https://www.eco-business.com/news/net-zero-hotels-realistic-but-industry-too-fragmented-for-global-pledge-sustainable-tourism-council-chief/
Randy Durband, CEO of Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), believes big hotels can neutralize carbon emissions by mid-century, but a global pledge for all players might be challenging.
Durband aims to encourage corporate power players controlling hospitality to promote green certification among hotel clients.
The hospitality industry needs to reduce emissions by 66% per room by 2030 and 90% by 2050 to avoid increased carbon emissions from future growth.
Durband emphasizes the adoption of GSTC certification for a more sustainable future, but less than 1% of hotels globally are certified by its standard.
GSTC signed a deal with Ascott to provide sustainability training to local hotel businesses in Singapore, focusing on raising awareness and practical solutions.
The challenges include mindset shift, awareness, technical skills, and getting management involved in sustainability initiatives.
GSTC certification is seen as a key to making sustainability a part of the industry, and regulations and preferred contracts are expected to drive adoption.
Durband mentions the shift towards performance-based metrics and partnering with other organizations to identify open-source measurement tools.
Durband and Beh Siew Kim of Ascott acknowledge challenges in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with the need for regulatory push and stakeholder involvement.
Focus on sustainability skills matters in the overall decarbonization of hotels, including energy efficiency and operational aspects.
Luxury hotels face challenges in sustainability but are making progress; luxury clients are changing their expectations for sustainability.
Ascott is actively working on various sustainability initiatives, aligning with GSTC standards and country committees to achieve targets.
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