This podcast features a discussion on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in the hotel industry, focusing on New York and the USA. The conversation involves RH (the host), KW (likely a hotel industry professional), and DJ (possibly an expert in fashion or sustainability).
The podcast begins with RH inquiring about current ESG legislation in New York's hotel industry. KW mentions Local Law 33, which relates to energy efficiency grades and ESG reporting. They discuss the ALO Index (https://aloindex.com/) used in Bridgeton properties for sustainability testing.
The conversation then shifts to textile and laundry usage, specifically addressing surplus and unused linen disposal. RH introduces Crestwell's (CW) practice of buying back condemned linen and uniforms, presenting it as a sustainable solution.
KW discusses ESG challenges and expectations from hotel owners, touching on the impact of ownership agendas and regulations around RFPs (Request for Proposals). They compare revenue focus in boutique versus franchised properties, exploring how "low-hanging fruit" in sustainability can affect sales, cost efficiencies, and marketing.
The 1 Hotels model is mentioned as an example of sustainability in action. KW elaborates on brands impacting regenerative travel, while DJ describes ESG as a "double-edged sword," balancing impact-driven experiences with customer expectations and pricing.
RH shares an anecdote about introducing in-room water dispensers at Hotel ICON in Hong Kong, inspired by 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge and Miami. This led to positive guest feedback and industry adoption, highlighting how partnerships with eco-friendly vendors can be mutually beneficial.
The discussion then turns to the importance of certification of origin in procurement. KW explains their focus on buying local to reduce carbon footprint, giving examples like minibar items and wines from local vineyards.
A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to uniform design and procurement. RH describes the challenges of traditional methods and introduces CW's AI-driven solution. KW and DJ express enthusiasm for this innovative approach, which promises to reduce time, cost, and waste in uniform production.
DJ provides insights into the e-commerce automation platform and the waste in the fashion industry, emphasizing the potential of CW's system to address these issues. They discuss how AI and customized tailoring can enhance customer experiences in hotels.
The podcast concludes with a discussion on the potential impact of CW's system in the US market. DJ suggests organizing a fashion show in New York to demonstrate the benefits of this system for hotels. Both DJ and KW express strong interest in collaborating with CW to promote this solution.
Throughout the podcast, the participants emphasize the importance of sustainable practices in the hotel industry, the potential for innovative solutions to address environmental concerns, and the balance between sustainability, luxury, and customer experience. The conversation highlights the growing focus on ESG in the hospitality sector and the opportunities for technology-driven solutions to create more sustainable and efficient operations.