The move responds to growing demand from its eco-conscious travellers, as a survey of nearly 1,200 BWH Reward guests has revealed that two in three guests (67 per cent) say sustainability matters so much they’d pay more for a hotel with strong green credentials.
As the UK’s largest group of independent hotels – including Best Western and World Hotels – BWH has even found that sustainability is shaping guest booking decisions, with 88 per cent of guests saying a hotel’s eco-efforts influence their choice.
The carbon calculator identifies each hotel’s carbon emissions and pinpoints areas for improvement, including F&B where items such as red meat have a high carbon footprint.
Developed in partnership with Zero Carbon Forum, BWH Hotels’ carbon calculator is tailored to hotel operations and incorporates COP 29 updates and KPIs, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 81 per cent by 2035.
Reducing carbon emissions can not only lower hotels’ energy and operational costs but also ensures hotels are listed for corporate bookings with B Corps and travel management companies – an important revenue stream.
Mark Chapman, CEO at Zero Carbon Services, commented: “Customers and employees increasingly want to see the companies they work for – and buy from – being part of solving the climate crisis. We are working with BWH Hotels GB to support every hotelier to take credible climate action through measuring their emissions then identifying and implementing reduction initiatives on their route to net zero.”
The launch of the carbon calculator supports BWH Hotels’ partnership with Quality in Tourism on the REST accreditation, helping independent hoteliers achieve this sustainability certification by 2025. The carbon calculator will launch in early March and be available to all hoteliers under the BWH Hotels GB umbrella.
For more information on BWH Hotels visit: www.joinbwhhotels.co.uk.
