Metrics

Sustainability Metrics involve the units of measurement that are used to quantify and compare sustainability. Increases in technology, research data, and consciousness have made significant advances in the presence of metrics. Carbon footprinting is one area where metrics have been developed and are now commonplace.

Industry Issues

· What is the yardstick for a “green hotel”? How do hotels measure up against one another?

· How is the carbon footprint of a roomnight measured consistently across different properties and brands so that it has meaning?

· What kind of “Eco Index” will guests utilize? If certification is not the solution, then what is?

· How can qualitative CSR initiatives be quantified and tracked?

· What other characterized impacts will the industry be faced with quantifying, in addition to carbon?

· How can data be presented so that stakeholders find meaning and value?

Solutions

· Design guidelines for quantifying processes, consumption, and impacts relating to sustainability

· Research sustainability trends to identify metrics that need adaption within the industry

· Design metrics that present data clearly, comparably, and transparently