C-SUITE Panel (photo: depositphotos.com) — Source: Hospitality Net

Today, Hospitality Net™, powered by Hsyndicate, has published its latest viewpoint on Sustainability from their C-Suite World Panel which highlights views and opinions of leading hoteliers on key industry trends. This critical topic, titled Sustainability Goals: Is the Window of Opportunity for Hotels Closing?, was initiated by Willy Legrand, Professor of Hospitality Management at the IUBH International University.

"The hotel sector accounts for almost a quarter of all tourism emissions," explains Legrand. "Under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the hotel sector must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions per room per year by 66 percent by 2030 and 90 percent by 2050."

Contributing to the discussion is an influential group of executives:

  • Thomas Willms, CEO Deutsche Hospitality
  • Federico J. González, President & CEO, Radisson Hospitality AB
  • Chris Nassetta, President & CEO at Hilton
  • Michael Levie, COO and Founding Partner at citizen
  • Bill Walshe, CEO at Viceroy Hotel Group
  • Heather McCrory, CEO of North & Central America at Accor
  • Martin R. Smura, CEO of the Kempinski Group
  • Jay Stein, CEO at Dream Hotel Group
  • Ramón Aragonés, CEO at NH Hotel Group
  • Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality
  • Sem Schuurkes, Founder and Partner of CityHub

President & CEO of Radisson Hospitality AB, Federico J. González cites the sense of urgency, "As leaders in the hospitality industry, we all have a responsibility to act now for the future."

According to Michael Levie, COO and Founding Partner at citizen, the solution lies in innovation, "Our industry is asset-heavy and the real impact on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) sits way earlier in the design and execution of the hotel developments or major capital improvements. Building methodologies like modular, materials, tech, mechanical, and engineering are all making the true impacts on our environmental footprint and aim for a more carbon-neutral future."

When it comes to the future of our environment, the expert panel agreed that it is a priority and that a united effort is needed to address the problem. "Ultimately, our industry has a responsibility to the communities where we live, work, and travel," explains Chris Nassetta, President & CEO at Hilton. "And while we may compete in many ways, I feel strongly that sustainability should not be one of them."

Earlier this month, Hospitality Net announced the launch of the 2020 C-Suite World Panel following the successful rollout of the Hospitality Net World Panel earlier this year. The initiative was designed to have five industry academics question industry chief executives on five timely topics that are expected to drive change in 2020. A diverse panel of C-Suite executives of European and US-based hospitality groups have agreed to take part.

To read the full viewpoint, go to hospitalitynet.org/panel/125000028.html

This controversial conversation comes on the heels of the previously published viewpoint, which explores hotel strategies to weather the next economic downturn. Click here to see the feedback on this topic given by 12 executives.

About Hospitality Net

Acting as a ‘neutral’ broker and publisher of hotel business information, Hospitality Net is the #1 ranked global website for the global hospitality community. Hospitality Net enables all industry stakeholders to amplify visibility on its platform and connect with the industry globally through a membership business model, unlike any other publishing initiative in the industry. Members include actors throughout the hospitality spectrum - hotel groups, vendors/suppliers, associations, universities/schools, consultants, and event organizers. To learn more, visit hospitalitynet.org. To learn more, visit hospitalitynet.org.