How the hospitality industry impacts climate change
1. Hospitality’s Global Carbon Footprint
The hospitality sector—that includes hotels, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues—accounts for roughly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions
Tourism overall contributes about 5–8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with accommodation activities making up ~24% of that share
According to UNWTO data, the lifetime carbon footprint of hospitality—including hotel operations and embodied carbon from construction—is estimated at ~3% of global emissions, with about one‑third coming from operations alone, and the rest from embodied emissions in building and renovation
2. Energy Consumption & Emissions in UK Hospitality
The UK hospitality sector’s energy use leads to over 8 million tonnes CO₂ per year, contributing more than £1.3 billion in annual energy bills
A typical hotel stay in the UK produces about 10.4 kg CO₂e per room, per night
3. Reduction Targets & Sectoral Ambitions
To align with the Paris Agreement and keep warming to 1.5 °C, hotels globally need to cut carbon emissions per room by 66% by 2030 and 90% by 2050
In the UK, the sector has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040, starting with eliminating avoidable Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 and tackling Scope 3 emissions across the supply chain by 2040
4. Trends & Business Impacts
If current trends continue, tourism-related emissions are projected to rise by 130% by 2035
83% of travellers now prioritise sustainable choices when booking accommodations, signaling strong market demand for eco-conscious hospitality
5. Energy Intensity & Operational Realities
Hotels operate 24/7 and are classified as high-carbon operational real estate assets, ranking above average in emissions compared to other building types
Energy-intensive operations—such as heating, cooling, lighting, laundry services, and food preparation—make hospitality among the most carbon-intensive sectors per square metre
