Sustainable

Development and the

Hospitality Industry
 Problem
The problem of climate change refers to the long-
term alteration of global and regional climate
patterns, primarily attributed to human activities
such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation,
and industrial processes. This leads to an increase
in greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere, trapping heat and causing the Earth's
temperature to rise.
Complexity Hospitality
Navigating these complexities requires
effective leadership, adaptability to market
trends, innovation, and a commitment to
continuous improvement in service delivery
and guest experiences.
The Rational for sustainability in hospital
integrating sustainability into hospital
operations not only aligns with healthcare's
core mission of promoting well-being but
also ensures the long-term viability and
resilience of healthcare systems in the face of
evolving environmental and societal
challenges.
Defining Sustainability and Sustainable
Development: A Historical Perspective
Introduction

The concept of sustainability and sustainable development

has evolved over centuries, shaped by philosophical
reflections, scientific advancements, and societal shifts. This
report traces the historical trajectory of defining
sustainability from ancient philosophical musings to
contemporary global initiatives. Through key milestones
and influential figures, we explore the conceptual
development leading to the modern understanding of
sustainable development.
 The Greeks, the Romans, and von
Carlowitz

Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers contemplated the

intricate relationships between human activities and
ecosystems, recognizing the importance of environmental
stewardship. Plato and Aristotle deliberated on population
dynamics and nature's purpose, while Pliny the Elder
highlighted the adverse effects of deforestation in his work
"Naturalis Historia." However, it was not until the 18th
century that Hans Carl von Carlowitz pioneered the modern
interpretation of sustainable development. In his seminal
work, "Sylvicultura Oeconomica" (1713), von Carlowitz
advocated for responsible resource management,
emphasizing the need for reforestation and energy-efficient
practices. He coined the term 'sustainability,' laying the
groundwork for future discourse on environmental
conservation.
From Freiberg to Brundtland
Commission
The 19th-century German sustainable forestry science laid
the foundation for international recognition of sustainability
principles. However, the rapid economic growth of the 20th
century, driven by resource depletion, posed significant
challenges to sustainable development. Initiatives such as
the 1951 report by the International Union for Conservation
of Nature (IUCN) and publications like "Spaceship Earth"
(Ward, 1966) and "The Economics of the Coming Spaceship
Earth" (Boulding, 1966) underscored the interconnectedness
of human activities and ecological systems. Garrett Hardin's
concept of the "Tragedy of the Commons" (1968) further
elucidated the perils of unregulated resource exploitation.
These discussions paved the way for the Club of Rome's
influential report, "The Limits to Growth" (1972), which
highlighted the finite nature of resources and the need for
sustainable practices.
From Brundtland Report to Rio
The landmark Brundtland Report (1987) crystallized the
modern definition of sustainable development, emphasizing
the balance between meeting present needs and
safeguarding future generations' ability to meet their own
needs. Subsequent publications, such as "Caring for the
Earth" (UNEP, IUCN, WWF, 1991), expanded the definition
to encompass economic and socio-cultural dimensions. The
Earth Summit in 1992 further advanced the sustainable
development agenda, culminating in Agenda 21's adoption.
This comprehensive action plan underscored the importance
of education, innovation, and global cooperation in
achieving sustainable development goals.
 Principles of Sustainable
Development

Agenda 21 introduced a set of principles guiding

sustainable development efforts, including
precaution, responsibility, transparency, innovation,
and involved citizenship. These principles
underscore the collective responsibility of
individuals, communities, and nations in fostering
sustainable practices and preserving the planet's
ecological integrity.
1. The principle 2. The principle 3. The principle 4. The principle of 5. The
of precaution: of responsibility: of transparency: social and
to prevent any risks
principle of
to adopt social and to make all relevant technological
occurring that are environmental
involved
information innovation:
deemed possible. responsibility for all citizenship:
available to to move forward
activities and to contribute to
stakeholders. social and
decisions. local, national
technological
innovation in a way and global
that benefits tasks.
humankind and the
planet.
Conclusion
The historical evolution of sustainability and sustainable
development reflects humanity's growing awareness of its
environmental impact and the imperative for responsible
stewardship. From ancient philosophical inquiries to
contemporary global initiatives, the journey towards
sustainability continues, guided by a shared commitment to
harmonizing human needs with ecological realities. As we
navigate the complexities of the modern world, integrating
sustainability principles into policy frameworks and
everyday practices remains paramount for ensuring a
prosperous and resilient future for all.
 FROM RIO TO KYOTO

