The Green House Gas Protocols Scope 3 in relation to hotels

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) stands as a globally recognised framework for quantifying and managing emissions. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in the late 1990s, it divides emissions into three scopes direct and indirect, aiding hotels and businesses in accurately monitoring and addressing CO2 emissions.

"Many hotels demonstrate amazing environmental initiatives"

In general, it's evident that hotel groups tend to focus on easier to achieve environmental initiatives. However, the true impact lies in addressing more challenging tasks like their value chain ( supply chain) and in the construction of hotels using local and recycled materials. Key environmental impact areas that hotels are working on typically are.

Energy Efficiency: Implementing energy-saving technologies across operational aspects like lighting, HVAC systems, and water heating.

Waste Management: Many are employing waste reduction and recycling techniques to reduce landfill waste and enhance recycling and composting. Much more effort is required but good strides are being made.

Water Conservation: Adopting water-saving technologies and practices to reduce water usage in guest rooms, kitchens, and landscaping are typically common place in hotels and in particular in the newly built properties.

Several independent hotels are prioritising local and eco-friendly suppliers for procurement. However, larger hotel groups still heavily rely on centralised procurement which can negatively impact smaller suppliers in terms of their ability to produce ingredients or products through responsible and environmental friendly methods.

While many hotels are incorporating some certified sustainable food and beverage such as the rain forest alliance and are utilising environmentally safe cleaning supplies, only a few are integrating recycled materials into their renovation and construction projects, which highlights greater efforts are required.

Many hotels are contributing to carbon offsets, such as reforestation projects or renewable energy initiatives, to counterbalance unavoidable emissions.

Some hotels are providing programmes for employees to enhance their awareness regarding GHG emissions reduction and sustainable practices.

The video below is a great demonstration of Accor's efforts to address their directly controllable carbon footprint.

Despite the efforts in addressing scope 1 and 2 emissions, there's a growing need to shift greater efforts and focus towards scope 3 emissions. Where I have absolute trust and respect for Accor group is their complete transparency around their environmental impact.

Encouraging hotel groups to develop a standardised environmental management approach such as a system similar to the USALI 11th revised edition could pave the way for a cohesive sustainability approach, fostering consistency and transparency.

Currently, with numerous certifications to name some of the better ones such as Green Key, EarthCheck, travel life and Green Globe (of which I love them all), it's challenging to establish one standard for all hotels. I believe there should be one standard that everyone follows. If this were achieved, Green Key, EarthCheck, Green Globe, etc., could simply validate and verify the one standard. This way, all guests and employees would understand what the certification means.

Scope 1 emissions originate from sources owned or controlled by the hotel, including on-site facilities like boilers, generators, and hotel-operated vehicles. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased energy sources like electricity.

Scope 3 emissions, although less focused on, stems from the hotel's value chain. extending beyond the hotel's immediate control and ownership, these emissions include supplier-related emissions, business travel, procurement processes, waste management, and the consumption of products and services.

Category's for Scope 3

The following categories provide a comprehensive overview of the indirect emissions linked to hotel activities, beyond Scopes 1 and 2.

Purchased Goods and Services, Capital Goods, Fuel- and Energy-Related Activities, Upstream Transportation and Distribution, Waste Generated in Operations, Business Travel, Employee Commuting, Leased Assets, Franchises, Investments, and Downstream Transportation and Distribution.

The below is from the 2023 disclosure document from Marriott and shows they are still evaluating how to engage their value chain to achieve scope 3. Here too, what I love is the transparency.

Looking into Scope 3 emissions and broadening environmental accountability can support the hospitality industry towards a greener future, mitigating carbon footprints and fostering eco-conscious practices. Embracing this big picture approach can drive the hotel industry towards a more sustainable trajectory, aligning business practices with the imperatives of sustainability and climate action.

Sustainability is becoming a greater focus in hotel operations, and if the larger hotel groups can further expand their efforts beyond scope 1, 2 and adopt enhanced proactive measures and embrace standardised reporting practices, hotels could drive meaningful change and contribute to a sustainable future.

Thank you for reading this article and please do share your hotel's sustainability initiatives, particularly concerning Scope 3 emissions of the GHG protocol.