• Contact Us

The Sustainability Conundrum – Accreditation, Measuring and Reporting

At this month’s Annual Hotel Conference, hoteliers, owners and investors heard from 90 industry-leading speakers, tackling some of the most pertinent topics affecting the hospitality landscape. Among them, our very own Managing Director, Susan Bland. Joining a panel discussion on the sustainability conundrum, Susan spoke alongside Malcolm Kerr, Horwath HTL, Rekha Toora, JLL and Kelli Turner, Village Hotels, chaired by Ufi Ibrahim, Energy & Environment Alliance.

The overarching message during the session was that while standards are currently being set by government in relation to international environmental standards for developments, there is still much that can be achieved in current operations. Looking at KPIs, benchmarking, reporting and accreditation schemes, the panel discussed quantifying sustainability progress in a business.

It is not just consumers that are taking a keen interest in the matter, but investor interest in ESG has also been heightened in the past few years. Investors are rightfully asking a lot more questions to ensure future proofing for years to come.
Susan explained that a successful ESG strategy is difficult, because there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. We know that business ethics, behaviour and guidance have been on the agenda for a while, because that’s easier to quantify and see the impact of change. A lot of people are a little more thrown off by the environmental part, and by seemingly complex concepts like becoming carbon neutral.

Susan told the audience to remember:

“E is only one part of the ESG and carbon is only one part of the E – it gets talked about a lot, but there are a lot of parts in the S and the G to focus on. The environmental focus is newer to the conversation, but within it there are a lot of parts that are easy to understand and already measurable.”

ESG can be an overwhelming topic that lacks framework. Many businesses are getting stuck with setting targets that are difficult to see beyond. Susan advised that hotels must look at their own assets and data, rather than going off what others around them seem to be doing. That being said, the formula for sustainability success lies in collaboration. The buy-in of key stakeholders is fundamental for measurable success, and a good employer understands that you can still achieve the S and the G, while E remains a work in progress within your business strategy.

Authentic collaboration, the panel shared, all comes down to education. Educating consumers that a reduction in towel washing and turndown services isn’t a reflection of a brand’s quality. Educating staff to buy in to the vision and to effectively answers guests’ questions. Educating partners about the importance of responsible sourcing throughout the supply chain.

Overall, the message was clear that businesses must do more, even if they can’t do it all.

News & Updates

Business Updates

RBH rolls out Too Good To Go scheme across entire portfolio

22 May 2023

In a bid to tackle food waste, RBH launches partnership with the world’s largest surplus food platform, Too Good To Go

Read more

Business Updates

IHIF: Doing more with less

17 May 2023

Susan Bland facilitates discussion on optimising workforce productivity and getting the most out of your teams at IHIF's 25th annual conference

Read more

RBH Portfolio

RBH boosts luxury portfolio with 200th hotel

10 May 2023

RBH marks its 200th hotel management partnership with the opening of another upscale luxury property – The Municipal Hotel Liverpool

Read more

RBH Insights

RBH Hospitality Management celebrates 20 years with Crowne Plaza London Docklands

5 May 2023

Celebrating the 20-year anniversary of Crowne Plaza London Docklands under RBH’s management since opening in May 2003

Read more

Giving Something Back

RBH wins Springboard’s Health & Wellbeing Award

21 April 2023

RBH picked up Springboard's award for Employee Health & Wellbeing in recognition of its commitment to its people

Read more

Looking for a job in hospitality?

Explore our jobs

London

RBH, The Mille, 1000 Great West
Road, Brentford, TW8 9DW

+44 (0) 208 232 9014

Glasgow

RBH, 40 Brand Street,
Glasgow, G51 1DG

+44 (0) 141 419 4567
  • Website policy
  • Privacy policy
  • Sustainability policy
  • Cookie policy
  • Employment statements
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2023 RBH Hospitality

  • Who we are
  • What we do
  • Our people
  • Our hotels
  • Giving Something Back
  • RBH careers
  • News & updates
  • Contact us

WANT TO WORK IN HOSPITALITY?

Careers

Explore jobs About us

Develop your career in the hospitality industry. Join the RBH family.

London
+44 (0) 208 232 9014
Glasgow
+44 (0) 141 419 4567