. I developed a project with guidance from an environmental remediation company, focusing on key initiatives. We reported the contamination to local authorities and submitted an approved decontamination plan. We also engaged local community members for transparency and support while seeking sustainable solutions. We worked with clients to redesign material storage procedures and updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). A key step was prohibiting repackaging activities within the warehouse, a major pollution contributor.

A similar challenge in hotels involves reducing solid waste. To address this, hotels can minimize waste at the source by reducing single-use plastics, offering refillable dispensers, and improving packaging. Recycling programs, waste segregation, and composting are essential. Sustainable procurement practices should prioritize eco-friendly products. Engaging guests through clear signage and incentives, along with staff training, ensures effective waste management and continuous improvement in sustainability efforts.

Emerging Sustainability Trends Shaping Hospitality

The hospitality sector is transforming with new sustainability trends. Regenerative hospitality focuses on restoring environments and communities, including regenerative agriculture and ethical tourism. Guests are increasingly interested in the origins of their food, leading to a focus on hyperlocal and seasonal sourcing, creating unique culinary experiences. Zero-waste initiatives reduce waste by minimizing single-use plastics, improving recycling, and introducing solutions like biodigesters.

Hotels are adopting energy-efficient practices, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Water conservation includes low-flow fixtures and greywater recycling systems. Smart room controls and AI enhance resource efficiency, while biophilic design promotes well-being and energy reduction.

Sustainable construction uses eco-friendly materials, and community involvement supports local businesses and responsible tourism. Transparency in sustainability is growing, with detailed reporting and technologies like blockchain improving accountability. These trends are transforming the sector, helping hotels reduce environmental impact, enhance guest experiences, and contribute to a sustainable future.

Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Sustainability Professionals

For aspiring hospitality professionals passionate about sustainability, continuous education on trends and technologies is essential. Embracing innovation, such as energy-efficient systems and waste reduction, drives change. Networking with like-minded individuals and organizations fosters shared knowledge. Leading by example, advocating for sustainability, and understanding its business case—financial and reputational benefits—are key. Engaging stakeholders, from employees to local communities, ensures success. Data-driven measurement and reporting highlight the value of initiatives and areas for improvement. Resilience and patience are vital for the long-term sustainability journey. Promoting a sustainability culture and thinking globally while acting locally will maximize impact.