Author:
HOTREC & Toposophy
Language:
English

Net Zero Hospitality Roadmap

September 2023
Sustainability

Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation pose an existential threat to our planet. To mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change, we must strive to prevent global warming beyond 1.5°C. This can be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy by 2030 and reaching a state of Net Zero emissions by no later than 2050. Embraced by both the private and public sectors, and championed by investors, achieving Net Zero has become an increasingly important business need that is continuously growing and evolving.

To achieve the goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050, decisive action is required immediately, and significant progress is already underway in this field. Various tools and methodologies have been developed to measure and reduce emissions, specifically tailored to support hospitality businesses on their path to Net Zero. Additionally, numerous global, regional, and local initiatives encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, benefiting not only hotels but also the food, drink, and entertainment sectors. These initiatives demonstrate that the shift toward measuring and reducing emissions is already underway. Nevertheless, substantial work and support are still necessary to accelerate the pace of change.

The transition to Net Zero emissions can present challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), primarily due to a lack of knowledge, expertise, funding, time, and competing business priorities. However, it also brings numerous opportunities, such as meeting the rising demands of consumers, enhancing reputation, exploring new revenue streams, and improving overall performance.

HOTREC, the umbrella association representing the hospitality sector in Europe, is committed to supporting the industry’s transition to Net Zero. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities that arise from this transition for European SMEs, HOTREC has commissioned TOPOSOPHY Ltd to develop a Net Zero Hospitality Roadmap report. The report’s purpose is to make the case for an accelerated response from the hospitality industry to the climate emergency. It provides an analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and available support for SMEs as they strive to achieve Net Zero emissions.

The methodologies, tools, initiatives, and case studies included in the report have been selected based on their accessibility, practicality, and applicability to the hospitality sector SMEs. The recommendations provided for both HOTREC members and SMEs are structured around three themes: Climate Awareness, Education and Communication, Supporting Measurement and Decarbonization, and Advocacy and Collaboration.

By embracing the challenges, seizing the opportunities, and leveraging the available support, the hospitality sector has the potential to play a vital role in the collective effort to achieve a sustainable and Net Zero future, safeguarding our planet for generations to come.

Contents:

  1. Foreword
  2. Context
  3. Net Zero and the Hospitality Industry: Progress to Date
  4. Net Zero and the Hospitality Industry: Existing Support
  5. Recommendations

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Net Zero Hospitality Roadmap

September 2023
Sustainability

Climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation pose an existential threat to our planet. To mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change, we must strive to prevent global warming beyond 1.5°C. This can be achieved by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors of the economy by 2030 and reaching a state of Net Zero emissions by no later than 2050. Embraced by both the private and public sectors, and championed by investors, achieving Net Zero has become an increasingly important business need that is continuously growing and evolving.

To achieve the goal of Net Zero emissions by 2050, decisive action is required immediately, and significant progress is already underway in this field. Various tools and methodologies have been developed to measure and reduce emissions, specifically tailored to support hospitality businesses on their path to Net Zero. Additionally, numerous global, regional, and local initiatives encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, benefiting not only hotels but also the food, drink, and entertainment sectors. These initiatives demonstrate that the shift toward measuring and reducing emissions is already underway. Nevertheless, substantial work and support are still necessary to accelerate the pace of change.

The transition to Net Zero emissions can present challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), primarily due to a lack of knowledge, expertise, funding, time, and competing business priorities. However, it also brings numerous opportunities, such as meeting the rising demands of consumers, enhancing reputation, exploring new revenue streams, and improving overall performance.

HOTREC, the umbrella association representing the hospitality sector in Europe, is committed to supporting the industry’s transition to Net Zero. Recognizing the challenges and opportunities that arise from this transition for European SMEs, HOTREC has commissioned TOPOSOPHY Ltd to develop a Net Zero Hospitality Roadmap report. The report’s purpose is to make the case for an accelerated response from the hospitality industry to the climate emergency. It provides an analysis of the challenges, opportunities, and available support for SMEs as they strive to achieve Net Zero emissions.

The methodologies, tools, initiatives, and case studies included in the report have been selected based on their accessibility, practicality, and applicability to the hospitality sector SMEs. The recommendations provided for both HOTREC members and SMEs are structured around three themes: Climate Awareness, Education and Communication, Supporting Measurement and Decarbonization, and Advocacy and Collaboration.

By embracing the challenges, seizing the opportunities, and leveraging the available support, the hospitality sector has the potential to play a vital role in the collective effort to achieve a sustainable and Net Zero future, safeguarding our planet for generations to come.

Contents:

  1. Foreword
  2. Context
  3. Net Zero and the Hospitality Industry: Progress to Date
  4. Net Zero and the Hospitality Industry: Existing Support
  5. Recommendations