Course Outline

Module 1: The Business Case for ESG in Hospitality

• Understanding the drivers: guest demand, investor pressure, regulatory compliance, and cost savings.

• The link between ESG and profitability: RevPAR premium, talent attraction, and operational efficiency.

• Introduction to key frameworks: GSTC Criteria, GRI, SASB (now part of IFRS) for Hospitality.

• Exercise: Conducting a stakeholder mapping and initial materiality assessment for a sample hotel.

Module 2: The "E" - Environmental Stewardship in Operations

• Energy Management: audits, efficiency upgrades, HVAC optimization, and transitioning to renewables.

• Water Stewardship: reducing consumption, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling.

• Waste Management: achieving zero-waste-to-landfill, food waste reduction, and single-use plastic elimination.

• Workshop: Calculating the carbon footprint and utility cost-saving potential for a hotel scenario.

Module 3: The "E" - Sustainable Supply Chains and Biodiversity

• Responsible Sourcing: local & organic food, sustainable seafood (MSC/ASC), and eco-friendly amenities.

• Green Procurement: evaluating suppliers based on ESG criteria.

• Biodiversity: protecting natural habitats, creating green spaces, and supporting local conservation.

• Case Study: Developing a sustainable and marketable food & beverage program.

Module 4: The "S" - Social Responsibility: People and Community

• Labor Practices: fair wages, diversity & inclusion, employee well-being, and ethical recruitment.

• Community Engagement: supporting local economies, respecting indigenous rights, and mitigating overtourism.

• Guest Experience and Safety: accessibility, data privacy, and human rights (preventing human trafficking).

• Role-Play: Handling an ethical dilemma related to staff welfare or a community complaint.

Module 5: The "G" - Governance and Implementation

• Governance Structure: Board oversight of ESG, management accountability, and ethical business conduct.

• Integrating ESG into Brand Standards and Management Agreements.

• ESG Reporting and Communication: creating a sustainability report and marketing claims (avoiding greenwashing).

• Final Project: Creating a phased ESG Action Plan for a participant's own hotel or a case study property, including key initiatives, KPIs, and a communication strategy.