Transportation is often the largest source of indirect CO2 emissions (Scope 3) for a lodging establishment, mainly due to guest travel movements. An integrated mobility policy focuses on encouraging low-emission alternatives for guests, staff and in-house operations alike.
1. Our Objectives: What do we want to achieve?
- Minimizing transportation needs: Reducing unnecessary mileage through local sourcing.
- Encourage soft mobility: encourage guests and staff to replace cars with bicycles, public transportation or walking.
- Facilitate the transition to electric driving: Provide sufficient and accessible charging infrastructure.
- Greening its own fleet: Commit to zero-emission vehicles for daily operation.
2. Measuring is Knowing
- Supplier distance: Record the distance to critical suppliers; for example, for laundry service, a radius of up to 50 km is recommended to reduce transportation impacts.
- Fleet Monitoring: Keep a record of all motorized transport owned by the company and aim for at least 75% environmentally friendly (electric) vehicles.
- Guest surveys: Survey guests by which mode of transportation they reached the lodging to gain insight into Scope 3 emissions.
3. Practical Methods and Resources.
For Guests
- Disclosure: Provide up-to-date information on local bus and train connections, shuttle bus services and partial models.
- Bicycle facilities: Offer bike rentals yourself or work with a local provider. Provide secure, covered parking and charging stations for e-bikes.
- Charging stations: Install electric car charging stations on your own property or within a 200-meter radius.
For Staff
- Financial incentives: Offer concessions for using public transportation or carpooling initiatives.
- Infrastructure: Provide shower facilities and locker rooms for employees who bike to work.
For Business
- Electric vehicles: Use electric golf carts, scooters or light vans for grounds maintenance and gas transportation.
- Local logistics: When purchasing goods, give preference to suppliers that minimize their transportation impact.
4. The Financial Impact
- Fuel savings: Switching to an electric fleet reduces long-term operational energy costs.
- Marketing Value: Accessibility via public transportation and good cycling facilities attract the growing group of “Active Greens,” who are willing to pay more for sustainable options.
- Efficiency: By proactively sharing accessibility information, you reduce the administrative burden of individual guest inquiries.
5. Planetary Frontiers and Social Impact.
Your purchasing policy contributes to the bigger picture:
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- UN SDGs: Direct contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
- Planetary Frontiers: Reducing greenhouse gases helps guard the frontier of climate change, while less particulate matter benefits air quality (aerosol load).
- Social Minimum Limits: Promotes the health of both staff and the local community by reducing noise and air pollution.
6. More Information & Tools
- Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Criteria.
- Green Key Belgium – Criteria & Explanation.
- EU Ecolabel for Tourist Accommodation
- SNCB Railways
- Night trains
This guide is a living document. By working with local partners and sharing experiences, we are building journeys to tomorrow together.
Collective intelligence, stronger than artificial intelligence !
