Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has become the first hotel franchisor business to achieve Climate Active Certification.
The Australian Government-backed carbon-neutral certification ensures businesses take a proactive approach to measuring, reducing and offsetting their carbon emissions to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
“Securing this industry-first certification demonstrates Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, echoing Choice Hotels’ global focus on building a company culture grounded in sustainable practices,” said Choice Hotels Vice President of Upscale Brands and Chief Sustainability Officer, Megan Brumagim.
“For us as a business, it’s about more than compliance – it’s about creating long-term, meaningful change that benefits the planet, our franchisees and our guests.”
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has introduced a range of sustainable practices across the business, from a bulk amenities initiative to a global Room to be Green program that recycling and reuse across hotel operations.
In 2025, all Australian and New Zealand Choice Hotels properties are required to be at least Level One compliant focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation and waste reduction.
This requires 100% LED indoor lighting; water-saving bathroom fixtures; a towel and linen reuse program; access to recycling bins; and a designated Green Ambassador
In partnership with the World Travel and Tourism Council, Choice Hotels is funding Year One of the globally recognised Hotel Sustainability Basics program for franchisees across Australia and New Zealand, which provides hotels with practical steps to improve sustainability efforts.
Choice Hotels is also working with sustainable solutions providers such as Charge Boss to provide access to electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Choice hotels; LED lighting and solar provider, Arc Consulting; and independent energy advisory service, Energy Action, to reduce energy consumption and expenditure.
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac CEO, Trent Fraser, said Climate Active certification is “just the beginning”.
“We’re focused on reducing our carbon footprint, expanding the use of renewable energy, and driving greater sustainability outcomes across our portfolio,” Fraser said.
“Our attainment of Climate Active Certification is a testament to what we’ve achieved so far and inspiration for us to continue to build on this progress.”
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac Senior Director of Commercial and Revenue Management, Kari Hunter, said that sustainability is also “good for business”.
“Our franchisees are increasingly choosing practices and brands that align with their personal values and environmental goals, while also helping reduce operating costs,” Hunter said.
“We support these endeavours and encourage all Choice Hotels properties to continue implementing initiatives that are good for the planet and meet growing guest demand for eco-conscious travel.”