North American Hospitality Industry Boosts Sustainability Commitments with Green Key Global Initiative: American Hotel & Lodging Association

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The American Hotel & Lodging Association & Hotel Association of Canada join forces on Green Key Global, driving sustainability in US & Canadian hotels.

Today marks a significant milestone as the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) together with the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) have taken a unified step by overseeing the operations of Green Key Global in both the United States and Canada. This collaboration brings together leading hotel brands such as Accor, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, among others, all of whom are pioneering sustainability efforts by participating in Green Key Global’s certification program.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Green Key Global to advance our sustainability efforts,” said Denise Naguib, Marriott International Global Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity. “Marriott International and Green Key Global’s agreement will help support our properties in the U.S. and Canada as they pursue a third-party sustainability certification that demonstrates dedication to environmental stewardship.”

Originally established by HAC in 1994, Green Key Global is a prestigious program aimed at recognizing hotels for their commitment to environmental stewardship. It offers a certification that evaluates hotels on their adherence to sustainable practices, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, covering critical areas like energy use, water conservation, responsible land management, and waste treatment.

This partnership between AHLA and HAC signifies a pivotal movement towards sustainability in the hospitality sector, driven by the changing preferences of travelers who prioritize environmental responsibility. The program not only validates the eco-friendly measures hotels are implementing but also provides a roadmap for ongoing progress.

Furthermore, this initiative complements AHLA’s Responsible Stay® program, highlighting the dedication of its members towards sustainable practices such as efficient energy use, water conservation, minimizing waste, and ethical sourcing. This collaborative effort exemplifies a significant commitment to enhancing the sustainability of the hotel industry across North America.

“We are excited to see the momentum with the Green Key Global platform as we enter this partnership with HAC. This is an opportunity for AHLA to continue to do what we do best, supporting and educating our members on key factors influencing their business day in and day out,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “This is a vital time for hoteliers, and AHLA is proud to be partnering with HAC to meet the moment.”

“This is an important milestone,” said Susie Grynol, President & CEO of the Hotel Association of Canada, “as we are not only expanding the footprint of the Green Key Global brand, but also the opportunity for the industry to lead the way towards monumental shift and environmental impact, with a best-in-class program that is affordable, measurable and accessible for all hotels.”

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