Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions - May 24, 2023
Highgate Lowers Emissions by 21.8%
Highgate, a real estate investment and hospitality management company, lowered its total GHG emissions by 21.8% and energy use by more than 170,000 megawatt hours (MWh), when comparing data from 2021 to 2019.
The company’s annual ESG report highlights how the Alohilani Resort became the first hotel in Hawaii to commit to PAS 2060 carbon neutrality certification. The hotel partnered with the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative to reforest more than 1,200 acres of trees, which is the first carbon removal project in the United States to achieve Gold Standard certification.
Highgate plans to expand on numerous initiatives, including increasing its number of carbon neutral hotels, onsite solar systems, biodiversity projects, third-party eco-certified hotels, and electric vehicle (EV) charging station installations.
As a member of the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA), Highgate was the first hospitality company to sign CEBA's Commercial Real Estate Principles, which supports the decarbonization of commercial buildings through energy optimization and renewable energy procurement.
In 2021, Highgate made an investment in several Green-e certified renewable energy certificates (RECs) that allowed more than 200 hotels in its portfolio to be powered by 100% renewable energy. Highgate is also evaluating the feasibility of onsite renewable energy and is conducting a comprehensive analysis of onsite solar and battery storage opportunities across its entire portfolio.
Additionally, Highgate is increasing the utilization of energy efficient technologies at its hotels, while also increasing the use of renewable energy. As part of its Environmental Brand Standards, Highgate requires hotels to install smart guestroom thermostats, 100% LED lighting, and intelligent kitchen hood fans for properties with large kitchens. As of 2021, approximately 65% of its properties already use high-efficiency lighting.
"We all share an urgent responsibility to reduce our impact on climate change, and this is especially true for the hospitality industry," said Highgate CEO Arash Azarbarzin in a statement. "Highgate is very proud to be a leader on this front by presenting this analysis that can serve as a roadmap to help drive hospitality management toward a net-zero future without compromising the guest experience."
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