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 WTTC developed the Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus, in collaboration with leading hotel brands and industry experts from across the sector. Considered the first steps on the WSHA’s Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality, and now accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the Basics and Basics Plus offer hotels a clear entry point into their sustainability journey.
Under GSTC’s Accreditation Framework, the Basics and Basics Plus are now aligned with the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for Green Transition (Directive (EU) 2024/825), which introduces stricter requirements for environmental claims and will apply from September 27, 2026.
Hotels that are currently verified against the Basics should be aware that displaying the Basics logo or making associated claims without a GSTC-accredited certification may carry legal risk under the abovementioned EU Directive from 27 September 2026. Until a new certification (Basics or Basics Plus) is obtained, we strongly recommend that hotels temporarily avoid displaying the Basics verification logo or making associated claims. Please note that this Directive applies to businesses that market to or target EU-based consumers, even if the businesses are based outside the EU.
For more information, check our FAQs or write to [email protected].
Global, industry-driven sustainability criteria
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.
Basics
Hotel Sustainability Basics are 12 essential actions that every hotel, no matter its size or location, can and should implement to operate more sustainably.
Basics Plus
Launched in September 2026, the Hotel Sustainability Basics Plus provide the next steps in the journey that any hotel can take to operate more sustainably, as a stepping stone to pursuing more advanced certifications.
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.
Hotel Sustainability Basics and Basics Plus Certification
Hotels can obtain a Basics or Basics Plus certification through a GSTC accredited Certification Body.
Benefits of Becoming Certified
Customer Demands: The Basics enables hotels to demonstrate their sustainability credentials and meet the needs of a growing traveller segment seeking sustainable accommodation options.
Better Management: Comprehensive tracking and benchmarking of progress allow hotels to better understand their environmental and social impacts while identifying opportunities for operational enhancements.
Brand Reputation and Positioning: Positive sustainability initiatives contribute to building B2B, B2C, and B2G trust and strengthening hotels' position as sustainability leaders.
Cost Savings: Embracing sustainable business practices, such as resource efficiency and smarter supply chain management, can lead to cost savings.
Global Alignment: Aligned with nationally and internationally recognised schemes, the initiative allows hotels flexibility to explore and adopt these schemes as part of their journeys to sustainability.
Get Ahead of Regulations: Having basic sustainability indicators allows hotels to take the first steps towards complying with evolving regulatory landscapes and mandatory reporting requirements.
Questions, complaints and appeals
Please check our FAQs.
For any other enquiries, complaints or appeals regarding Basics or Basics Plus certifications, please write to [email protected].
The Fundamental Actions: Basics and Basics Plus
Efficiency
Robust approaches to measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, waste and carbon emissions.
- Measure and reduce energy use
- Measure and reduce water use
- Identify and reduce waste
- Measure and reduce carbon emissions
- Clean coils and filters
- LED lighting
- Digital thermostats
- Water fixtures
- Landscaping
Planet
Fundamental actions to protect the environment.
- Linen reuse programme
- No single-use plastic straws and stirrers
- Replace single-use plastic water bottles
- Replace single-use plastic mini toiletry bottles
- Green cleaning products (1)
- Vegetarian options
- Renewable energy
- Towel reuse program
- Recycling programme
- Plastic bin liners
- Reduce paper use
- Packaging waste
- Green cleaning products (2)
- Local sourcing
- Biodiversity conservation
People
Fundamental actions toward a positive contribution to local communities and workforce.
- Community benefit
- Reduce inequalities
- Accessibility
- Staff training
- Anti-modern slavery
- 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 and the highest standards provided by GSTC.
These actions will help hotels prepare for full certifications and advance to greater sustainability in the near future.
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