Radisson Builds Towards Net Zero With Sustainable Design

Hotels across the global hospitality sector must cut carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030, according to the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. This target could require fundamental changes to building design and construction methods.

Radisson Hotel Group is implementing sustainable practices across 1,500 properties it operates. The company published its 2025 Responsible Business Report, which outlines progress on construction and operational sustainability measures.

Building towards net zero

Radisson Hotel Group aims to reach net zero by 2050. All properties in its portfolio are working towards verification under the Hotel Sustainability Basics framework.

The company's strategy includes three areas of focus. Think People addresses employment and training. Think Community examines supplier screening and local engagement. Think Planet sets targets to reduce environmental impact.

Radisson Hotel Group opened two Verified Net Zero Hotels in 2025. The properties in Oslo and Manchester achieved net zero carbon emissions across all three emission scopes through independent verification.

Inge Hujibrechts, Chief Sustainability and Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, writes on LinkedIn: "What a year of impact for People, Communities and Planet. Congratulations to the global team in our 1,000+ hotels and in our offices for creating memorable moments in responsible business every single day."

"The Report highlights how we at Radisson Hotel Group are turning our net zero transformation into real, measurable progress across its hotels and operations, while caring for people and communities."

Sustainable construction and design

Sustainable building design forms a core element of the company's responsible business strategy. According to the report, the focus includes reducing energy and water demand through design choices.

Resource efficiency improvements target construction materials and building systems. The company promotes the use of healthier, lower-impact materials in its properties.

Building design decisions aim to minimise operational resource consumption. This could mean incorporating passive design principles and efficient building envelopes.

The approach extends to renovation projects across existing properties. Retrofitting measures address energy performance in older building stock.

Materials and waste reduction

Radisson Hotel Group is reducing single-use plastics across its operations. The company prioritises durable, recyclable and circular solutions in material selection.

Bulk amenity dispensers have been installed across all properties. According to the company, this eliminates the need for 57 million miniature bottles and nearly 453 tonnes of plastic each year.

Material choices extend to packaging and operational supplies. The strategy involves redesigning procurement to favour sustainable alternatives.

Food and beverage operations use seasonal menus and local sourcing. The company has reduced processed ingredients and implemented responsible packaging.

Carbon reduction targets

The company's science-based targets include reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46.2% by 2030. Scope 3 emissions from fuel and energy-related activities must fall by 27.5% from a 2019 baseline.

Decarbonisation efforts focus on transitioning to 100% renewable energy. Investments in energy efficiency address building performance across the portfolio.

Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed at properties. Bike rentals and low-emission shuttle options provide transport alternatives for guests.

Federico González, CEO of Radisson Hotel Group, says: "In 2025, we were navigating a world defined by heightened uncertainty and faster-moving change. Despite economic volatility, Radisson Hotel Group continued to grow its portfolio and performance. Geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics continue to create new complexities for international mobility, supply chains and energy markets.

"At the same time, climate extremes are no longer exceptional events – they are increasingly shaping day-to-day operations. Travelers now expect reliability, transparency, safety and a commitment to purpose and environmental performance. For the travel and hospitality sector in general, and for RHG, this context is reshaping demand patterns toward responsible travel and sustainable stays, elevating the importance of resilience and reinforcing the need to operate with a focus on efficiency, risk management and purpose."

Operations and local impact

The company provides employment conditions and training to staff across its properties. Safety standards and risk prevention measures apply to operational and office environments.

Hotel operations contribute to local economies through employment and procurement. The Radisson People Foundation launched in 2024 to support team members during hardship caused by local, environmental or personal issues.

Food waste reduction measures include standardised recipes and pre-portioning. Partnerships with Too Good To Go address surplus food and engage local communities.

Building operations must adapt to climate extremes and shifting demand patterns. Construction standards and material choices could determine long-term resilience and performance.