The Role of Technology in Hotel Sustainability Andrew Brann MSCTE, Sales Director, Televes
Innovative Solutions Making a Difference
Hotel-related emissions, which is calculated by multiplying the number of guests by the length of stay and a CO₂ emission factor per night, were estimated by the UNWTO in 2008 at an average of 19 kg of CO₂ per night for international guests and 11.5 kg for domestic guests. However, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) notes that these emissions could be reduced by 30% to 40% through the adoption of new technologies and renewable energy sources. It is therefore unsurprising that the 2024 Statista European Accommodation Barometer reveals that up to 45% of hotel managers believe climate change will have a high or very high impact on their businesses within the next three years. This concern is well founded, particularly in light of the European Union’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In alignment with the Paris Agreement, the hospitality sector must reduce its carbon emissions by 66% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050, according to the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Technology as a Catalyst for Hotel Sustainability Data from the European CHOSE project, focused on energy efficiency in hospitality,
Sustainability within the hospitality industry is an increasingly pressing necessity. The implementation of advanced technologies — from energy management systems to intelligent telecommunications infrastructure — enables hotels to reduce their environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. The challenge for the sector lies not only in constructing new sustainable hotels from the ground up, but also in transforming and adapting existing establishments. In this context, technological companies play a key role by providing innovative solutions that help accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future for the global hospitality industry. Reducing the Sector’s Carbon Footprint While transport remains the main source of tourism-related emissions, accounting for around 40% of the total, accommodation also contributes significantly to the industry’s carbon footprint. According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the hotel industry is responsible for approximately 1% of global CO₂ emissions, a figure expected to rise as demand increases. In Europe, HOTREC estimates that hotels generate around 20% of the tourism sector’s total emissions.
54 CAI Feedback Winter 2025
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