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by travelgreen

Written by travelgreen team

Publication date: 20 Feb 2026

Sustainability in Travel & Hospitality

Analysis scope Airlines • Airports • Hotels

Publication date:

20 Feb 2026

Sustainability in Travel & Hospitality

Analysis scope Airlines • Airports • Hotels

1. Aviation Decarbonization Focus

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as the primary near-term solution

SAF emerges as the primary near-term solution, offering up to 80% emissions reduction compared to conventional jet fuel.
Airlines are securing long-term offtake agreements despite current supply constraints and price premiums

Operational fuel-efficiency tools and procedures

Airlines deploy AI-powered flight planning, continuous descent approaches.
Single-engine taxiing to reduce fuel burn.
Real-time weather routing and weight optimization deliver measurable savings.

Fleet modernization (A350-100, A320neo)

Next-generation aircraft like the A350-1000 and A320neo family deliver 15-25% fuel efficiency gains through advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and optimized engine technology.

Policy support through mandates and levies

Governments implement SAF mandates, carbon pricing mechanisms, and blending requirements.
The EU's ReFuel EU and US tax credits accelerate investment in sustainable fuel production capacity.

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2. Airports as Sustainability Infrastructure

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Solar PV farms and rooftop/canopy instatallations

Large-scale PV farms, rooftop arrays, and parking canopy installations turn airports into renewable energy producers. Leading facilities generate 20-40% of electricity needs on-site.

Smart and AI-enabled operations for efficiency

AI-enabled building management systems optimize HVAC, lighting, and passenger flow. Predictive analytics reduce energy waste during off-peak hours and extreme weather events.

Net-zero roadmaps via Airport Carbon Accreditation

Airport Carbon Accreditation provides a structured framework for measuring, managing, and reducing emissions. Over 400 airports worldwide have committed to net-zero by 2050.

Electrification of ground support equipment and buses

Electric ground support equipment, baggage tractors, and airside buses eliminate diesel emissions. Airports invest in charging infrastructure and battery swap stations for 24/7 operations. ^[1]

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3. Hotels: Operational Sustainability

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Green certifications (Green Key, LEED, BREEAM, Green Globe)

Properties pursue recognized frameworks including Green Key, LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globe. These certifications provide credible validation of environmental commitments and differentiate brands in competitive markets.

Energy and water efficiency programs

Smart thermostats, LED retrofits, and low-flow fixtures deliver 20-30% utility savings.
Hotels implement occupancy-based controls, greywater recycling, and chiller optimization to reduce resource consumption.

EV Charging and plastic reduction

Properties install Level 2 and DC fast chargers to serve growing EV guest demand.
Single-use plastics are systematically eliminated from operations, from amenities to F&B service.

Food waste measurement & reduction

Advanced measurement systems track waste by source and type.
Data-driven insights inform menu planning, portion control.
Donation programs that divert food from landfills.

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References