UK: This year’s Independent Hotel Show, which takes place in October, is introducing a voluntary ESG self-audit for brands taking part in the event.
Following feedback from the ESG Hub at last year’s event, all exhibitors are being encouraged to complete a mini ESG self-audit, which includes a 30-question survey covering areas such as renewable energy use, waste reduction, diversity policies and whether ESG is a permanent agenda item in senior leadership meetings.
The ESG self-audit being used at the show is an educational framework to help businesses become more sustainable. The PLANET System has been developed by Sarah Duncan, co-founder and director of sustainability consultancy Sleeping Lion.
Duncan is also a moderator at the show hosting a session “Profit with Purpose: Why Sustainability is Smart Business,” and will explore how independent hotels can translate environmental responsibility into stronger guest loyalty, operational resilience and brand reputation.
Ed Perryman, co-founder of Replacer, who will be part of the session said: “For me, this topic is more relevant than ever; I think we’re about to see a shift in emphasis from sustainability reporting and measurement, to investment in innovation and tangible action where it counts, and that’s where environmental and social impact meets organisational priorities.”
Fellow panellist, Ufi Ibrahim, chief executive of the Energy & Environment Alliance added: “Independent hotels are on the frontline of change. I’m looking forward to sharing practical, investor-grade insights that help turn sustainability from a compliance burden into measurable margin, resilience, and access to capital — so owners leave with actions they can use the next day.”
Those who take part in the ESG self-audit will receive an instant report with their scores, along with downloadable educational flashcards to support ongoing learning.
Certificates will also be issued prior to the show, allowing exhibitors to display their audit results and make sustainability credentials clear to attending hoteliers.
The Independent Hotel Show takes place at Olympia on 6-7 October. You can read about last year’s show here.