The road to net zero emissions

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As an important contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the accommodation sector has a vital role to play in the effort to decarbonise. Accommodations account for 264Mt CO₂-eq direct and controllable emissions (so-called scope 1&2), reflecting roughly 10% of emissions throughout the tourism sector. The accommodation sector needs to curb emissions by 17Mt CO₂-eq per year – an annual reduction rate of 6 to 7% of current levels – to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

This report presents a transition pathway with specific opportunities for accommodations to directly reduce their carbon emissions. It is based on novel and unparalleled primary research, mapping the GHG emissions of the global accommodation sector accounting for different types of accommodations operating in different geographies and climate zones. It provides a detailed, bottom-up underpinning of what the sector has achieved to date and – more importantly – what can still be achieved with different measures.

Although 2050 may seem a long way off, urgent action to decarbonise the accommodation sector is required. This report provides a roadmap to take the first steps along the way ahead.

If you would like to discuss our findings or are looking for more information on this transition pathway, we’d be delighted to talk.

OC&C Contacts

Bram Kuijpers, Partner

Wouter Vincken, Associate Partner

Maurits Krüger, Manager