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 hotel’s energy and operational costs but also ensures hotels are listed for corporate bookings with B Corps and travel management companies – an important revenue stream.
Tracy Wilkins, Operations Director at BWH Hotels, said: “With such a broad network, we have a unique insight into what guests truly value when it comes to sustainability.
“We know guests are happy to pay more if they know food is locally sourced or that the hotel is supporting wildlife with nearly a quarter (23 per cent) willing to pay ‘moderately more’ to stay somewhere that is genuinely making an effort.
“We know sustainability is a priority for our hoteliers. But we understand how daunting it can feel to implement sustainable changes that comply with the Climate Change Act and the Environment Bill – especially with recent pressures like rising NI and minimum wage rates.
“Our carbon calculator simplifies sustainability for busy hoteliers, giving them practical, cost-effective solutions in minutes – whether it’s sourcing locally or adjusting energy usage to reduce carbon emissions.”
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 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
