Hotel Sustainability Basics: Building the Foundation for a Better Future
The global hospitality industry is making bold strides toward sustainability by adopting formal frameworks, setting measurable environmental and social targets, and implementing best practices across guest-facing operations, energy use, water management, waste reduction, and community engagement.
However, not every hotel is on the same part of the journey. Many properties around the world have yet to take their first step.
That’s why the Hotel Sustainability Basics were developed by WTTC, in collaboration with leading hotel brands and industry experts from across the sector. Considered the first step on the WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, The Basics offer hotels a clear entry point into their sustainability journey.
INITIATIVE
A Global Industry-driven set of sustainability criteria
Hotel Sustainability Basics are 12 essential actions that every hotel, no matter its size or location, can and should implement to operate more sustainably.
These criteria were defined by the industry, for the industry. They are practical and universally applicable, making sustainability accessible to all of accommodation providers globally.
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Hotel Sustainability Basics Verification
Since its launch in 2022, more than 7,000 hotels across over 80 countries have officially implemented The Basics, and governments, destinations, hotel associations and brands worldwide have supported and endorsed the initiative.
Introducing the Next Step: Basics Plus
While many hotels have made great progress through the Basics, the gap between these fundamentals and full sustainability certification can still be daunting, especially for smaller properties or those without dedicated sustainability teams.
Launched as a joint initiative by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (WSHA), The Basics Plus represent a globally relevant, practical “second stage” of sustainable progress.
The Fundamental Actions
Efficiency
Robust approaches to measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, waste and carbon emissions.
- Measure & Reduce Energy Use
- Measure & Reduce Water Use
- Identify & Reduce Waste
- Measure & Reduce Carbon Emissions
- Clean Coils and Filters
- LED Lights
- Digital Thermostats
- Water Fixtures
- Landscaping
Planet
Fundamental actions to protect the environment.
- Linen reuse programme
- Green cleaning products
- Vegetarian options
- No plastic straws or stirrers
- No SUP water bottles
- Bulk amenity dispensers
- Clean Coils and Filters
- LED Lights
- Digital Thermostats
- Water Fixtures
- Landscaping
People
Fundamental actions toward a positive contribution to local communities and workforce.
- Community Benefit
- Reduce Inequalities
- Accessibility
- Staff Training
- Anti-modern slavery
- Promote Local Culture
Shaping the Future, Together
This initiative is guided by those who know the industry best – its players.
We believe that no hotel should be left behind in the shift to a more sustainable future. By implementing and supporting Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus, we’re building a path forward that’s inclusive and impactful, in alignment with WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality.
These actions will help hotels prepare for full certifications and advance to greater sustainability in the near future. This is why the initiative gained the support of certification bodies like GSTC and industry coalitions like Travalyst.
Testimonials
The Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative is an important add-on to Azerbaijan’s overall sustainable tourism development strategy. We are committed to prioritize sustainability through the entire value chain and customer journey.
Florian Sengstschmid
CEO, Azerbaijan Tourism Board
Nayarit está comprometido con asegurar un desarrollo sostenible en material turística en todos los aspectos que lo involucran y adherir a esta iniciativa es un paso importante para fomentar esta conciencia en la cadena de valor en el destino.
Miguel Ángel Navarro Quintero
Gobernador del estado de Nayarit, Nayarit
The hospitality industry is a force for good and while many companies are taking great strides and leading the way, others are only now taking their first steps. By offering an understanding of the simplest steps hotels can take to become more sustainable, this initiative will help to raise the base level of sustainability across the entire hospitality industry.
Wolfgang M. Neumann
Chair, Sustainable Hospitality Alliance
While Accor is actively working towards achieving carbon neutrality in line with its science-based targets, we welcome the Basics Initiative. We believe that this framework is a useful step towards ambitious sustainability goals and practices for the hospitality industry.
Sébastien Bazin
Chairman and CEO, Accor
Radisson Hotel Group has committed to Net Zero. We are setting Science-Based Targets and have an award-winning sustainability program focused on People, Planet, and Communities. With Basics, we have collectively defined the common starting point accessible to all hotels and the industry framework to grow sustainable travel.
Federico J González
CEO, Radisson
At HBX Group we believe we can transform travel into a force for good. We want to ensure that the tourism industry continues to thrive, while also ensuring a positive impact on society and the environment. That's why we believe joining this initiative is an important step in the journey towards responsible travel, both for HBX Group and our brands as well as the wider industry.
Nicolas Huss
CEO, HBX Group
Frequently Asked Questions
1.
Why have 12 criteria been selected?
The 12 criteria have been selected following an intense process of industry review and based on their significance as actions which represent a base level of sustainability activity that all hotels should be undertaking. They represent both back of house and guest facing activities, both of which are critical to making real sustainability progress, and include both environmental and social aspects.
During the review process it became clear that reducing the number of criteria would compromise the robustness of the initiative, by eliminating some key and fundamental actions, but a phased approach has been suggested to allow time for the full set to be implemented. Furthermore, any more would dilute the focus and overwhelm those trying to put them into practice.
2.
Why are some mandatory from the outset?
It is recognised that the 12 criteria although basic in nature, will still take time and effort to implement particularly in hotels which are starting out on their sustainability journey.
For this reason, 8 of the criteria should be in place within the first year of implementation, and the remaining 4 by year three.
There is flexibility in terms of which criteria hotels may choose to prioritise for year 1.