FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Houston Host Committee Launches “New Year, New Hou”Hospitality Sustainability Program

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee is excited to announce the launch of the “New Year, New Hou,” sustainability initiative that is designed to engage local hotels, restaurants and hospitality businesses in environmental action as Houston prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026™. Central to the Host Committee’s mission is utilizing this once-in-a-lifetime event to advance sustainability practices in Houston, both during and beyond the tournament, which will take place June 11 – July 19 and include seven games in Houston. This initiative is a part of a larger collaboration between the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee and the Sports Authority Foundation called Impact Houston 26, which oversees the legacy component of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and includes protecting the environment as one of its three core pillars.

From January 12 through February 28, businesses will have the opportunity to use the Houston Hospitality Sustainability Toolkit to earn points by implementing sustainability actions related to waste management, energy efficiency and natural resources. This program is open to all hotels, motels and restaurants that are based within Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC) boundaries.

“This is about making sustainable practices accessible and impactful for our local hospitality community,” said Elizabeth Carlson, Sustainability Committee Chair of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Houston Host Committee. “The FIFA World Cup is a once-a-generation opportunity, and through ‘New Year, New Hou,’ we want to help Houston businesses not only prepare for an influx of global visitors, but also strengthen their operations in ways that will benefit them and the community long after the final match is played.”

Businesses that complete the participation survey and meet the qualifying criteria will earn one of the three sustainability badges ranging from:

• Yellow Leaf (small businesses only) (3-6 points): Organizations completed actions that build awareness of sustainability and demonstrate immediate impact.

• Blue Leaf (7+ points): Businesses scaled up and expanded sustainability actions for greater impact.

• Green Leaf (7+ points and certification): Larger organizations showcased concerted efforts and earned a sustainability certification from those listed in the toolkit (e.g. Dine Green, Green Key).

“For neighborhood restaurants like ours, sustainability isn’t a trend. It’s part of being a good community partner,” said Shawn Gawle, chef-owner of critically acclaimed Houston Heights restaurant Camaraderie, which earned a Blue Leaf. “Programs like the Hospitality Sustainability Toolkit make it easier for small, locally owned restaurants to take meaningful steps that reduce waste, save resources and meet the expectations of visitors coming to Houston from around the world.”

Hospitality businesses interested in applying are encouraged to download the Houston Hospitality Sustainability Toolkit and review program requirements at fwc26houston.com/environmentalsustainability and complete the participation survey. Verified businesses will be added to a sustainable tourism guide for visitors.