Canada-based hospitality company Sandman Hotel Group has expanded its commitment to sustainability with its participation in social enterprise GreenStep’s EcoFund Verified Program.

Through this collaboration, the hotel group aims to invest in projects that reduce its environmental impact and carbon footprint.

This programme includes an EcoFee added to customer transactions at the participating hotels.

This GreenStep-managed EcoFund will support measurable environmental sustainability projects at the properties of Sandman Hotel Group.

Sandman Hotel Group Special Projects director Kelly Watt said: “In considering the accelerated environmental impact effects of late, we are expanding, along with increasing, our steps to reduce our carbon footprint and energy usage.

“This partnership will assist and guide us in making the most effective improvements to equipment upgrades and operational processes.”

The hotel group, which has been in operation for over 50 years, claims to emphasise incorporating conservation and resource management into its daily operations.

Owned and operated by Northland Properties Corporation, the Sandman Hotel Group manages over 60 destinations in five countries, including Canada, the US, the UK, and Ireland.

Established in 2008, GreenStep specialises in helping businesses improve sustainability performance and climate measures.

Sandman Hotel Group vice president Sean Braid said: “I’m very pleased to witness the expansion of our partnership with GreenStep Solutions.

“We’re confident that our focus on becoming a greener company will benefit our communities, and team members, and also strengthen our business relationships.

“I am very excited to see us achieve our green goals as we work together on these initiatives.”

Earlier this year, GreenStep announced the pilot of Sandman Hotel & Suites Kelowna’s ‘Go Green’ programme, which was developed in collaboration with GreenStep, the British Columbia Hotel Association and Rethink2gether.