| | 8 HOSPITALITY BUSINESS REVIEWAUGUST 2025IN MY OPINIONLEADING HOSPITALITY'S SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATIONCareer Journey to McKibbon Sustainability LeadershipMy 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 StrategiesKey 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 well-being, 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 EffectivelyReducing 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 AI-powered 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.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 By Rafael Ibarcena, Corporate Sustainability Manager, McKibbon HospitalityRafael Ibarcena
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