<p>In this episode of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire speaks with Greg Poirier, Global Director of Hospitality Certification at Audubon International. Greg shares how the organization evolved from wildlife protection into one of the most influential sustainability certification bodies in hospitality—now active in 37 countries.</p><p></p><p>They explore why third-party verification is becoming essential for hotels, why waste remains the industry's weakest performance area, and how staff culture, guest expectations, and AI-driven tools are reshaping the future of sustainable operations. Greg also breaks down the business case: where real ROI comes from, how to measure it, and why insurance volatility may soon push sustainability forward faster than anything else.</p><p></p><p>⸻</p><p></p><p>🎧 CHAPTER BREAKDOWN</p><p></p><p>00:00 — Why Guests Expect Sustainability</p><p>01:00 — What Audubon International Actually Does</p><p>03:00 — How Hotel Certifications Work</p><p>05:30 — The Scientific Pillars of Sustainability</p><p>09:50 — Waste: Hospitality's Biggest Weakness</p><p>12:00 — Culture &amp; Staff Engagement</p><p>14:15 — The Guest Experience Myth</p><p>17:00 — The Business Case: Hard + Soft ROI</p><p>23:00 — Quantifying Revenue Impact</p><p>26:00 — Reducing Turnover Through Sustainability Programs</p><p>29:00 — Big Brands, ESG &amp; Ownership Challenges</p><p>31:00 — Insurance Volatility as a New Driver</p><p>36:00 — AI, OTAs &amp; the Future of Hotel Bookings</p><p>44:00 — Personal Sustainability &amp; Behavior Change</p><p>48:00 — The Future of Audubon International</p><p></p><p>⸻</p><p></p><p>🔗 Resources &amp; Links</p><p>• Audubon International – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://auduboninternational.org">https://auduboninternational.org</a></p><p>• Learn more about Greg Poirier – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoirepoirier/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoirepoirier/</a></p><p>• Sustainable Hospitality Solutions – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com">www.sustainablehospitalitysolutions.com</a></p><p></p><p>⸻</p><p></p><p>👤 About the Guest Greg Poirier is the Global Director of Hospitality Certification for Audubon International, overseeing sustainability programs for hotels, resorts, and built environments. His work focuses on measurable impact, operational improvement, and helping properties achieve credible third-party verification across 37 countries.</p><p></p><p>______</p><p></p><p>🎧 Subscribe &amp; Follow Don't miss future episodes of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast—where we explore real-world strategies for creating regenerative impact in travel and tourism.</p><p></p><p>→ Listen and subscribe: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.linktr.ee/sustainablehospitalitypodcast">www.linktr.ee/sustainablehospitalitypodcast</a></p>