With the help of Catalyst, we reviewed our ESG framework and aligned it with relevant laws, regulations, and certifications. Their support helped us bring our ideas to life.
Gisela Boersma, ESG Manager, The Usual
A passion for travel is a prerequisite for a career in hospitality, but faced with the negative environmental impact of hotel accommodation, we were keen to do things differently. The Usual seeks to redress this balance through regenerative hospitality, a concept that goes beyond traditional sustainability practices in the hospitality sector.
We wanted to establish a series of hotels that not only reduce environmental harm but also actively contribute to a better environment and society. After exploring all aspects of building and operating a hotel, we set about creating an ESG framework, but with a multitude of questions regarding implementation, we needed advice.
“Catalyst was the perfect choice because the team were able to advise on a whole host of sustainability issues.”
Michiel Wentges, Chief Development Officer, The Usual
In essence, our goal was to take a different approach to other hotels – to consider the ‘E’, the ‘S’ and ‘G’ in environmental, social and governance. After looking at traditional hospitality models, we set out how we wanted to differ, establishing clear long-term goals.
We initially started working with Catalyst after our design phase was completed but not executed. We needed a neutral advisor to ensure everyone on the project understood the environmental and social factors involved at each stage.
Catalyst ticked all the boxes, supporting us in reflecting on our ESG goals, and providing insight into EU taxonomy. They helped us map out the specifics of our targets and how to achieve them. In addition, they were also able to provide us with independent technical advice at the design stage of one of our hotels.
As such, we were able to demonstrate to our investors that we met the criteria for sustainable investment in line with the EU’s Green Deal net-zero trajectories and ensured EU taxonomy alignment at a corporate level.
“We needed technical guidance to help us achieve our net zero goals.”
Gisela Boersma, ESG Manager, The Usual
During certification, Catalyst advised on sustainable features and materials for our BREEAM rating. They were also able to offer Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) optimisation to improve our energy efficiency and comply with EU Taxonomy. With support to implement the plan and track progress, we were able to take practical steps to achieve what we set out in our ESG framework.
Catalyst also suggested a double material matrix assessment, not just on the hotel build, but also on social-related stakeholders. This helps us demonstrate how The Usual is impacted by sustainability issues as well as how our activities impact society and the environment.
For example, we use less water by installing water-saving showerheads, taps, and toilets. This is set to reduce guest water consumption by 40% compared to industry-standard products. That’s impressive, but we didn’t want to stop there. We also donate 100 litres of clean drinking water to a developing country via MadeBlue for every night a guest stays in one of our hotels.
Overall, our journey was significantly simplified. We had a very specific remit, but Catalyst was on hand to ensure alignment at every stage. Their gap analysis provided a streamlined way to establish compliance and identify whether certain materials or initiatives would fit with our goals, adhere to BREEAM, and contribute to net zero.
Engaging an independent consultancy gave us the flexibility to explore new approaches and alternative routes we hadn’t considered before. This collaboration enabled us to move forward in realising our vision for regenerative hospitality, striving for a positive impact, and making The Usual Hotels stand out uniquely in the competitive travel sector.
