Sustainability in the Hospitality
Industry
LHA London
Climate change is happening, and its effects are becoming increasingly evident in the UK. The most recent
decade, from 2008 to 2017, has been one of the warmest on record. Temperatures during this decade have
been consistently higher than the average of the pre-industrial period.
The temperature is not rising at the same rate everywhere; it is increasing faster over land than water,
especially in the Arctic.
The Effects of Climate Change
The increasing temperatures make it necessary for people and communities to prepare for the risks
associated with climate change. These include rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and
increased pressure on natural resources.
To mitigate these risks, communities must take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to a changing
climate. These steps include cutting emissions through renewable energy sources, reducing waste,
preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, and developing resilient infrastructure.
Sustainability Issues in the Hospitality Sector
The UK's third largest employer is the hospitality sector, with over 220,000 businesses. It is responsible for up to
15 per cent of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions and creates 920,000 tonnes of food waste annually.
The hospitality industry faces increasing regulatory pressures, such as the new Plastic Packaging Tax, and
customers also demand change. Annual energy costs for hospitality businesses amount to more than £1.3bn,
resulting in over 8 million tonnes of carbon emissions.
Net Zero for the Hospitality Industry
The road map to net zero in the hospitality industry focuses on how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint.
It outlines the current climate trends and identifies sector-specific emissions hotspots to identify where
organisations can improve. By utilising decarbonisation opportunities, hospitality establishments can develop
practical steps to rea