The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) convened food and beverage professionals and sustainability leaders for the fourth annual Responsible Stay Summit in Washington, D.C., on 4 March 2026. The event aimed to share best practices, discuss emerging trends, and honour those making significant strides in sustainable hotel operations.
For the first time, the summit united members of AHLA’s Sustainability and Food & Beverage Committees, drawing a diverse group to tackle shared challenges such as responsible sourcing, food waste reduction, and water conservation. Lauren Pravlik, Vice President for Committees and Member Engagement at AHLA, emphasised the dual benefits of sustainability for both the environment and local economies, stating, “Helping our members operate more efficiently isn't just good for the environment, it's good for their bottom line and for the communities they serve.”
The summit featured the presentation of the Sustainable Hospitality and Leadership in Design (SHLD) Awards, recognising projects that combine outstanding design with measurable sustainability performance. Winners included Hotel Verdant in Racine, Wisconsin, and Renaissance Boston Seaport District, which was named the overall winner. Additionally, the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco was honoured as the 2026 Green Key Global Property of the Year.
The event also saw Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts receive the Hotel Kitchen Champion Award from the World Wildlife Fund for its leadership in sustainable food and beverage practices. The summit is part of AHLA's Responsible Stay initiative, which supports hoteliers in reducing environmental impact and operating costs through resources like Green Key Global certification and the Energy and Water Savings Guide
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