How hospitality industry can contribute towards resilient and green future

According to a 2023 study by Booking.com, 73 percent of travellers indicated they prefer sustainable travel options.

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The annual 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) is upon us, and the world’s attention is again drawn to the indisputable reality of the climate crisis.

Climate change is a global issue that demands an immediate and multifaceted response to mitigate its impacts.

Concerns about climate change have been rising significantly over the past decade, and recently, the top five long-term risks mentioned by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report are all in the environmental circle. Every key sign points to a bad condition getting worse.

Recently, the world has seen firsthand the intensifying effects of climate change. In Florida, Hurricane Milton hit with unprecedented force, Forbes described it as wetter, windier, and potentially more destructive than usual, largely due to climate change.

Bringing it closer to home, the Sahara Desert, known for its arid conditions, recently flooded. The desert recorded more than four times the normal rainfall and half a year’s worth of rain across two days last month. In Kenya, we, too, are grappling with the impacts of climate change.

Irregular weather patterns have brought floods and droughts, severely affecting the region and highlighting the need for urgent action.

Therefore, the urgent need for sustainable practices is clearer than ever for industries across the globe, including hospitality.

Hotels and resorts are at a crucial intersection between tourism and environmental impact, and the decisions we make today will impact the future of our planet.

The hotel industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. Recent data suggests that the hospitality sector is responsible for about three percent of global emissions as of 2022, and according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, one-third of these emissions are produced by hotel operations.

While this may seem minimal compared to other industries, when broken down, it becomes apparent that energy use for heating, air conditioning, and lighting in hotels significantly drives these numbers.

In a world already grappling with rising temperatures and shrinking carbon budgets, the hospitality sector must commit to reducing its footprint. The industry is also a major water consumer, with hotels using an estimated 200 gallons of water per room daily. This statistic becomes even more alarming considering the water scarcity challenges facing regions around the world.

In Africa, for instance, nearly 400 million people already lack access to clean water, according to the World Bank. Hotels must rethink water management, investing in technology that reduces consumption and supports local communities through water stewardship programmes.

Waste, particularly food waste, is another critical challenge. Globally, hotels generate vast amounts of food waste, contributing to methane emissions in landfills. Hospitality sector food waste is fast becoming a key concern, given that its contribution to total food waste has been nearly 12 percent in the recent past.

Furthermore, with the increasing trend of out-of-home dining spurred by growth in incomes and tourism, hospitality waste has become a significant issue for both developed and developing countries. Initiatives such as composting, responsible sourcing, and food waste reduction strategies can be implemented to address this issue.

This year, COP29 will serve as a stark reminder that if industries like ours do not act now, we risk pushing our ecosystems to the brink.

COP29, taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, will continue to highlight the growing need for industries to implement aggressive strategies to meet climate targets.

This conference is a crucial moment for the hospitality sector to not just listen but actively contribute to global climate goals. With climate-related natural disasters like floods and heatwaves becoming more frequent, the tourism industry will be among the first to experience the ripple effects as destinations become less attractive due to environmental degradation.

Hotels must also consider that guests are increasingly aware of the sustainability practices of the brands they engage with. According to a 2023 study by Booking.com, 73 percent of travellers indicated they prefer sustainable travel options.

This is not just a trend but a clear demand for action. By integrating eco-friendly operations from renewable energy sources to sustainable construction materials, hotels will not only reduce their environmental impact but also meet the expectations of the modern traveller.

The writer is General Manager for Radisson Blue Hotel, Upper Hill , Nairobi

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