Introduction
According to a report by WTTC: “A Net ZeroRoadmap for Travel & Tourism”,
A study published by UnitedNations Tourism (UN Tourism), UNEP and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2008 indicated that Travel & Tourism associated greenhouse gas emissions were estimated to be around 5% (1304 Mt) of global emissions in 2005. Where accommodation industry generates 21% of the overall emissions of the sector.
Therefore, hotels, hostels, resorts and vacation rentals like segments in the accommodation industry have a key responsibility to integrate sustainable practices into their business operations.
Few months back in May, 2025 I got an opportunity to participatein a field visit to Jetwing Blue – Negombo, which is a leading hotel service provider in Sri Lanka. This is how they have transformed their operations towards sustainability.
Incorporating renewable energy sources cuts emissions within energy consumption in the hotel.
Green mobility:
- Establish EV charging facilities
Solar power:
- 330 kW SolarPV system generates portion of the electricity consumption of the hotel
- Solar thermal power to produce hot water.
Biogas:
- An anaerobic digester produces biogas from kitchen waste to use in the gas stoves of the staff cafeteria.
- It has a daily production capacityof biogas, which equals 8 kg of LPG.
- Sedimented slurry, which is a by-product, is used as a fertilizer in plantations.
Biomass boiler
Figure 1: Biomass Boiler Process Chart
- Hybrid, stationary grade boiler
- Produce 2000 kg of steam per hour.
- Produce steam for kitchen purposes,laundry and hot water calorifier at a rate of 2000 kg per hour. Cinnamon woods with a high calorific rate,which is an agricultural waste in the cinnamon industry, are used as the energy source undergoing a carbon neutral process.
Actions for Environment and Health Safety
- Drinking water purification process
- Produce 25000 of 375 ml glass water bottles per month within the hotel.
Figure 2: Water Purification Process
- Aerobic effluent water treatment plant to manage sewage water.
- Black water and grey water released from hotel activities are treated in steps like bacterial digestion, gravity filtration and chlorination. Treated water used for irrigation purposes ensures public and environmental health while at the same time providing benefits such as,
- Protection of aquatic ecosystem
- Prevention of water pollution
- Recycling solid waste
- Composting
In accommodation, for instance, most emissions originate from the value chain and purchased services (Scope 3, 51%), with Scope 2, representing energy consumption, as the second most notable emissions source (42%).
- A Net Zero Road Map for Travel & Tourism by WTTC
Therefore, even a small change within your organization that contributes to sustainability will make a great impact in the future.
I’d love to hear from you,
- What steps has your organization taken to transform toward sustainability?
- What is the most critical challenge to a sustainable transformation within your work environment?