To reduce CO₂ emissions, it is essential to adopt a strategic approach, divided into four main areas of action:
- optimisation and saving of resources (energy, water, food, human, economic)
- awareness raising and training of guests and staff
- transition to renewable energy sources
- offsetting of residual emissions
Energy saving
75% of potential emission reductions are associated with the adoption of just three initiatives: installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, using energy-efficient appliances, and installing double-glazed windows. However, it is equally important to focus on smaller and often easier to implement initiatives such as not washing towels daily or keeping the minibar on even when the room is unoccupied.
Raising awareness among guests and staff
Engage guests and staff by encouraging them to adopt more sustainable behaviours. Even if you cannot directly control guests' actions, encourage smarter and more efficient use of resources. How? Introduce a reward system that incentivises more sustainable behaviour.
Switch to renewable energy
This measure can be implemented directly at your facility or by purchasing green energy from the national grid. If you want to produce your own renewable energy, you have several options available. For example, you can install solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps or choose renewable energy suppliers.
Emissions offsetting
CO₂ offsetting should only be considered as a last resort and, if you choose this route, it should take the form of purchasing carbon credits. These credits can be traded for one tonne of CO₂-eq and focus on preventing or storing carbon dioxide emissions. CO₂ storage prevents greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere through tree planting and other measures.
In the Province of Trento, there are several projects that reinforce and give new impetus to the tradition of caring for the landscape, which is characteristic of our land, and implement reforestation plans with significant compensatory effects on CO₂ emissions. Find out how to support the conservation of the territory on the Trentino Tree Agreement and WOW nature websites.
Remember: to reduce emissions, it is essential to implement a series of measures simultaneously rather than relying on a single initiative. No single proposal is a 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 in the report below:
Global accommodation sector – The road to net zero emissions
