Exploring the Nexus Between Sustainability and User Satisfaction in LEED-certified Hotels

As sustainability is becoming crucial in the hospitality industry, understanding its influence on guest satisfaction is crucial for fostering competitive advantage. This study investigates the relationship between LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification criteria and guest satisfaction in LEED-certified hotels. Using data from 259 LEED NC-v3 projects and aggregated guest reviews from multiple travel platforms, regression analyses were conducted to identify the most influential sustainability factors. The findings reveal that Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA) are the strongest predictors of guest satisfaction, demonstrating that targeted sustainability measures significantly enhance the guest experience. Mediation analysis further highlights the critical role of EQ and EA in translating overall sustainability scores into satisfaction outcomes. These results emphasize the need for hotels to prioritize features that directly impact guest comfort, such as air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the specific aspects of sustainability that matter most to guests, offering actionable insights for improving satisfaction through sustainable practices in the hospitality sector.