Stakeholder Engagement

To achieve our commitments to Responsible Investment, Environmental Stewardship and Corporate Citizenship, we collaborate with key stakeholders affected by our business to understand their expectations and interests related to environmental and social issues. The following pages provide specific information on how we work with our CR-related stakeholders:

Investors and Analysts
Hotel Managers
Suppliers
Industry Associations
Employees
Community

Investors and Analysts

We respond to CDP's climate change questionnaire and the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) survey and the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT) Leader in the Light award application annually. We set clear goals and targets and expand our monitoring capabilities to ensure we are continuously improving our overall sustainability performance.

We encourage institutional investors and analysts to schedule a meeting with our Corporate Responsibility team to learn more about our CR program.

For more information or to schedule a call, contact us at corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com.

Hotel Managers

To support our hotel managers we provide investment capital, strategic direction, incentives and ongoing monitoring to enable the climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives at our hotels.

We review energy, water and waste opportunities, develop reduction plans and provide support and counsel to ensure maximized operational efficiency. We also support the brands' efforts to incentivize guests to participate in energy and water reductions.

For more information, contact us at corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com.

Suppliers

We actively engage with our managers and our network of over 300 design, construction and renovation suppliers and develop strategic relationships that foster innovative and environmentally responsible business practices.

Through supply chain engagement, we identify and evaluate products and materials that are cost effective, align with brand standards and demonstrate sustainability. We do this by using recycled/repurposed materials, using low VOC paint, sourcing products that are locally manufactured and have third-party certifications (e.g., GREENGUARD, ENERGY STAR®, Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label) and when shipping, doing so via EPA SmartWay.

We regularly meet with our strategic suppliers, project managers and designers to communicate and reinforce our commitment to corporate responsibility and engage them on topics around sustainable materials, sustainability certificates and awards and performance measurement and tracking of renovation projects.

Suppliers

We actively engage with our network of over 300 design, construction and renovation suppliers and develop strategic relationships that foster innovative and environmentally responsible business practices.

Each year, we hold strategic meetings with our project managers and designers, providing us the opportunity to communicate our commitment to corporate responsibility and engage them on topics around sustainable materials, sustainability certificates and awards and performance measurement and tracking of renovation projects.

Suppliers

88%

FF&E Spend

of our furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) spend was represented by strategic suppliers.

580 tons

Diverted Waste

of waste were diverted from landfills including construction debris, mattresses, carpets, wall coverings, and other liquidated items.

44%

Sustainable Products

of total project value was spent on products that contain sustainability attributes.

For more information, contact us at corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com.

Industry Associations

We are an active member of the real estate sustainability community and member of the following organizations:

• American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

• Cornell University Center for Hospitality Research (CHR)

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR

• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)

• Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG)

• Meeting Planners International (MPI)

• National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts® (NAREIT)

• Real Estate Roundtable® (RER)

• U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• U.S. Travel Association (USTA)

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

• We are an active participant of the Real Estate Roundtable®
• The Senior Vice President of Development, Design and Construction serves on AH&LA’s Sustainability Committee and Cornell University
Center for Hospitality Research Advisory Board
• Delegates are sent each year to participate in the Cornell Sustainability Roundtable

Employees

We recognize our corporate responsibility commitments can only be achieved through the day-to-day work and support of our employees. Contributing to our vision and furthering engagement with our corporate responsibility strategy, we educate and engage a cross-functional team of more than 20 employees representing nearly every department across the company to support our annual sustainability reporting initiatives. Our employees also participate in a wide variety of corporate sustainability initiatives, including:

Single-stream recycling
Collaborative county-wide document shredding
Compostable eco-products
Fair Trade Coffee
Water filtration systems to replace bottled water
Reusable shipping boxes and packaging material
Sustainable/Environmental Preferable Purchasing for office supplies
Double-sided printing
Ink toner cartridge recycling
Forest Stewardship Council-certified printer and copier paper
Motion-sensor controls
Low VOC paint

Additionally, through our employee-driven corporate giving program, our employees are empowered to make a positive difference in the communities where they live and work and where our hotels are located and actively engage in community service activities.

Company clean-up days and electronics recycling events
Earth Day activities
Annual Bike to Work Day

Learn how our employees are involved in the community on our Community Organizations page.

Meet the green team

Formed in 2008, our Green Team is a group of passionate, environmentally responsible employee volunteers who:

Champion sustainability in all areas of the company.
Promote environmentally responsible practices.
Research and identify green opportunities, programs and best practices for corporate offices.
Recommend sustainability initiatives to corporate office employees and senior executive team.
Partner with our building management company, fellow tenants and employees to educate, implement and encourage sustainability programs.
Educate and provide resources to employees on green practices.

LEED®

In 2015, Host opened an office in Miami, Florida in a building designated as LEED® Platinum.

If you have questions, comments or green ideas, contact the Green Team at greenteam@hosthotels.com.

For more information, contact us at corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com.

Community

Community Organizations

Consistent with our EPIC values and commitment to corporate citizenship, we’re dedicated to making a positive difference within our community through our corporate giving program.

Each year, we support charities and philanthropic organizations through strategic and industry relationships, sponsorships, financial contributions, emergency relief and volunteerism—with a focus on organizations that promote public awareness and advance research, education, leadership development initiatives and organizations that improve the health and lives of underprivileged men, women and children.

Community Projects

Our EPIC Service team of employee volunteers helps select, organize and lead service activities and events for the company. We work to support the causes our employees care about most through our Cause We Care program, matching gift programs and company-sponsored walk. Our Walk Committee, also comprised of employee volunteers, leads our fundraising events and walk-related activities.

Learn more about how we are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen.

Giving Requests

We support organizations that promote increased public awareness and participation, develop leadership skills and cooperate rather than compete with similar organizations. Special attention is given to activities with broad-based human impact that are not heavily supported by government funds.

Application Process

If you wish to receive support from us financially or through a volunteer initiative, please send a request to corporate.responsibility@hosthotels.com.