Sustainability in hospitality: reaching net zero

Last week, UKHospitality released its programme to help guide the sector towards net zero by 2040. The industry body, which represents over 740 companies operating around 100,000 venues in the UK, produced a Sustainability Commitment document with guidance outlining 10 pledges in four key areas: waste, supply chain, skills, and biodiversity.

1. Deliver on 2040 net-zero aims for the sector

2. Roll out the UKH Environmental Sustainability Guide to members focusing on providing SMEs with tips, templates and best practice resources

3. Eliminate unnecessary single-use packaging by 2025

4. Reduce food waste by 50% by 2030

5. Incorporate sustainability skills in relevant training courses and promote the appointment of site-based sustainability champions  

6. Support the Government’s sustainability agenda across the Hospitality Sector Council, Food Strategy and Tourism Recovery Plan  

7. Promote sign-up to the Courtauld Commitment and Plastics Pact  

8. Facilitate engagement across supply chains to reduce environmental impacts  

9. Promote the roll out of EV charging points across the sector  

10. Work with the Hospitality Sector Council to align industry objectives and share best practice amongst businesses

Promoting the roll out of EV charging infrastructure is highlighted as a key step to be addressed as part of this strategy. According to the Commitment, the UKH will “continue to work closely with Government to promote the demand and convenience for both operators and consumers of delivering EV charging points in hospitality venues across the nation”.  

While providing EV charge points is a vital step in the sector's path towards sustainability, beyond the positive impact on carbon emissions, the hospitality industry is well positioned to benefit further from embracing EV charging infrastructure, as a new revenue stream and a source of improved brand image.

But as the number of EV drivers on the roads continues to increase, providing EV chargers has shifted from creating added value for hotel customers, to becoming a requirement. With visitors already selecting destinations based on the provision of EV charging facilities, hotels will need to act soon to ensure they meet customers' expectations.

Commenting on the guidance, CEO of UKHospitality, Kate Nicholls, said "they're ambitious targets, and with a sector made up largely of SMEs it will be challenging to deliver, but small changes will build up to a huge impact."

As EV charging specialists, Zest is supporting hotels and businesses within the hospitality industry on their decarbonisation journey. Our managed service for EV charging means businesses can provide the quality EV charging infrastructure that customers need, making this otherwise challenging step hassle-free.