343 | Vertical Integration and Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry with Levar Jackson

Levar Jackson is the Founder and CEO of the Yogh Group, a sustainable and impactful hotel development and management group. Yogh Group is making great strides to be the vanguard of hospitality and sustainability as society transitions to an interconnected, intelligent, and low carbon world.

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Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: Interview Transcript with Levar Jackson

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You can read the full transcript of this episode here



Key Topics on Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry with Levar Jackson

Introduction

  • Host and Podcast Introduction

    • Host: Paul Zelizer

    • Podcast Name: Awarepreneurs

    • Focus: Sharing wisdom from leading social entrepreneurs

    • Call to Action: Subscribing and reviewing the podcast

  • Guest Introduction

    • Guest: LeVar Jackson

    • Position: Founder and CEO of The Yo Group

    • Company Description: Sustainable and impactful hotel development firm

  • LeVar Jackson's Background

    • Diverse work experience, excluding food service

    • Significant background in hospitality with a focus on sustainability

    • Former president of nonprofit NWH New York

Key Challenges and Innovations in Hospitality Sustainability

  • Towel Usage and Wear

    • High frequency due to swimming/showering

    • Regular washing leading to wear and frequent replacement

  • Sustainability in Hospitality

    • ROI importance in sustainability initiatives

    • Benefits of local production despite higher initial costs

  • Challenges of Globalization

    • Labor exploitation and human rights abuses

    • Expenses not benefiting local economies

    • Low salaries for hotel workers in the U.S.

Innovative Sustainable Practices

  • Algae-based Textiles

    • Use in producing towels and sheets

    • Grown anywhere, reduces dependency on arable land

    • Water-efficient and environmentally friendly process

  • Benefits of Local Production

    • Eliminates logistics and shipping issues

    • Higher wages for local workers due to lower logistics costs

  • Environmental Impact

    • Carbon-negative production

    • No ecosystem contamination, minimal resource use

    • Suitable for various landscapes, including deserts

  • Ethical Considerations

    • Non-exploitative labor and sustainable production

    • Combining environmental and human sustainability

    • Fair labor and affordable patent technology licensing to governments

Circular Economy in Hotels

  • PEP and Waste Reduction

    • Hotels perform Property Improvement Plans every 5-7 years

    • Goal: Circular economy to minimize waste and foster sustainability

Broader Goals and Business Models

  • Sustainable Business Model

    • Reinvestment of profits into communities

    • Public goods provision (e.g., heating, cooling, electricity)

    • Combination of public and private investments

  • Political and Cultural Aspects

    • Addressing political polarization on sustainability

    • Learning sustainable practices from diverse cultures

  • Community and Economic Benefits

    • Benefits for developing countries

    • New sustainable industries in cities with lost industrial jobs (e.g., Pittsburgh, Detroit)

Specific Organizational Practices

  • In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

    • Efficient use of local resources, inspired by NASA

    • Example: Algae used for textiles

  • System Efficiency vs. Point Efficiency

    • Focus on overall system efficiency rather than individual processes

  • Appropriate Material Use

    • Right materials for the right purposes (e.g., biodegradable for disposable items)

    • Sustainability comparison of durable vs. eco-friendly frequently replaced items

Energy Generation and Management in Hotels

  • Energy-Efficient Approaches

    • Solar panels, waste heat recapture

    • Multiple applications for reduced external grid reliance

  • Impact on Local Communities

    • Consideration of electricity costs and availability

Vendor Selection and Innovation

  • Innovative Materials and Technologies

    • Cloned wood, carbon-absorbing paint

    • Establishing hotels as incubators for innovation

  • Safety and Commercialization

    • Higher safety standards in hotels aiding in new product commercialization

Engagement and Support

  • Community and Innovation Support

    • Funding and support for innovators from underprivileged backgrounds

    • Encouragement to contact LeVar Jackson for collaboration and support

  • Contact Information for LeVar Jackson

    • Reachable via LinkedIn and Instagram

    • Support for students and innovators

Closing Remarks

  • Host's Final Words

    • Links and contact details in the show notes

    • Encouragement for listener suggestions

    • Thanks to listeners for their contributions and engagement

Paul Zelizer