Sustainability Objectives in the Travel Industry
(April, 2021)
As Earth Day reminds us all of the importance of our community, many of your suppliers outline their objectives and accomplishments for sustainability through 2030. We have reviewed specifically the top US airline carriers as well as global hotel brands to provide you with an overview of their approaches, and deliverables to a sustainable environment for our future.
The Airline Industry contributes approximately 2% of all human induced carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to 915 million tons of Carbon Dioxide. Each carrier is committed to shift their culture, technology and sourcing at the very least to be carbon neutral by 2030, with some even going beyond carbon offset as the way forward. These approaches include the shift to utilizing renewable fuels for a portion of their fuel consumption, technology to be more fuel efficient in the air, and to invest in partnerships to offset their carbon footprint.
Airlines
| Carrier | Environmental Commitment | Retiring older Aircraft | Utilizing Sustainable Fuel | Investment to offset carbon footprint | Sustainability Website Link |
American |
Goal: Net neutral carbon emissions by 2050 | Over last 7 years have taken delivery of 550 new, more fuel efficient aircraft | Committed to purchase 9 million gallons of SAF over next three years | Improving technology for more flight efficiency, flight altitudes and speeds. By mid 2020, technology was used within 85% of all aircraft. | Click Here. |
Delta |
Goal: Committed $1B to become First Carbon Neutral airline globally. No date or timeline provided | Retired >200 aircraft with new planes that are 25% more fuel efficient | Replacing 10% of fossil fuels with SAF by end of 2030 | Forest Protection of a half million acres of forests | Click Here. |
United |
Goal: Commitment to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on carbon offsets | Over 400 aircraft equipped with Split Scimitar Winglets to reduce fuel consumption | United holds more than 50% of all publicly announced future purchase commitments to using (and investing in) SAF | Investing in carbon capture technology known as Direct Air Capture – physically removing CO2 from the air, and safely storing underground through corporate partnerships. | Click Here. |
The hospitality sector has responded to reducing their impacts through numerous measures based upon direct survey responses from their clients. Guests view social, environmental and ethical considerations as central to their buying preferences. Although the approach to sustainability is not new for the hospitality industry, it has dramatically increased by way of investment and focus over the last 5 years. Each brand is committed to their overall waste and water reduction and sustainable sourcing as outlined below.
Hospitality
| Brand | Environmental Commitment | Water Consumption | Waste Reduction | Responsible Sourcing | Sustainability Website Link |
Hilton |
Goal: Reduce carbon emissions by 61% and reduce water consumption and produced waste by 50% by 2030 | Commitment to reduce water consumption by 50% by 2030 through understanding usage, consumer messaging in room, and monitoring use globally | Pledged to reduce food waste by 50%, and reducing landfill waste by 34%. Soap recycling programs adopted in 88% of properties, as well as reduction in unnecessary single-use items. | 100% of suppliers are ‘encouraged’ to abide by contractual Responsible Sourcing Policy, with commitments to source 100% of shellfish, liquid and egg products from cage-free sources by end of 2025, along with Animal Welfare Statements. | Click Here. |
Marriott |
Goal: Reduce environmental footprint by 50% across the portfolio by 2025 | Reduce water intensity by 15% | Reducing waste to landfill by 45%, food waste by 50%, achieve minimum of 30% renewable electricity use | Focusing on Top 10 Categories, achieve 95% responsible sourcing by 2025. Top 10 includes: beef, lamb and poultry (including eggs), bottled water, cleaning suppliers, coca, coffee, amenities, paper, seafood, sugar and textiles | Click Here. |
Hyatt |
All prior goals were set with 2020 as the target – New goals expected for 2025 | Reduce water per guest night by 2020 of 25%, with 30% in water-stressed areas | All properties to divert landfill waste by 40%. Over 190K pounds of edible food donated, with over 7K tons composted rather than sent to landfills. Significant shifts in reducing single use plastics across all regions. | Transitioned to linens made of cotton, soap from palm oil, and sustainable paper alternatives. Introduced coffee sourced from rainforest certified farms, and elevated plant forward meals. Undertaking research on animal welfare sourcing which is expected to be included in 2021 announcement | Click Here. |
Whether flying or resting in your hotel room, everyone can participate in sustainability by first being aware of the changes our partners are making, and then how each of us can play a part through our individual contributions.
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