The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) gathered food and beverage specialists as well as sustainability leaders on March 4, 2026, in Washington, D.C., for the fourth annual Responsible Stay Summit. The purpose of the summit was to share best practices, highlight emerging trends, and recognize those who have made notable contributions to sustainable hotel operations.

For the first time, the summit brought together members from AHLA’s Sustainability and Food & Beverage Committees, addressing challenges such as responsible sourcing, food waste reduction, and water conservation. Lauren Pravlik, the Vice President for Committees and Member Engagement at AHLA, stated, “Helping our members operate more efficiently isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also beneficial for their bottom line and the communities they support.”

The summit showcased the Sustainable Hospitality and Leadership in Design (SHLD) Awards, which highlight projects that combine exceptional design with measurable sustainability results. Hotel Verdant in Racine, Wisconsin, and Renaissance Boston Seaport District were among the winners, with Renaissance being named the overall champion. Furthermore, the Argonaut Hotel in San Francisco was celebrated as the 2026 Green Key Global Property of the Year.

Additionally, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts received the Hotel Kitchen Champion Award for their leadership in sustainable food and beverage practices. This summit is part of AHLA’s Responsible Stay initiative, aimed at assisting hoteliers in minimizing their environmental impact and operational costs using resources like Green Key Global certification and the Energy and Water Savings Guide.