Unlocking Savings & Sustainability This Earth Month: How Hotels Can Save with Sustainability

Earth Day Milestones That Changed the World 

Over the years, Earth Day has achieved numerous milestones: 

• 1990: Earth Day went global, with 200 million people in 141 countries participating, highlighting the event’s international significance 

• 2000: The focus shifted to global warming and clean energy, with hundreds of millions of people advocating for environmental protection 

• 2016: The landmark Paris Agreement, aiming to combat climate change, was opened for signatures on Earth Day, emphasizing the day’s continued relevance in global environmental policy 

These achievements underscore Earth Day’s pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and action worldwide. 

Hotels & Hospitality: The Environmental Opportunity 

As we approach Earth Day on April 22nd, 2025, it’s an opportune moment for the hospitality industry to reflect on its environmental impact and explore avenues for sustainable practices.  

The hospitality sector has a significant environmental impact. Hotels are energy-intensive, often operating 24/7 with heating, cooling, lighting, and water systems running continuously.  

According to the UNWTO, the hotel industry is responsible for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions. 

• Hotels consume between 25,000–75,000 kWh of energy per room per year *  

• Daily water usage can be around 1,500 liters per occupied room 

• The hotel industry alone generates over 79,000 tonnes of food waste annually 

These figures reveal both the challenge and the opportunity. By adopting sustainable practices, hotels can drive measurable sustainability improvements while also boosting their bottom line. 

Certified Sustainability: Green Key Global Hotels Leading by Example 

Green Key Global-certified hotels are delivering real results—and inspiring industry-wide action. Across North America, properties certified through Eco-Rating program have made measurable gains in waste diversion, energy efficiency, and guest engagement. 

For example: 

• St. Regis Toronto achieved a remarkable 124.8% increase in waste diversion, reducing over 300 metric tonnes of landfill-bound waste in just one year. A powerful example of how data-driven action can yield measurable environmental results. 

• Fairmont Chateau Whistler diverted over 13,000 pounds of soap and 9,000 pounds of bottle waste, producing more than 71,000 bars of recycled soap to support global hygiene initiatives through charitable partnerships. 

• Sheraton Centre Toronto slashed food waste by 80–90% using on-site dehydrators, repurposing the byproduct as garden fertilizer. They also abated 24.2 tonnes of CO₂ and saved over 500,000 kWh annually by upgrading to LED lighting. 

• Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center continues to lead with energy efficient digital signage, food waste management through food digesters and ethical sourcing for food and beverages. They have also implemented water conservation initiatives such as replacing individual bottled water with watering stations. 

• Four Seasons Montreal has taken a comprehensive approach, integrating smart room automation, AI-powered food waste analytics, domestic hot water recovery systems, and sustainable procurement practices, while also building strong local community ties. 

These results are not isolated— these properties demonstrate that with innovation, collaboration, and the right tools, the hospitality sector can deliver meaningful change—environmentally and economically. Certified properties also gain a competitive edge with eco-conscious travelers, improve operational efficiency, and demonstrate leadership within their brand portfolios.