A Danish startup is transforming the management of Sustainability data in hospitality, travel, and tourism, streamlining the process for its members. By integrating the Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) framework from the industry association into its platform, the startup is simplifying adoption and implementation.

“Sustainability is a priority for Travel & Tourism. Through the Hotel Sustainability Basics, the global hotel industry has come together to define 12 fundamental, globally aligned sustainability criteria that all hotels can and should implement as a bare minimum,” says WTTC President and CEO Julia Simpson.”Our goal is to have a globally recognized trademark that shows customers at a glance that a hotel is taking measures to improve its environmental performance while also supporting its local community. By joining forces with BeCause we are increasing the transparency of that process and giving hotel groups an effective and efficient way to put that tool into the hands of their properties.”

Greening Hotels: Embracing Sustainability

Hotels embracing sustainability through the HSB framework are given three years to meet its 12 criteria, including energy monitoring and linen recycling. Annually, they can seek verification of their adherence to HSB standards through WTTC-accredited partners like Green Key and SGS. Successful verification earns them a badge, symbolizing their eco-friendly commitment, which can enhance their branding for environmentally conscious guests.

In the future, BeCause will streamline this process by transmitting data directly to verification partners. Hotels using BeCause for sustainability data can easily adapt their existing data for the HSB framework, reducing redundant efforts.

“Like any endeavor, the first step is always the hardest. While many hotels might have sustainability initiatives in place, they don’t necessarily track their data – or do so efficiently. By completing the HSB framework through BeCause and gaining greater insight into how their business activities impact the planet, we hope they will be encouraged to pursue even more ambitious sustainability measures in the future,” says BeCause CEO and Co-founder Frederik Steensgaard.

A Tailored Platform Driving Industry Efficiency

BeCause is an AI-driven hub designed to centralize a hotel’s sustainability data and streamline its dissemination to stakeholders, including booking platforms and accreditation bodies. By inputting data into BeCause, hotels can align with multiple frameworks, speeding up the process of attaining green certifications and ensuring compliance.

For example, European hotels can meet their reporting obligations under the EU’s Corporate Social Responsibility Directive by using the ESRS reporting framework integrated into BeCause. This integration saves resources and reduces costs, highlighting the platform’s effectiveness in enhancing industry efficiency.

“For a long time, hotels have lacked an efficient way to manage their sustainability data. They were constrained by manual processes that produced unreliable results, making it difficult to get buy-in from stakeholders on sustainability-focused projects,” Steensgaard adds. “We’re here to change that, whether you are a hotel just starting out and using Hotel Sustainability Basics as your guide or you already have several eco-certifications granted.”

The post Danish Startup Teams Up with World Travel & Tourism Council to Enhance Hotel Sustainability Basics Framework first appeared on MICE Travel Advisor.