AHLA, HAC Announce Joint Collaboration With Green Key Global to Advance Sustainability

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) and the Hotel Association of Canada (HAC) have announced a significant step in advancing sustainability within the hospitality industry. Green Key Global, a leading sustainability certification body for hotels, is now jointly operated by these associations in both the U.S. and Canada, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship across North American hotel brands.

This collaboration brings together various major hotel companies including Accor, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Highgate, Hyatt, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, and others. These groups are already active partners of Green Key Global, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable practices through this third-party certification program.

Founded by HAC in 1994, Green Key Global is designed to assess and certify hotels’ adherence to environmental sustainability practices. The certification aligns with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and covers various aspects such as energy conservation, water management, waste handling, land use, and indoor air quality.

Denise Naguib, Marriott International’s Global Vice President of Sustainability and Supplier Diversity, expressed enthusiasm for the new collaboration: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Green Key Global to advance our sustainability efforts. This agreement supports our properties in the U.S. and Canada as they strive to achieve third-party sustainability certification, showcasing their commitment to environmental conservation.”

The partnership between AHLA and HAC through Green Key Global not only adds credibility to the existing sustainability initiatives undertaken by properties but also provides them with a framework for ongoing improvement. This initiative is part of a broader industry trend where sustainability is increasingly influencing the choices of leisure, business, and group travelers.

Furthermore, this partnership enhances AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative, which promotes sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing among its member companies.

Kevin Carey, AHLA Interim President & CEO, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “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—support and educate our members on key factors influencing their business. This is a vital time for hoteliers, and AHLA is proud to be partnering with HAC to meet the moment.”

This joint operation marks a pivotal development in the hospitality industry’s move towards more sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility in the sector.