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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Resources mentioned in this episode include:
Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: Interview Transcript with Levar Jackson
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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