WORLDWIDE: Radisson Hotel Group has released its 2023 Responsible Business Report, with highlights including the validation of net zero targets with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
The report marks the 35th anniversary since the group published its first environmental policy, which it says was the first ever in the industry.
It is split into three areas – Think Planet, Think People and Think Community.
On the environmental front Radisson reported a 35 per cent reduction in carbon footprint per square metre since 2019, and said that 67 of its hotels now use 100 per cent renewable electricity.
All meetings are fully carbon compensated, with the group having offset 87,000 tonnes of carbon since 2019, and there are now 970 electric car charging stations at Radisson properties worldwide.
The group said that the validation of its net zero science based targets by the SBTi aligns the company’s targets with the private sector’s contribution to worldwide COP21 climate goals.
Radisson has committed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 46 per cent by 2030, and progress towards net zero by 2050.
The group said its carbon footprint emission results had been verified by TÜV Rheinland, “including the assessment of evidence relevant to the voluntary reporting of emission information, on a sample basis”.
Radisson is also rolling out the Hotel Sustainability Basics (HSB) programme across it hotels, with 179 properties fully verified and 50 per cent of the group’s hotels in the process of verification.
HSB was launched in 2022 by The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), and is an independent global sustainability verification programme, overseen by Green Key and SGS.
As of March this year more than 1,700 hotels across 70 countries had been verified under the HSB programme.
More than 1,700 properties join WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics programme
Meanwhile last year’s achievements in the area of Think People included the group being recognized by Forbes Magazine as the third best employer in the Travel and Leisure industry worldwide.
Radisson staff took part in 1.5 million hours of training and development in 2023, and the Radisson Listen programme achieved an 83 per cent team member engagement score.
Women now account for 32 per cent of leadership positions, and last year the group issued its 8th slavery and human trafficking statement.
Radisson recently launched its first Diversity Week with the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion’, and the aim of promoting diversity in the workplace, fostering meaningful conversations about inclusivity and equity in growth opportunities, and encouraging open dialogue about gender, culture, and minorities.
Radisson Hotel Group celebrates DEI at inaugural ‘Diversity Week’
Finally in the area of Think Community Radisson reported 36,700 volunteers hours from corporate office and hotel team members, and said that 29,500 people had been provided with safe drinking water for life through the group’s towel re-use and green housekeeping programmes.
Radisson also donated €1.3 million in cash and in-kind by its corporate offices and hotels to nonprofit organisations, and has now donated more than €670,000 in cash to SOS Children’s Villages since the start of the partnership.
Commenting on the news Federico J. González, Executive Vice Chairman, Radisson Hotel Group, said:
“Sustainability is a core part of our Strategic 5-year Plan and is closely connected to other key initiatives, driving our vision as a meaningful brand for guests, owners, and talent. We continue to invest in ESG and focus on cost efficiencies, as well as the revenue opportunities of being a responsible business.
“Together with key stakeholders and associations, we believe in driving and growing sustainable travel and making sustainability an intrinsic part of our ten leading brands.”
To read Radisson Hotel Group’s 2023 Responsible Business Report in full, click here.
Image supplied by Radisson Hotel Group.