SustainCase: How Hilton is developing programs and initiatives that support business objectives while managing social and environmental impacts in its supply chain

Case study: How Hilton is developing programs and initiatives that support business objectives while managing social and environmental impacts in its supply chain


As a global hotel company purchasing food and beverage, linens, amenities, beds and energy, sourcing is a complex and often decentralized matter for Hilton, with its suppliers extending beyond 97 countries, spanning multiple industries and legal contexts.


Hilton’s portfolio of twelve world-class global brands includes more than 4,500 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with over 745,000 rooms in almost 100 countries and territories. This is why Hilton is not only committed to its own responsible business practices but also strives to ensure that its suppliers do the same. In order to develop programs and initiatives that support business objectives while managing social and environmental impacts in its supply chain, Hilton took action to:

• develop a cross-functional advisory group

• foster supplier diversity

• introduce local sourcing programs

• support the care and welfare of the animals in Hilton’s extended global supply chain

• promote responsible meetings using locally sourced food items and

• work with international organizations to manage the social and environmental impacts in its supply chain


Using the GRI Guidelines in order to maintain and increase the value of your company


With each publication in this series the FBRH team will highlight one key impact identified by a company reporting in accordance with the GRI Guidelines and show how it has taken a structured, systematic approach to improving performance. With such positive action companies build trust, by dealing responsibly and conscientiously with their impact on the environment and on their stakeholders (e.g. clients, suppliers, shareholders, local communities, NGOs or local government). Stakeholders that can hold it back or stop it from reaching its objectives


By building trust your company creates loyalty and long-term commitment to its services and brands