Decarbonising Hospitality: Inside Radisson's Net Zero Goals

According to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hotel industry must reduce carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030 and 90% per room by 2050.

Hospitality leaders such as Radisson Hotel Group are actively addressing this imperative, implementing strategies to lower greenhouse gas emissions and pursue net zero.

Radisson Hotel Group’s efforts have been recognised, placing 37th in Sustainability Magazine’s Top 250 World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2025.

Radisson's emissions reduction pathway

Radisson Hotel Group has committed to reaching a science-based net zero by 2050, with clear near-term and long-term objectives.

Progress is already visible, with the company achieving a 35% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint per square metre in 2023 when compared to a 2019 baseline.

For the near term, it aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by 2030.

It is targeting a 27.5% reduction in absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from fuel and energy-related activities within the same timeframe, using 2019 as the base year.

The long-term vision is to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 90% and achieve net zero across its value chain by 2050.

Federico González, Executive Vice Chairman at Radisson Hotel Group, says: “We have a clear commitment to reach net zero by 2050 and are focused on making a positive impact on the planet, the people and communities, while always delivering an exceptional guest experience and offering our signature ‘Yes I can!’ service.”

“I am confident that RHG will continue to lead the way in responsible growth, working towards net positive hospitality in the industry.”

A focus on renewable energy

A core component of Radisson Hotel Group's strategy involves reducing its dependency on fossil fuels and embracing the energy transition.

Radisson Hotel Group is focused on implementing renewable electricity solutions across its properties.

In 2023 this focus resulted in 79 of Radisson Hotel Group’s hotels operating on 100% renewable energy while 76% of Radisson Hotel Group's leased hotels were using renewable energy.

To encourage wider industry adoption of sustainable practices, Radisson Hotel Group has partnered with the World Travel and Tourism Council to create the Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative.

This framework helps hotels establish emission reduction targets and progress towards a more sustainable operating model.

It sets out criteria for reducing energy and water consumption as well as waste and carbon emissions.

Radisson Hotel Group applies these basics in its own hotels by actively measuring and reducing its resource use.

Practical steps include replacing plastic straws, stirrers, single-use water bottles and toiletry bottles with reusable and recyclable alternatives.

These measures are having an impact, with 91% of Radisson Hotel Group's hotels having eliminated single-use plastic straws and 65% of Radisson Hotel Group's hotels having a recycling programme in place.

Delivering net zero hotels

Two hotels in Radisson's global portfolio are already verified as net zero.

The properties, located in Manchester and Oslo, have met the global 2040 net zero standards more than a decade ahead of schedule.

This was achieved by addressing emissions across the entire value chain.

Scope 1 and 2 emissions were tackled through full electrification and the use of 100% renewable energy.

For Scope 3 emissions, the hotels implemented operational changes and re-evaluated their supply chains and any remaining emissions are offset with carbon removal credits.

Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, says: “Aside from the obvious sustainability benefits, a lot of it is about people."

“We’re engaging our guests with sustainability – there is information on the app to see about waste minimisation, our local partners, the chef’s uniforms made partially from recycled material, the sustainable crockery supplier, the upcycled furniture supplier and much more.”

“We’re proud to be sending market signals to clients, owners, our teams and suppliers as well as the other chains.”