Pathways to Sustainable Hospitality: A Carbon Footprint Assessment of a Small-Scale Hotel

Abstract

The hospitality sector is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to its energy-intensive operations. This study quantifies the carbon footprint of a small-scale hotel in Sri Lanka, identifies major emission sources, and proposes mitigation pathways toward sustainable hospitality. It was conducted over 12 months from January 2025 to December 2025. A comprehensive assessment was conducted in accordance with the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 guidelines, encompassing direct (Scope 1), indirect (Scope 2), and value chain-related (Scope 3) emissions. The total carbon footprint was estimated at 649,979 kg CO₂-eq, with Scope 1 emissions, primarily from refrigerant gases in air-conditioning systems (R-32 and R-22), constituting 77.22% of total emissions. Scope 3 emissions, including transportation of staff and food waste management, accounted for 12.55%, while Scope 2 emissions from grid electricity contributed 10.57%. Mitigation strategies, including transitioning to low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, enhancing energy efficiency through green roofs and cool roofs, adopting solar photovoltaic systems under Net Metering, optimizing LPG consumption, and improving food waste management, were identified as effective measures to reduce the hotel’s carbon footprint. This study provides a critical benchmark for operational sustainability, offering actionable insights for hotel managers, policymakers, and the tourism sector to align hospitality operations with climate action and Sustainable Development Goals.