Outcomes

By the end of this stage you will have achieved the following outcomes from the Pathway Framework:

Policy and initial action plan in place.

  • Data collection systems are in place for energy consumption and greenhouse gases.
  • Scope 1 and 2 baseline has been calculated and regular benchmarking established.
  • Initial energy efficiency and carbon reduction targets have been achieved.
  • Potential for on-site or locally sited renewables has been reviewed. Renewable sources are favoured and the share of renewable energy in total energy supply is monitored and managed.
  • Targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions are set and SBTi (Science Based Targets) aligned.
  • A policy to require hotels to provide vegetarian options is in place and implemented. [WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics]

Setting up for success

Take ownership

Designate a lead person or team for each activity and ensure other relevant employees are aware of their roles

Review legislation related to the portfolio

Include senior leadership to make sure there is ownership and buy-in from the top-level

Raise awareness among internal stakeholders by introducing environmental and social sustainability training

Review the possibility for a monitoring system to track all environmental and social data in one location and monitor progress

Review and update governance procedures

Engage stakeholders

Conduct a stakeholder mapping to identify relevant stakeholders, and engage key stakeholders to understand their priorities

Find other brands and management companies you can learn from

Set up a process to regularly engage with hotels, to understand challenges, identify priorities, inform them of central programmes and share solutions

Understand impact & dependencies

1. Review impacts on GHG including potential sources of pollution from ozone-depleting substances, and air contaminants
2. Review dependencies relating to GHG emissions and energy
3. Gather available data for energy consumption for all sites
4. Check data quality and engage stakeholders to make improvements
6. Use CHSB to benchmark carbon performance of hotels
7. Take stock of the initiatives you are currently doing/have done for GHG emissions and energy
Resource: Environmental Management for Hotels (Section 1.5)

Set targets

8. Set company targets, property-level targets for managed hotels, and suggested targets for franchised hotels, to reduce carbon emissions and overall energy consumption

Take action

9. Review available guidance to identify relevant actions which recue energy use and help decarbonise. This should consist of simple behavioural activities and low-cost technical options to be executed in the short-term (e.g. payback in 1 year or less) and a headline plan for longer-term initiatives. You should include a policy to provide vegetarian options on menus at all hotels [WTTC Hotel Sustainability Basics]
10. Where held centrally, review contracts with energy suppliers to see if a requirement to provide data can be added
11. Review management and franchise contracts to see if a requirement to provide energy data can be added
12. Determine financial and non-financial resources needed, create a business case and gather required resources
Resource: Responsible Procurement Factsheet
13. Review procurement policies and make them more responsible by giving preference to items which are more efficient
Resource: Environmental Management for Hotels (Section 1.6)
14. Inform employees about objectives and their role in achieving your targets

Reviewing & Reporting Progress

Monitor & Report

Review progress by comparing against previous performance and industry benchmarks where available (such as CHSB). Repeat on a regular basis (e.g. monthly/quarterly)

Review benefits seen through actions

Review challenges encountered along the way and plan solutions to implement

Update leadership on progress

Inform corporate customers and investors of performance and activities by including information in communications and meetings
This guidance was developed with support from Considerate Group                                 

Share your case studies with us!

As hospitality companies progress towards Net Positive Hospitality, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is keen to share good news and best practice from across the industry. Our Net Positive case studies are shared across our website and LinkedIn, acting as a positive space to celebrate these actions, achievements, and commitments.

We invite hotels to get involved by sending case studies to press@sustainablehospitalityalliance.org and / or tagging @Net Positive Hospitality and @Sustainable Hospitality Alliance within LinkedIn posts relating to environmental sustainability or social responsibility.

GHG Emissions & Energy - PDF Checklist

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2 | Advancing - Minimise negative impacts and initiate positive impacts

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Once you have completed GHG Emissions & Energy – 1 | Starting, you are ready to move on to 2 | Advancing.