Impressive Progress in Corporate Housing Sustainability

Published on Monday, January 29th, 2024 by Maura Carey

Most Fortune 1000 CEOs are increasing their company commitments to sustainability and clean technology. We know from GBTA surveys and other travel industry sources that sustainable travel remains a priority for businesses in response to climate challenges, stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.

Our 2023 results produced broader education initiatives and more adoption of sustainable practices

CHPA and its member companies have actively responded to the opportunity that adopting sustainable practices  expands the corporate housing client base and bookings.  Our CHPA Sustainability Workgroup, with guidance from CHPA CEO, Mary Ann Passi, CAE, and co-chaired by Debbie Woodley, CCHP of Dwellworks Living and Jo Layton, CCHP of CAP Worldwide, led the association and our members to great progress in defining and meeting sustainability expectations.  Here’s a quick look at 2023 accomplishments and progress:

• Founding contributors to the mobility industry’s Coalition for Greener Mobility.
• Content producers for guidelines, terminology, and education including the Blueprint for a Greener Stay.
• Second successful year of our webinar education series, available online, covering topics including essential sustainability metrics, association and industry initiatives, and client priorities and requirements.
• Completion of our second member annual survey, with these key findings:
  • 52% of respondents have a goal to earn a sustainability accreditation
  • 62% are actively engaged in community giving/foodbank donations
  • 72% promote the use of alternatives to single use plastics on property
  • 76% donate or recycle furnishings – supporting a circular economy and less landfill waste
  • A whopping 90% want to learn more and do more about sustainability

For 2024, CHPA’s Sustainability Workgroup is prioritizing the development and roll-out of a standardized, online carbon calculator that all corporate housing accommodations providers can use to calculate the carbon footprint of a guest’s stay – using well-established analytics and methodologies from the hospitality industry and making client reporting easier and more consistent. Work with the Coalition for Greener Mobility continues, striving to advise standard questions and formats for RFPs regarding sustainability issues. Stay tuned to learn more soon.

We’re making sure #Connect24 is sustainable

Headed to Tucson?  Expect some sustainability highlights.

Our host hotel, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort, has been an active partner in supporting on-site sustainability at the event. Check out the #Connect24 app for more details.  And be on the lookout for:

• More than 30% less printed signage than in 2023
• 100% recyclable materials used for remaining signage and lanyards
• Reminders to bring your own water bottles and insulated containers – no plastic water bottles will be offered at the conference
• Reduced food waste thanks to your early RSVPs and better-managed food service

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Dwellworks Living is the Sustainability Sponsor of the event. At CHPA’s Welcome Session, Debbie Woodey will share the Sustainability Workgroup’s 2023 results and the contributions of the Workgroup members who represent multiple industry sectors and geographies.  She and Jo Layton are actively recruiting for the 2024-25 Sustainability Workgroup.  Sign up here or reach out to Jo, Debbie, and other Workgroup members to learn how you can help your business and your peers meet our sustainability goals.