MindClick SGM Study: Green Corporate Business Travel To Make Strong Impact on Hotel Brand Selection

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, January 21, 2011 (Press-News.org) Green FF&E Purchasing in Hospitality Drives Demand From Corporate Travel Executives

MindClick SGM, the leader in sustainability performance measurement and consulting, today announced the results of a recent study to help hospitality providers understand the growing demand for green hotel rooms. Conducted among corporate travel executives from Fortune 1000 companies, the study found that sustainable purchasing of furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) is among the most important criteria for evaluating hotel sustainability.

Sixty-five percent of corporate travel executives responsible for over $10MM in annual travel budgets are in various stages of implementing green business travel guidelines. Representing a variety of industries -- ranging from technology and business services to manufacturing and financial services -- the majority of these "green" corporate travel buyers choose from mid-scale hotel properties.

When asked to define hotel sustainability, only two percent of those surveyed mentioned the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED certification.
"LEED certification is an important and highly valuable contribution to the building and operating performance of hotels. However, the average guest has no idea what LEED is or what benefit it has on their hotel experience," said JoAnna Abrams, Chief Executive Officer of MindClick SGM.

Survey participants were asked to evaluate two recently renovated mid-scale name brand hotel properties, both of which minimized their environmental impact through sustainable operating practices. One hotel renovated with sustainable FF&E products and gave examples of how doing so benefited hotel guests' health, well-being, and comfort.

When asked which hotel they would select for their employees, 80 percent chose the hotel with sustainable FF&E products. Additionally, 75 percent would be willing to pay a premium of as much as 5 percent if they knew their employees experienced more restful sleep and felt more productive and healthy after their stay.

"Given that travelers are willing to pay a premium for extra leg room when flying, it makes sense they would pay more for a better night's sleep," says Abrams.

By making environmentally preferable purchasing choices, hotels can select materials and furnishings that provide guests with a healthier more comfortable experience.

The study also indicated that among the corporate travel executives surveyed, no brand emerges as a leader in sustainability.

"With significant growth in hotel renovations anticipated for 2011, hotels have an opportunity to achieve industry leadership, improve the guest experience, and gain share through sustainable FF&E purchasing," said Abrams.

About MindClick SGM
MindClick SGM is a sustainability performance measurement and consulting firm that provides clients with tools to develop, implement, improve and promote product and company sustainability. With over a decade of experience in sustainability combined with over 20 years of product, marketing and research expertise, MindClick SGM is recognized for its leadership in delivering solutions that drive bottom line growth. MindClick SGM provides a unique combination of specialized services - seamlessly integrating a deep understanding of sustainability best practices and standards with groundbreaking scorecard-based performance measurement and proven business acumen. For more information, visit http://www.mindclicksgm.com.