Sustainable Hotels Podcast

Today I’m joined by Gisela Boersma, ESG & Design Manager at The Usual — a brand proving regenerative hospitality can be beautiful and practical. Raised sustainably before it had a name, Gisela blends an interior designer’s eye with a systems thinker’s rigour. We unpack how The Usual builds consciously, is socially committed, resources responsibly and minimizes footprint—from circular mattresses and green roofs to local partnerships and BREEAM/Green Key pathways. We dig into measurement that matters (guest impact insights, Scope 3), the power of in-room storytelling, and the challenges of food waste and regulation—plus the wins that keep the team moving.

On this episode of the Sustainable Hotels Podcast, Grace sits down with Professor Xavier Font and Safina Naz from the University of Surrey to explore the art—and science—of sustainability communications. Xavier, one of the world’s leading experts in sustainability marketing, has advised organisations from Booking.com to the UN, helping thousands of businesses not just “do” sustainability, but communicate it with clarity and impact. Safina, a neuro-marketing practitioner and co-author of the Booking.com and Accor report on consumer behaviour, brings sharp insight into what truly resonates with travellers. Together, they unpack greenwashing, green-hushing, and how hotels can build trust through smarter storytelling.

On this episode of the Sustainable Hotels Podcast, Grace Greensitt sits down with Nina Boys, Vice President at Beyond Green. From a childhood sushi epiphany to auditing Nat Geo’s Unique Lodges, Nina shares how travel, food, and human connection shaped her path. We dig into Beyond Green’s rigorous standards across nature, culture, and community; why storytelling turns good practice into guest action; and how urban hotels can be powerful sustainability hubs. Nina also lifts the lid on partnerships, climate goals, and the collaboration fuelling Beyond Green’s next chapter. If you care about impact that guests can feel—and take home—this one’s for you.

TBC

Today I sit down with Sue Williams to explore her career leading some of the UK's most iconic luxury hotels; spearheading sustainability at Whatley Manor; and life as a sustainability consultant, giving back to the wider industry.  Throughout her time at Whatley Manor, Sue Williams was recognised for her focus on sustainability and excellence in hospitality. She worked to elevate the hotel’s profile, maintaining its reputation for outstanding guest experiences and promoting eco-conscious practices. Under her management, Whatley Manor strengthened its position as a leading luxury destination as well as achieving Earth Check accreditation. Most recently recognised for her Outstanding Contribution to the industry at the AA Hospitality Awards 2024.

Today I have the pleasure of welcoming the inspirational leader that is Danny Pecorelli, Managing Director of Exclusive Collection. Recently recognised in the Brit List Awards for his “outstanding contribution to the hospitality industry” Danny is not only a titan of the hotel world but he is a real trailblazer in sustainability too, leading the way for many of his peers in sustainable hospitality.

Joining me today is the amazing Dr Vincent Walsh, expert in designing for circularity and regenerative living systems. Having had the pleasure of listening to Vinny speak many times I am excited to share his unbelievable knowledge with you, and aim to simplify things to a point that it becomes tangible for us to all to follow his ethos

In this week's episode we're exploring the sustainability pillar; environment and I have the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with the amazing Tommie Eaton.   Tommie is the founder of Bambu Brush, UK director of Clean the world and TED X Speaker. He joins us to share his story, and the remarkable experiences that have led him from backpacker to leading sustainability advocate   We explore the fundamental differences between the universal mission to Net Zero and the concept of building a circular economy to highlight the importance of building a sustainable future, not an empty one.   Tommie opens my eyes to the real depths of the plastic crisis, and questions whether we are the “plastic generation”.   Filled with insights and statistics, this episode is both eye-opening and empowering on our mission to build a more conscious future.

We’re changing things up a little this week and focussing on one of our key sustainability pillars; people. To me, your people are your biggest asset, and there’s no one better to tell us how to care for our people than diversity equity and inclusion expert, Eugene Gilkes.   Following his success as a professional decathlete, Eugene used his experience and expertise to build a leadership consultancy focusing on DE&I.   Eugene shares with us his approach to DE&I, why the current system is failing us, and how we should be leading with inclusion.   Our conversation explores the importance of trust in the workplace and how that trust disseminates through the chain, from internal teams right down to guests and customers   So, if you’d like to increase your understanding of DE&I, learn how to foster an inclusive culture and ultimately build trust in your teams, this ones for you… 

Philip shares his journey so far; from his love of hotels at a young age, to being appointed as General Manager and subsequently opening The Moxy and Residences, Slough in the midst of Covid, to joining the team at Bankside in 2022.   Bankside is nestled in the heart of London’s Southbank and pays homage to it’s local arts and culture scene. As part of the Autograph Collection, Philip talks of Bankside’s “mark” being their seamless connection to art at every touch point. With a passion for art himself, it’s clear that Philip has found himself at home in this gorgeous property.   We discuss the three pillars that makes Bankside so unique and explore the ways that Community, Art and Sustainability are seamlessly integrated in everything that they do.   Awarded HSMAI young hotelier of the year in 2022 and top 25 hotelier in the 2023 Brit list, Philip shares his inspirational leadership style and ways of empowering his team to create lasting memories for every guest.