With sustainability increasingly under the spotlight, hotels face mounting pressure to reduce their carbon footprints. But navigating the complexities of decarbonisation while balancing operational priorities can be daunting. James Taylor, our carbon reduction specialist, shares his insights on how the hospitality industry can rise to the challenge. 

“Hotels are uniquely positioned to drive meaningful change in sustainability,” says Taylor. “They’re visible, community-oriented businesses that can set an example.” 

In 2021, Zero Carbon Forum published a roadmap to net zero, offering sector-wide analysis and recommendations. Since then, the organisation has deepened its insights, incorporating updated data from hotel members. 

“This allows us to provide hotels with tailored benchmarks for carbon intensity and personalised climate action plans,” Taylor explains. “We’ve also established a working group where operators can share their challenges and solutions, and work together on harder issues. Collaboration accelerates progress.” 

Quick Wins on the Path to Sustainability 

Asked about practical steps hotels can take, Taylor emphasises the importance of starting small. “Many large hotel groups can implement ‘quick wins’ without compromising the guest experience,” he says. 

Simple measures include reducing towel and linen washing, scaling back housekeeping services, or linking lighting to door locks. Tackling food waste, particularly on breakfast buffets, offers a slightly tougher challenge but delivers significant results. 

“These actions save both money and carbon,” Taylor points out. “They can also free up resources for investing in bigger, longer-term initiatives.” 

Breaking Down Hotel Carbon Footprints 

Measuring emissions is the first step toward meaningful reductions. Taylor outlines three levels of carbon footprint services offered by Zero Carbon Forum, designed to meet hotels at various stages of their sustainability journey. 

“For independents or newcomers, our free online calculator uses sector averages to provide a high-level view,” he says. “For those ready to dive deeper, we offer detailed assessments based on spend or, at the most granular level, volumes and weights of products. This helps pinpoint hotspots and enables operators to take targeted action.” 

All calculations adhere to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the globally recognized standard. “This ensures that hotels’ data is robust and aligned with industry benchmarks,” Taylor adds. 

The Challenges of Decarbonisation 

Despite these tools and resources, the road to net zero isn’t without hurdles. “One major challenge is convincing internal stakeholders to prioritise what might seem like a non-core activity,” Taylor admits. “In today’s climate of economic uncertainty, that can feel like a big ask.” 

Operational challenges also play a role. “Decarbonisation often requires engagement from both staff and guests, which can be difficult to control,” he explains. 

Zero Carbon Forum helps hotels navigate these obstacles through education and collaboration. “We offer behavioural change coaching for frontline teams and board-level masterclasses to ensure that sustainability is woven into the strategic agenda,” Taylor says. “And by joining our community, hotels can learn from others facing the same issues and work together to overcome them.” 

The Role of Renewable Energy in Hotels 

Switching to renewable electricity is a clear and impactful step, but Taylor is quick to point out its limitations. “Energy typically accounts for about 14% of a hotel’s emissions,” he says. “Moving to renewables can immediately reduce carbon intensity, but it’s equally important to reduce overall usage.” 

He acknowledges the additional costs that renewable energy can bring, such as purchasing Renewable Energy Guarantee of Origin (REGO) certificates. “Despite these challenges, transitioning to renewables makes it easier for hoteliers to focus on Scope 3 emissions and allows operators to allocate resources where they’re needed most.” 

Tackling Scope 3 Emissions 

Scope 3 emissions, which include those from purchased goods and services, represent the majority of a hotel’s carbon footprint. Reducing these emissions requires close collaboration with suppliers. 

“Mapping suppliers into cohorts is key,” says Taylor. “Hotels need to decide which suppliers to support, which to monitor, and which to phase out. This can feel overwhelming, but it’s an area where collective action makes a huge difference.” 

By participating in Zero Carbon Forum’s sector-wide supplier engagement projects, hotels can join forces to tackle these shared challenges. “Collaboration makes long-term success more efficient and achievable,” Taylor notes. 

The Path Ahead 

Taylor is optimistic about the industry’s ability to rise to the challenge. “Hotels have a unique opportunity to lead by example,” he says. “From quick wins that save money and carbon to long-term strategies that transform supply chains, the tools and opportunities are there.” 

But he acknowledges the urgency of action. “Sustainability isn’t a ‘nice to have’—it’s an operational and reputational necessity. The sooner hotels start, the better positioned they’ll be to navigate future risks and regulations.” 

For hotels looking to take their first steps or refine their existing strategies, Taylor encourages reaching out. “Decarbonisation doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support and collaboration, it’s possible to make a real impact—both for the planet and for business.” 

Photo by Marten Bjork on Unsplash