• the subject of climate change was projected to the

forefront of sustainable development in 1997 in Kyoto,
japan. An agreement was a reached, known as the kyoto
protocol, by 38 industrial Countries to reduce their
combined GHG emissions by 5.2% on average by 2012
compared to 1990 levels (UNFCC, 1998)
 JOHN ELKINGTON

• Published cannibals with folks:” The triple bottom

line”of 21st century business.
• He had already started to use the term TBL back in 1994
in an article Published California Management in the
review on Win-win-win business strategies (elkington,
1994)
• He argues that that measuring success means Capturing,
analysing and reporting ecological And social
performance in addition to the financial performance of
an organisation.
• He writes, while there have been Successes, our climates,
water resources, oceans, forest, soils and biodiversity are
all increasingly threatened. (Elkington, 2018).
 POST-KYOTO AND COP21

• In 2000, world leaders gathered and adopted the eight

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
• The World summit on sustainable development (WSSD)
or earth summit + 10 look place in Johannesburg Summit
broadened the definition of sustainable development even
further.
 PARIS AGREEMENT

• The gathering of nations in December 2015 in paris had

the frincipal goal to agree on global legally binding plan
to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
• Convention of dimate change also known as (cop)
• The paris agreement also covers in any interrelated
issues.
(1) the financing of adaptation.
(2) Minimising Loss and damage.
(3)Peaking and reducing emissions
(4) Installing a continous improvement system
 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
(SDGs)

• Is supposed to guide global sustainable development until

2030.
• The 17 goals comprise a set of 169 targets and 231 unique
indicators, covering topics, ranging from ending poverty,
security, ensuring health lives, accessing quality
education, providing Water, energy access, Promoting
employment and decent work for all. The complate list of
topics, target’s and indicators can be accessed from the
Sustainable Development knowledge platform.
 OTHER DEFINITION OF SUSTAINABILITY

• There is a proliferation of definitions on Sustainable

development and Sustainability which may show the
importance or relative attention the topics is receiving.
• Most definitions earlier in the chapter. two notable and
Industry related Contributions come from the world
business Council on Sustainable development (WBCSD)
and the world tourism Organization (UNWTO).
 WORLD BUSINESS COUNCIL ON
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (WBCSD)

• Is a coalition of 200 global business with a Common

approach to Sustainable development.
• “forms of progress that meet the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their needs.” (WBCSD, 2014).
 WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION
(UNWTO)

