In this episode of The Sustainable Hospitality Podcast, host Kathy Sue McGuire sits down with Michael Gulich, Vice President of Sustainability at MGM Resorts International, for a masterclass on scaling sustainable operations across one of the largest hospitality portfolios in the world.From pioneering LEED certifications for 16 million square feet of development to building the world’s largest renewable energy project in hospitality, MGM Resorts has woven sustainability into the very fabric of its business model. Michael shares the milestones, mindsets, and metrics behind their success—including stories about solar farms, food waste transformation, and how Las Vegas Formula 1 helped spark an atmospheric water innovation.But what stands out most is Michael’s grounded reminder: all of this was built incrementally over 20 years—and every hotel, no matter the size, can start their journey today.⸻🎧 Episode Highlights✅ A 20-Year Journey in Sustainability
How MGM’s CityCenter project became a global LEED milestone
Why the company shifted from green buildings to full-scale operational sustainability
The 2030 goals driving reductions in energy, water, carbon, and waste🔋 Energy Innovation at Scale
Cutting energy use per square foot by nearly 25% across the portfolio
Completing one of the largest LED lighting retrofits in the U.S.
Building the world’s largest solar project in hospitality—providing up to 90% of daytime power
Adding 115MW of new capacity + battery storage to cover peak evening use🥘 From Food Waste to Community Impact
How the Feeding Forward program donates high-quality, unused banquet meals
Over 6 million meals donated since 2016 through partnerships with nonprofits like Three Square
Repurposing post-consumer and pre-consumer waste for composting and animal feed
Why MGM avoids guest-facing recycling bins—and what they do instead💧 Water Stewardship in the Desert
Saving 18+ billion gallons of water since 2007
Removing over 250,000 sq ft of turf to combat evaporative loss
Bellagio’s fountains and Cirque’s “O” show: how they reuse water innovatively
Launching a pioneering atmospheric water generator project with Las Vegas Grand Prix
🤝 The Power of Partnership & Collective Action
Inside the Formula 1 cooling tower project turning air into track-washing water
Enhancing water rebates for 55,000 employees through public-private collaboration
Encouraging staff to extend conservation practices to their homes📈 Making the Business Case for Sustainability
The 5 value dimensions MGM uses to evaluate projects:
Revenue Generation
Cost Avoidance
Risk Mitigation
Brand Enhancement
Community Benefit
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