In order to reduce CO₂ emissions, it is essential to adopt a strategic approach, divided into 4 main areas of action:

1. optimising and saving resources (energy, water, food, human, economic)
2. awareness-raising and training of guests and staff
3. transition to renewable energy sources
4. offsetting residual emissions

Energy saving

75 per cent of potential emission reductions are associated with the adoption of just three initiatives: the installation of energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, the use of energy-efficient appliances and the installation of double-glazed windows. However, it is equally important to focus on smaller and often easier to implement initiatives such as not washing towels daily or keeping the minibar switched on even when the room is not occupied.

Raise guest and staff awareness

Involve guests and staff, encouraging them to adopt more sustainable behaviour. Even if you cannot directly control guests' actions, stimulate smarter and more efficient use of resources. How? Provide a reward system that encourages more sustainable behaviour.

Switching to renewable energy

This measure can be implemented directly at your facility or by purchasing green energy from the national grid. If you want to produce your own renewable energy, you have several options available. For example, you can install solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps or choose renewable energy suppliers.

Offsetting emissions

Offsetting CO₂ should only be considered as your last option and, if you choose this route, it should be in the form of purchasing carbon credits. These credits can be traded for one tonne of CO₂-eq and focus on the prevention or storage of carbon dioxide emissions. Storing CO₂ prevents greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere by planting trees and implementing other measures.

On the territory of the Province of Trento there are several projects that reinforce and give new impetus to the tradition of caring for the landscape, typical of our land and implement reforestation plans with important compensatory effects on CO₂ emissions. Find out how to support land conservation on the Trentino Tree Agreement e WOW nature websites. 

Remember: to reduce emissions, it is crucial to implement a number of measures simultaneously rather than relying on a single initiative. No single proposal is a panacea for reducing emissions. Focusing on a combination of actions, both large and small, is the most effective way to achieve significant change.

Read more about this in the report below:

Global accomodation sector – The road to net zero emissions