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 reach net zero goals. The report also emphasises how innovation has the potential to benefit the industry as a whole. To achieve this, hospitality businesses are encouraged to implement strategies that influence diner behaviour and decarbonise menus. Additionally, they can explore zero-emissions logistics solutions for transporting food safely from farm to table. Finally, organisations can support sustainable agriculture practices to reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the industry. Following these recommendations, hospitality establishments can take positive steps towards achieving net zero. This situation will help create a healthier and more sustainable future for the hospitality industry. Together, the stakeholders can work towards reducing their carbon footprint and creating a greener world. References: https://lhalondon.com/ https://www.gov.uk/guidance/climate-change-explained https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-need-to-register-for-plastic-packaging-tax https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/finance-hub/business-guidance/sustainability/how-to- become-a-sustainable-hospitality-business/ https://www.reuters.com/business/sustainable-business/slow-wake-up-climate-change-hotels- sector-vows-tread-more-lightly-2022-08-08/ https://www.ucf.edu/online/hospitality/news/sustainability-in-hospitality-why-it-is-important-and-how- industry-leaders-can-help/