Emissions reduction

Help tourism become carbon neutral by 2050

in order to reduce CO2 emissions, it is fundamental to adopt a strategic approach, divided into 4 main areas of action:

• optimization and resources saving (energy, water, food, human, economic)
• guests’ and crew’s awareness
• transition to renewable energy sources
• offsetting residual emissions

Energy saving
The 75% of potential emissions reduction is associated to the adoption of three initiatives: installing high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, using high-efficiency energy devices, and installing double-glazed windows.
However, it is also important to focus on smaller initiatives, usually easier to carry out, like not washing towels everyday or turning the minibar off when a room is free.

Guests’ and crew’s awareness
Guests and personnel are encouranged to adopt sustainable behaviours. Even though you guests’ actions can not be controlled, but their behaviour can be oriented towards sustainability. How? By using infographics or implementing a rewarding-system that encourages sustainable behaviours.

Transition to renewable energy resources
This solution can be implemented directly in your accommodation or by buying green energy from the national grid. There are different options to produce green energy, such as: the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps or choosing renewable energy suppliers.

Emissions offsetting
CO2 offsetting should only be considered as your last resort and, should you choose this route, it should be in the form of purchasing carbon credits. These credits can be traded for one tonne of CO2-eq and focus on the prevention or the storage of carbon dioxide emissions. Storing CO2 prevents greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere by planting trees and implementing other measures.

Remember: to reduce emissions, it is crucial to implement a number of measures simultaneously rather than relying on a single initiative. No single proposal is the panacea for reducing emissions. Focusing on a combination of actions, both large and small, is the most effective way to achieve significant change.

Find out more below.