Attention hospitality professionals! Juggling the endless responsibilities of running a successful hotel business while trying to prioritize sustainability can feel like an impossible task. The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast is here to help you navigate this challenging landscape and make sustainability an achievable goal for your business.
Hosted by industry expert Kathy Sue McGuire, ISSP-SA, this weekly podcast features engaging interviews, actionable insights, and real-world success stories from the world of sustainable hospitality. Tune in every week to discover how you can balance profitability, guest satisfaction, attract talent and achieve environmental responsibility in your hospitality business.
We will break down the myths that sustainability is time consuming and costly. You will also learn about regulations, standards and frameworks to be on the lookout for.
Sustainability has a ROI and a true business case and we are here to tell you all about it. From the right certification for your hotel to telling your story without the fear of greenwashing we will give you the insights and confidence you need!
We are your sales and marketing teams new best friend in order to ensure your organization can win those RFP's.
Need to streamline, and understand ESG reporting? We have it all covered!
From sustainable procurement to IOT, we have all the information you need to adopt the iniatives and strategies required to not get left behind in this competitive and evolving market!
Whether you're a hotel owner, manager, or hospitality professional looking to implement eco-friendly practices, reduce your carbon footprint, and attract sustainably-conscious minded guests, the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast is your go-to resource for all things green hospitality.
Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for creating a more sustainable and successful future for the hospitality industry.
Attention hospitality professionals! Juggling the endless responsibilities of running a successful hotel business while trying to prioritize sustainability can feel like an impossible task. The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast is here to help you navigate this challenging landscape and make sustainability an achievable goal for your business.
Hosted by industry expert Kathy Sue McGuire, ISSP-SA, this weekly podcast features engaging interviews, actionable insights, and real-world success stories from the world of sustainable hospitality. Tune in every week to discover how you can balance profitability, guest satisfaction, attract talent and achieve environmental responsibility in your hospitality business.
We will break down the myths that sustainability is time consuming and costly. You will also learn about regulations, standards and frameworks to be on the lookout for.
Sustainability has a ROI and a true business case and we are here to tell you all about it. From the right certification for your hotel to telling your story without the fear of greenwashing we will give you the insights and confidence you need!
We are your sales and marketing teams new best friend in order to ensure your organization can win those RFP's.
Need to streamline, and understand ESG reporting? We have it all covered!
From sustainable procurement to IOT, we have all the information you need to adopt the iniatives and strategies required to not get left behind in this competitive and evolving market!
Whether you're a hotel owner, manager, or hospitality professional looking to implement eco-friendly practices, reduce your carbon footprint, and attract sustainably-conscious minded guests, the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast is your go-to resource for all things green hospitality.
Join us as we explore the latest trends, best practices, and innovative strategies for creating a more sustainable and successful future for the hospitality industry.
In this inspiring episode of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire talks with Michael Balcom, General Manager of the Renaissance Indianapolis North, to uncover how his hotel earned a Green Key Global eco-certification—and turned it into a catalyst for culture, creativity, and community impact.Michael shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to get certified—from engaging every department to crafting hyper-local partnerships, building a green wall, and even launching a bourbon made from compost-fed corn. The result? A more connected team, wowed guests, and a stronger business.⸻🎧 Episode Highlights:✅ Inside Green Key Certification• Why Pyramid Global chose Green Key as its go-to sustainability standard• How Michael rallied every department to complete a 100+ question audit• Turning the certification checklist into an action roadmap for continuous improvement🌱 Operational Sustainability That Sticks• Monthly “PULSE” team meetings that engage every department• Composting partnerships to divert banquet food waste• Non-refillable bulk amenities transformed by Clean the World🥃 Creativity Meets Circularity• A full-circle bourbon story: from guest meals → compost → corn → local whiskey• Branded private-label bottles and a signature Old Fashioned that guests love• Plans to grow mint from hotel compost for a signature mojito📊 Tracking Impact & Guest Reactions• How Marriott’s MESH system helps track energy, water, and waste• Green Wall metrics that engage guests and spark conversation• Feedback from top clients and group travel buyers who value sustainability🛎 Advice for Hoteliers• Why sustainability improves guest satisfaction and business metrics• The power of team buy-in and brand alignment• How sharing ideas across hotel networks multiplies innovation⸻🔗 Resources & Links:• Learn more about Renaissance Indianopolis North• Learn more about Michael Balcom• Discover Sustainable Hospitality Solutions• Become a sponsor:Reach out to kathy@sustainablehospitalitysolutions.comSubscribe & FollowDon’t miss upcoming episodes of the Sustainable Hospitality Podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube to join us in shaping a more regenerative future for travel.All podcast platforms⸻👥 About the Guest:Michael Balcom is the General Manager of the Renaissance Indianapolis North Hotel, where he has led with purpose and passion for the past four years. With a total of nine years at the company, Michael has become a champion for sustainable hospitality—driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact while enhancing guest experience. Dedicated to creating a greener future for the hospitality industry, Michael fosters a culture of environmental responsibility among staff and guests alike.