As sustainability becomes a priority across industries, several leading hotel brands are integrating eco-friendly practices to attract environmentally-conscious travelers. Here’s an in-depth look at how major hotel chains are addressing sustainability and setting benchmarks for eco-friendly hospitality.
In 2025, the hospitality industry is on the cusp of a sustainability renaissance, as hotels worldwide increasingly integrate green practices to minimize their environmental impact and align with evolving consumer expectations. This shift, driven by both regulatory standards and conscious consumer demand, is manifesting in innovative ways: from adopting renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, to implementing water-saving systems and utilizing eco-friendly building materials. Hotels are now employing AI-driven energy management systems that optimize electricity usage, reducing carbon footprints significantly.
1. Marriott International: Comprehensive Carbon Reduction and Local Community Support
Marriott International, a global leader in hospitality, has set ambitious environmental and social targets under its "Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction" initiative. By 2025, Marriott aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% across its properties and to cut food waste by 50%. The initiative extends across various sustainability areas, including waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and the empowerment of local communities.
Marriott’s environmental impact is mitigated through water conservation, energy-saving fixtures, and eco-friendly building standards. Some properties feature on-site vegetable gardens and in-room recycling options. Marriott also focuses on supporting communities through partnerships with local organizations to ensure that sustainable practices benefit residents as well as travelers.
2. Hyatt Hotels: World of Care Program and Zero-Waste Initiatives
Hyatt Hotels has made significant commitments to sustainability through its "World of Care" program, which emphasizes climate action, water conservation, waste management, and social equity. As part of this program, Hyatt’s Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa has pioneered an in-house water reclamation facility that treats up to 25,000 gallons of water daily, addressing water scarcity concerns in drought-prone areas.
Hyatt has also set a target to reduce food waste per square meter by 50% by 2030. For instance, Grand Hyatt Singapore has introduced zero-waste dining, creating dishes that utilize ingredients entirely to minimize food waste.
3. Accor Hotels: Comprehensive Environmental Goals and Plastic Reduction
Accor, Europe’s largest hospitality company, is committed to reducing its environmental impact with a 2030 target to cut emissions by 46%. Accor has implemented various eco-certifications, such as Green Key and ISO 14001, across its hotels, ensuring adherence to international environmental standards.
The company has also eliminated single-use plastics from its properties and focuses on water conservation and renewable energy. Accor promotes transparency by providing detailed environmental metrics to encourage accountability in the hospitality sector. This approach aligns with the company’s dedication to reducing its ecological footprint while enhancing guest awareness.
4. Hilton Hotels: LightStay Program and Sustainable Construction
Hilton’s "LightStay" program is a comprehensive framework that helps monitor and manage environmental and social impact across its properties. Since its inception, LightStay has saved Hilton over $1 billion in operating costs and has reduced the company’s carbon footprint significantly.
Hilton’s sustainable efforts extend to property construction, where it follows LEED-certified standards in new buildings, aiming to minimize energy and water consumption. Hilton also invests in renewable energy sources and partners with organizations that support local environmental initiatives.
5. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Wyndham Green Program and LEED Certification
Wyndham’s Wyndham Green program provides a sustainability framework across its global properties. With over 570 Wyndham hotels certified under this program, each property follows strict sustainability benchmarks focusing on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing. Wyndham’s program allows hotels to achieve various certification levels, with the highest recognizing properties that exemplify the most advanced eco-friendly practices.
The Wyndham Green program also works toward expanding LEED-certified properties, ensuring a sustainable infrastructure that conserves resources from the ground up.
6. Beyond Green: A Mission-Driven Approach to Sustainable Hospitality
Beyond Green is a hotel collection with sustainability at its core, requiring its member hotels to meet stringent eco-criteria. Beyond Green properties are committed to eliminating single-use plastics, maximizing the use of renewable energy, and prioritizing water conservation.
Hotels under the Beyond Green brand also emphasize community partnerships, supporting local economies through employment, youth education, and cultural engagement. The company’s mission is to redefine luxury by aligning with environmental and social responsibility, aiming to create a positive impact on both the planet and the communities it operates in.
Conclusion
As climate change and sustainability become key priorities for consumers, the hospitality industry is adapting by integrating responsible practices. These major hotel brands are leading the charge with comprehensive programs that promote carbon reduction, water conservation, waste management, and community involvement. For eco-conscious travelers, staying at a hotel committed to sustainability allows them to support these environmental initiatives directly, knowing their stay contributes positively to the planet.