• Is an agency of the United Nations dedicated to the

promotion of tourisms.
• It is particularly dedicated to the implementation of the
global code of ethics for tourism.
• The Organization is also Committed to promoting
tourism as an instrument to achieving the SDGs.
The World Business Council on Sustainable Development
(WBCSD) defines sustainable development as "forms of
progress that meet the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs" (WBCSD. 2016). This definition underscores
the importance of balancing current needs with long-term
considerations, ensuring that economic, social, and
environmental objectives are pursued in harmony.
 o r ld T o u r is m O r ga n iz a ti o n
• On the o th e r h a n d , th e W
e n c y o f th e U n it e d N a ti o n s
(U N W T O ) , a s a n a g
o m o ti o n , a ls o e m b r a c e s th e
focu s ed o n to u ris m p r
e v e lo p m en t. H o w e v e r, th e ir
conc e pt o f s u s ta in a b le d
th e to u r is m s e c to r 's u n iq u e
persp e c ti v e is ta il o r e d to
n itie s . T h e U N W T O a li g n s
chall e n g e s a n d o p p o r tu
o f s u s ta in a b ilit y o u tl in e d in
with th e b r o a d e r n o tio n
e m p h a s iz in g r e s p o n s ib le
the Brundtland Report, th e w e ll -b e in g o f
p r a c ti c e s th a t c o n tr ib u te to
tourism o s y s te m s w h il e
ti o n s . c o m m u n it ie s , a n d e c
destina e S u s ta in a b le
o r tin g th e a c h ie v e m e n t o f th
su pp
Develop m e n t G o a ls ( S D G s
 if ic a n t c o n tr ib u ti o n s to th e
o n te n t d is c u s s e s tw o s ig n
• Th e c r ld B u s in e s s C o u n c il o n
s u s ta in a b il it y f r o m th e W o
definitions o f o u r is m
( W B C S D ) a n d th e W o r ld T
Sustain a b le D e v e lo p m e n t
iz a ti o n s r e f le c t th e b r o a d e r
( U N W T O ) . B o th o rg a n
Organisation d e v e lo p m e n t p r in c ip le s
d in te g ra ti o n o f s u s ta in a b le
acceptance an T h e W B C S D e m p h a s iz e s
e s s a n d to u ri s m p r a c ti c e s .
in global busin t m e e ts c u r r e n t n e e d s
e v e lo p m e n t a s p r o g r e s s th a
sustaina b le d m e e t th e ir
f u tu r e g e n e ra ti o n s ' a b il it y to
without c o m p r o m is in g
th e B r u n d tl a n d R e p o r t. T h e
h o in g th e e s s e n c e o f
n e e d s, e c ri s m a s a m e a n s to
m it m e n t to p r o m o ti n g to u
UNWTO 's c o m n d it s
v e lo p m e n t G o a ls ( S D G s ) a
achieve th e S u s ta in a b le D e
s f o r T o u r is m il lu s tr a te h o w
G lo b a l C o d e o f E th ic
dedication to the e d w ith in s p e c if ic
p r in c ip le s a r e o p e r a ti o n a li z
sustainabil it y
a n d s u s ta in a b le g ro w th .
industries for responsible
 SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY
• Using the Brundland report's
definition as a starting point,
and the UNWTO's definition of
sustainable tourism,
SUSTAINABLE
HOSPITALITY can be defined
as.
• Hospitality operation
managing resources
considering the economic,
social and environmental cost
and benefits in order to meet
the need of present generation
while protecting and
enhancing opportunities for
future generations.
 Overcoming Obstacle

Many hoteliers are stuck in a typical

causality dilemma. The aphorism "it takes
money to money" is often referred to when
dealing with sustainability initiative.
 Critique of Sustainability

Although interest and support for

sustainable development matters is growing
continuously, critic's and sceptics exist.
The social dimension of a hospitality
operation focuses on its impact on society,
with the goal of favorably influencing local
life. It entails addressing topics such as the
personal realm, social life, and social
infrastructure. A corporation must evaluate
its activities that promote well-being, such as
fair trade and pricing.
 Economic dimension
Private sector organizations in the hospitality sector prioritize
profit maximization, despite the existence of alternatives.
However, mitigating environmental impacts can provide
significant short- and long-term business benefits.
Implementing energy and water-efficient technologies, using
energy-efficient equipment, and providing proper employee
training can increase internal profitability. A hospitality
company committed to a sustainable business policy supports
and participates in the local economy, generating economic
benefits for local people through increased employment,
investment in training, and linking with other businesses to
market destinations.
Three dimensions of sustainable hospitality

Sustainable hospitality involves considering

the entire value chain and life cycle of an
operation, from construction to
management, from food and beverage
sourcing to waste management, and from
day-to-day operations. All decisions must
align with the environment, society, and
operational profitability.
The Sustainable Hospitality Framework
emphasizes the importance of partnerships
between multiple stakeholders, including
businesses, local governments, educational
institutions, non-government bodies, and citizens'
groups, to implement sustainable practices in the
tourism industry. It emphasizes the need for
realistic indicators for environmental
improvement and sustainable development, and
the use of savings from sustainable management
systems for continued environmental
improvement. It also emphasizes the importance
of environmental training and information
dissemination for small and medium-sized
enterprises, and the need to revise communication
strategies to reflect sustainable initiatives.
The environmental dimension of an organization
focuses on its impact on climate, biodiversity,
ecosystem services, air, water, land use, and waste.
The main objectives are to minimize or eliminate
practices that may adversely affect the enjoyment
of the planet's resources by present and future
generations. In heavily degraded environments,
regenerative hospitality is required to maintain
and promote natural diversity. The relationship
between tourism and biodiversity is complex, as
the industry is dependent on biodiversity but also
a threat to it through its activities.
Hospitality operations can impact the
environment throughout their life cycle, including
planning, building, manufacturing, food
cultivation, fossil fuel use, water use, waste
production, and employee and guest
transportation. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
examines environmental impacts before and
during hospitality operations.
 Dealing with Challenges:
Two Philosophical Approaches

