The hospitality incentive program for sustainability is available to hotels, motels, and restaurants (cafes, bars, sit-down, fast food, food trucks) in the HGAC boundaries who implement specific actions from the toolkit. Points are assigned according to the type of action and anticipated commitment level: 1 (low effort), 2 (medium effort), 3 (hard effort), or 4 (certification). A minimum of 3 points is required for small businesses (defined as restaurants uniquely owned/operated or hotels/motels with less than 50 employees/contract employees) and 7 points for most businesses.

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For those with qualifying existing practices, qualification for the incentive requires taking at least one new action, including expanding an existing one, unless already certified. Based on their points and certifications, businesses earn recognition at different levels and receive corresponding benefits, such as digital badges, listings on Houston 2026’s sustainable dining page, marketing collateral, and increased visibility through committee promotions.