Choice Hotels Advances Sustainability with New 2023 ESG Initiatives

Choice Hotels International highlights its latest sustainability achievements and future plans in the 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance Report, showcasing significant progress in environmental and social initiatives.

Choice Hotels International, Inc., a leading global lodging franchisor, has released its 2023 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, which outlines the company's sustainability initiatives over the past year. The report reveals expanded efforts to minimize utility usage and enhance savings through its Room to be Green program, now involving over 2,600 properties.

Megan Brumagim, Vice President of Sustainability at Choice, emphasized the dual benefits of sustainability, noting, "By promoting sustainable practices, we not only support our planet but also create tangible benefits for hotel owners and enhance our appeal to guests and corporate clients. Our commitment to sustainability is integral to our business strategy and we're excited to continue this journey."

Key initiatives from the report include a pilot program involving 35 hotels in sustainability audits, aiming to improve operations and reduce environmental impact through various enhancements such as energy-efficient thermostats and high-efficiency water heaters. Additionally, Choice is working to set science-based targets for reducing its carbon footprint in partnership with the Science Based Targets initiative.

To support the increasing demand for electric vehicle charging, Choice Hotels has expanded its offerings, providing EV charging options at numerous locations, accessible through a dedicated filter on the ChoiceHotels.com website and mobile app.

The report also highlights Choice's commitment to social responsibility, including efforts to combat human trafficking and promoting hotel ownership among underrepresented groups. Over 370 franchise agreements have been granted to diverse entrepreneurs through the company's Emerging Markets Program since 2004.

In 2023, Choice inaugurated its new global headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, designed with an emphasis on sustainability and employee wellbeing. The building, part of the LEED ND certified Pike & Rose development, features energy-efficient systems, EV charging stations, and is aiming for LEED Gold certification.