-As a written earlier in the chapter, a strong motivation for

hospitality companies embarking on sustainable business
initiatives is the competitive advantage that can be
achieved. Although competitive advantage is seen
necessary, it must be stated that in fast-changing market,
conditions, competitive advantages do not last very long.
Two philosophies stand out among the
different theories on how to solve the
challenges: the Malthusian and the
solovian approaches ( Martin &
Kemper, 2012)
 MALTHUSIAN APPROACH TO
SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY

The Malthusian approach is based on the work of

Thomas Malthus, a nineteenth century English scholar and
economist. Malthus considered that the combination of
exponential population growth and finite nature resources,
food production in particular, is creating a condition
known as the Malthusian catastrophe.
A Malthusian Hospitality

The hospitality industry has implemented the

multhusian approach to a certain extent already.
Tha basic 3Rs of waste management (Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle) implemented throughout many
hospitality operations is an example.
 SOLOVIAN APPROACH TO
SUSTAINABLE HOSPITALITY

American economist Robert Solow developed an economic

theory where productivity is influenced by continuously
improving technology innovation. Thus , the solovian
approach is based on the use of technological innovation to
face the grand challenges.
A Solovian Hospitality

In order to increase the pace towards

decarbonization, net zero carbon buildings or
zero-carbon- ready building are developed or
retrofitted accordingly. Solar water heating and
photovoltaic system are key components to
renewable energy production as well as waste heat
recovery from individual air conditioners and
cooling and freezing facilities.
Resiliency and Sustainability

The Hospitality Sector is global industry. Business are located

and operating around the clock, around the world. Facing
global challenges as discussed in this chapter the hospitality
industry is subject to greater climate and transition risks.
 There are two significant types of climate change risk
that could impact financial stability of Hospitality
business.

1. Physical risks 2. Transition risks

A hotel physical infrastructure
(e.g.,, building, water, power,
sanitation) may be at risk from a
variety of natural and man-
made hazards placing staff and
guests at risk.
In the race towards
decarbonization, with stricter
regulations planned or already
implemented, adjustment such as
major retrofitting are required
now or in the years to come to
towards a low-carbon economy.
 Hospitality Impact

The Hospitality Industry impacts, positively or negatively,

communities in which it operates in the form of
employment, working conditions and the use of a supply
chain.

On the environment pillar, the hospitality sector has shown

to have a series of negative impacts. Air and water
pollution, Solid and water waste as well as GHGs are some
of the environment outputs from the Hospitality and
tourism industries.
 Gaining and Maintaining a
Competitive Advantage

Gaining a competitive advantage In the hospitality

industry can be difficult. The Hospitality Sector is highly
heterogeneous with a myriad of actors, from small
independent entrepreneur to global player, which result in
a fleece competition. In such situations, Hospitality
Companies closely observe each business move made by
competitors and industry leaders.
 Momentum from International
Agreement

The international Paris Agreement on climate change was

adopt by 195 countries and the European Union In
December 2015, and is she results of six years of work of
work since the 209 conference in Copenhagen land 20 years
since the first conference (COP1) held in Berlin in 1995.
Beyond the environment: Ethics of Conducting Business

Ethics issues arise in four main areas:

1. The Supply chain
2. The Local Community
3. The Workplace
4. The Customer
There may be concern about exploitative labor
practices in supply chain or exploitation of migrant
worker in hotels and restaurant.
 Proactive Approach

Encouragingly, there is evidence that the hotel industry is

assuming a proactive, collective approach to human rights
and business ethics incorporating human risk-mapping,
employee training on responsible business and sustainable
local benefits. Major hotel companies have a taken
significant steps in the past decade to integrate policies on
human rights into their stated policies on business conduct
and ethics.