With 60% of customers considering sustainability when choosing a restaurant, it’s clear that sustainability in hospitality is an important focus for guests. To stay competitive, here’s how to adopt eco-friendly practices that can benefit your business and the environment.

What is sustainability in hospitality?  

Sustainability in hospitality means running your venue in a way that’s good for the planet, your people and your bottom line. It’s about making smart, greener choices across everything you do – from the way you source ingredients to how you power your kitchen.

It’s also about meeting ESG standards and showing guests that you’re committed to doing the right thing.

Why is sustainability important in the hospitality industry?

Sustainability in hospitality means reducing environmental impact while continuing to deliver high-quality experiences and smooth operations. From managing energy use and cutting down on waste to sourcing ingredients responsibly and offering more eco-friendly guest services, every part of the business has a role to play.

In the UK, hospitality businesses are responsible for around 15% of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. That figure highlights just how important it is for the sector to take action. Building a more sustainable future starts with addressing some of the biggest challenges facing the industry today.

5 biggest challenges of sustainability in hospitality  

1 . Food waste

If food waste was a country, it would be the world's third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, behind the U.S. and China.

Hospitality businesses have a big part to play in all this waste as our sector throws away 1.1 million tonnes of food waste every year, throwing away the equivalent of 320 million meals per year.

Reducing food waste not only helps cut emissions and save money but also supports a more responsible food system. By tracking stock more effectively, training teams to manage portions and using digital tools to monitor waste, businesses can take practical steps to make a real difference.

2. Single-use material

The hospitality industry has traditionally depended on single use plastics like straws, packaging and bottles for takeaways. But things are changing fast. Since the UK's comprehensive ban on a range of single use plastics in 2024, many businesses have made the switch to smarter, more sustainable solutions. Returnable packaging schemes and biodegradable materials are becoming the norm in leading venues, showing that it's entirely possible to reduce waste without compromising on service.

3. Paper production

Paper production continues to be a major contributor to deforestation, and despite advances in digital tools, many hospitality businesses still rely heavily on paper for menus, receipts, checklists and administrative tasks.  

Transitioning to digital solutions such as checklist apps, digital audit platforms and e-receipt systems can significantly reduce this impact. These tools not only help lower paper use but also streamline operations, improve accuracy and make it easier for teams to stay compliant and efficient.

4. Energy consumption

Hospitality businesses are responsible for around 10% of the UK’s overall energy usage. Kitchens run throughout the day with refrigeration, cooking equipment and ventilation systems all drawing power, while heating and lighting keep customer spaces comfortable.  

Fortunately, energy-efficient technologies in 2025 are helping to change this. Smart meters, LED lighting, induction hobs and high-efficiency appliances are cutting energy use by as much as 40 percent in modernised establishments. To lower your energy bills and  reduce your carbon footprint, make smart changes such as switching to greener equipment, carry out regular audits and consider digital tools to both track usage and flag any inefficiencies.  

5. Transportation

On average, food travels between 1,800 and 2,230 miles before being eaten in the UK. That’s a whole lot of greenhouse gas emissions.

Sourcing ingredients from across the globe might offer variety, but it comes at a serious environmental cost. To prevent these issues from escalating, hospitality businesses need to take action. Choosing local suppliers, streamlining deliveries and cutting down on unnecessary transport are practical ways to reduce emissions and work towards more effective sustainability in the hospitality industry.

How hospitality businesses can reduce their environmental impact

1. Manage food waste

Hospitality venues can avoid food waste with efficient stock management. A system like Access EPoS gives you full visibility of your stock in real time, so you can stay on top of what you have, avoid over-ordering and spot problems before they lead to waste.

Still ending up with surplus? No problem. You could partner with Too Good To Go to sell leftover food to customers for a third of the price. That way, you stop good food from going to landfill, recover some of your costs and boost your sustainability efforts. Your customers get a great deal, you save money and less food goes to waste. Win win win.

2. Minimise carbon miles

Use local suppliers or seasonal produce to minimise your carbon trail. It is one of the simplest ways to improve sustainability in the hospitality industry. Fresh, in-season ingredients are often better quality, more affordable and have a much lower environmental impact. Plus, by sourcing locally, you support farmers and food producers in your area and invest back into your community.

3. Use energy-efficient appliances

Try switching to energy efficient appliances. Even a small change, like using LED light bulbs, can make a big difference. There may be some upfront costs, but the savings on your energy and water bills will quickly add up. It is a smart, practical way to cut carbon emissions and boost sustainability in the hospitality industry without compromising on performance.

4. Embrace digital operations

Digital tools are playing a big role in making hospitality more sustainable. In 2025, cloud-based systems, QR code payments and AI-powered stock management are helping businesses cut waste, improve efficiency and reduce their environmental impact.

Our digital checklist software Trailmakes digital operations simple. It replaces paper checklists and clunky spreadsheets with a clear, easy-to-use app where teams can complete their daily tasks, log key checks, and stay on track. From food hygiene to opening procedures, everything is recorded and stored securely in one place - an easy switch that cuts down on paper, boosts accountability and keeps teams focused on great service.

Power sustainability in the hospitality industry with digital tools

Throughout this article, we have explored some of the biggest environmental challenges the sector faces, from food waste and single use materials to high energy consumption and excessive paper use. We have also explored practical, achievable steps businesses can take to make a real impact. Whether it is sourcing locally, upgrading equipment or switching to digital tools, even small changes can lead to meaningful results for your business, your customers, and the planet.

If you are ready to put these ideas into action, Trail can help. Our smart checklist app simplifies day-to-day operations, reduces reliance on paper, and gives you real-time visibility across every site. It is everything you need to run a more sustainable, compliant and efficient hospitality business

Start your free 14-day trial today or book a personalised demo to see how Trail can simplify operations and support your sustainability goals.

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