The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Energy & Environment Alliance (EEA) today announced a partnership to help establish unified sustainability standards, benchmarks, and performance metrics specifically tailored to the hotels and lodging sector. AAHOA's 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States; the EEA's membership represents around 45,000 hospitality assets globally.

Setting a Global Benchmark for Sustainability

As investor demand grows for transparent, reliable, and comparable sustainability disclosures, the partners will contribute to the work of the Special Taskforce on Sustainability Standards for the Hotels and Lodging Sector. The Taskforce aims to align the hospitality industry with globally recognized standards, including those set by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). These frameworks, already adopted by more than 30 countries, provide a common language for investment-grade sustainability information, enabling interoperability with regulations like the European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

The partnership's mission is clear: to ensure hundreds of thousands of hoteliers worldwide have a direct voice in the creation of sustainability standards that are both rigorous and practical. This proactive approach not only empowers hotel owners but also positions the industry to lead rather than react to regulatory developments.

A Strategic Three-Phase Consultation Process

The consultation process to develop these standards will occur in three structured phases:

1.  Pre-Consultation (January 2025 - June 2025): Global outreach to raise awareness and gather preliminary feedback through meetings, roundtables, and targeted discussions. This phase will identify critical issues and shape the consultation's scope.
2.  Consultation (June 2025 - September 2025): A comprehensive 90-day consultation where stakeholders can provide feedback via an online platform. The process will be supported by extensive promotion through trade media, social channels, and global conferences.
3.  Post-Consultation (December 2025): Analysis of submissions, development of conclusions, and presentation of outcomes to industry leaders and regulators.

Industry Leadership at a Critical Juncture

Ufi Ibrahim, CEO of the EEA, emphasized the urgency and importance of the initiative:

"The world has changed. Sustainability risks and opportunities now directly impact liquidity, asset values, the cost of capital, and investment decisions. In many jurisdictions, sustainable practices are becoming legal mandates. Yet, the lack of harmonized standards and reliable benchmarks is problematic. By leading the development of robust and widely supported standards, the hospitality industry can avoid potentially counterproductive regulatory impositions. It is encouraging to see alignment between regulators and industry leaders on this proactive approach."

A Vision for the Future of Hospitality

AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake underlined the groundbreaking nature of the partnership:

"This partnership between AAHOA and EEA marks a transformative step for the hospitality industry. By championing the creation of transparent and actionable sustainability standards, we are equipping hotel owners to meet evolving global demands while strengthening their competitive edge. This initiative is not only a pledge to environmental responsibility but also a strategic effort to enhance asset value and build investor trust in our industry's future."

AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel further highlighted the importance of AAHOA's voice to drive these initiatives forward:

"AAHOA Members have always been leaders in shaping the future of the hospitality industry, and this partnership with the Energy & Environment Alliance highlights our dedication to advancing sustainable practices. By ensuring hotel owners have a voice in establishing practical and globally recognized sustainability standards, we are positioning our industry to thrive while meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This is a crucial step toward a more resilient and environmentally responsible hospitality sector."

‍