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Carbon footprints of a Hotel Stay

June 12, 2025

Carbon Footprints of Hotel Stay The hotel industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that hotels account for about 1% of global carbon emissions, or about 363 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is Read more

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Carbon footprints of a Hotel Stay

Carbon Footprints of Hotel Stay

The hotel industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that hotels account for about 1% of global carbon emissions, or about 363 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is equivalent to the emissions of about 45.7 million homes.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the carbon footprint of a hotel stay, including:

  • Energy consumption: Hotels consume a lot of energy to power their lights, air conditioning, heating, appliances, and other equipment. In fact, energy consumption accounts for about 70% of a hotel's carbon footprint.
  • Food and beverage: The food and beverage industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and hotels are no exception. The production, transportation, and preparation of food and beverages all generate emissions.
  • Transportation: Guests travel to and from hotels by car, plane, train, and other modes of transportation. This transportation can generate significant emissions, especially if guests are traveling long distances.
  • Waste: Hotels generate a lot of waste, including food waste, paper waste, and plastic waste. The disposal of this waste can generate emissions, especially if it is incinerated or sent to landfills.

There are a number of things that hotels can do to reduce their carbon footprint, including:

  • Improve energy efficiency: Hotels can improve their energy efficiency by installing energy-efficient appliances and lighting, improving insulation, and using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
  • Reduce food waste: Hotels can reduce their food waste by composting food scraps, donating surplus food to charities, and serving smaller portions.
  • Reduce transportation emissions: Hotels can encourage guests to use public transportation, bicycles, or walking to get to and from the hotel. They can also offset their transportation emissions by investing in carbon offset projects.
  • Reduce waste: Hotels can reduce their waste by recycling and composting materials, and using reusable products whenever possible.

In addition to the steps that hotels can take, there are a number of things that guests can do to reduce the carbon footprint of their hotel stay, including:

  • Choose a sustainable hotel: When booking a hotel, guests can look for hotels that have a commitment to sustainability. These hotels may have energy-efficient appliances and lighting, renewable energy sources, and other sustainable practices.
  • Reduce energy use: Guests can reduce their energy use by turning off lights and air conditioning when they leave their room, and by unplugging electronics when they are not in use.
  • Reduce food waste: Guests can reduce their food waste by only taking as much food as they will eat, and by composting food scraps.
  • Walk, bike, or take public transportation: Guests can walk, bike, or take public transportation to get to and from the hotel whenever possible. This will reduce their transportation emissions.

Facts and figures

  • The average carbon footprint of a one-night hotel stay is about 40 kilograms of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to driving 142 kilometers in an average petrol car.
  • The carbon footprint of a hotel stay can vary widely depending on the type of hotel, the location, and the guest's travel habits. For example, a stay at a five-star hotel in a major city will have a higher carbon footprint than a stay at a budget hotel in a rural area.
  • The hotel industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint. For example, many hotel chains have committed to reducing their energy consumption and using more renewable energy.
  • Guests can also reduce the carbon footprint of their hotel stay by choosing a sustainable hotel, reducing their energy use, and reducing food waste.

References

  • Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI): https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resource/hotel-carbon-measurement-initiative/
  • Hotel Footprint Calculator: https://www.hotelfootprints.org/
  • The Carbon Emissions of Staying in a Hotel: https://circularecology.com/news/the-carbon-emissions-of-staying-in-a-hotel
  • 6 ways hotels can reduce their carbon footprint: https://www.mews.com/en/blog/hotel-carbon-footprint
  • What is a carbon footprint?: https://www.conservation.org/stories/what-is-a-carbon-footprint

Additional tips for reducing the carbon footprint of your hotel stay:

  • Bring your own reusable water bottle and coffee mug.
  • Use the hotel's towels and linens multiple times before asking for them to be changed.
  • Ask for a room with natural light and ventilation so you can use less air conditioning.
  • Turn off the lights and air conditioning when you leave your room.
  • Unplug electronics when they are not in use.
  • Eat at the hotel's restaurant if they offer locally-sourced and sustainable food.
  • Avoid single-use plastics, such as water bottles, plastic bags, and straws.
  • Recycle and compost materials whenever possible.
  • Conclusion

  • The hotel industry has a significant carbon footprint, but there are a number of things that hotels and guests can do to reduce it. By choosing a sustainable hotel, reducing energy use, and reducing food waste, guests can help to minimize their environmental impact.

    Additional thoughts

    As the world becomes increasingly aware of the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the hotel industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Many hotel chains are now setting ambitious sustainability goals, and some are even committing to becoming carbon neutral.

    Guests can also play a role in reducing the carbon footprint of the hotel industry. By choosing sustainable hotels and making simple changes to their behavior, guests can help to make a difference.

    Here are some additional tips for reducing the carbon footprint of your hotel stay:

    • If you are staying for multiple nights, ask if you can skip housekeeping on one or more days. This will save energy and water.
    • If you are not using the hotel's pool or jacuzzi, let them know so they can turn them down or off.
    • If you are traveling with family or friends, consider sharing a room. This will reduce the number of rooms that need to be cleaned and heated/cooled.
    • If you are flying to your destination, consider offsetting your carbon emissions. There are a number of organizations that offer carbon offset programs.

    By following these tips, you can help to reduce the environmental impact of your hotel stay and support the hotel industry's efforts to become more sustainable.

References

  • Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI): https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/resource/hotel-carbon-measurement-initiative/
  • Hotel Footprint Calculator: https://www.hotelfootprints.org/
  • The Carbon Emissions of Staying in a Hotel: https://circularecology.com/news/the-carbon-emissions-of-staying-in-a-hotel
  • 6 ways hotels can reduce their carbon footprint: https://www.mews.com/en/blog/hotel-carbon-footprint
  • What is a carbon footprint?: https://www.conservation.org/stories/what-is-a-carbon-footprint

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