Low-carbon roadmap for the Finnish hospitality industry

At national level, Finland aims to be the most sustainably growing tourist destination in the Nordics. Although the Finnish hospitality sector has limited opportunities to influence the life cycle emissions generated along the value chain, the roadmap establishes a concrete toolkit for companies to reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, emission reducing measures should decrease the emissions globally, not just locally. The Finnish hospitality industry promotes solutions that change the global value chains towards carbon neutrality.

Current and target state

The low-carbon roadmaps for the Finnish hospitality industry covers hotels, restaurants and amusement parks in Finland. The industry emissions are largely set by external factors in the value chain such as logistics, leased property, food and waste. Direct emissions and indirect emissions from purchased energy were included in the scope of the 2020 low-carbon roadmaps. In 2018 the industry emissions accounted for 0.5 Mt CO2, and it was estimated that 77% of the current emissions may be eliminated by 2035 as the energy sector decarbonises. The emissions would be 0.12 Mt CO2 in 2035.

In 2024, the updated low-carbon roadmap focused on describing the climate impact reduction actions that are underway or have already been undertaken. The roadmap took a broader look at the industry’s indirect emissions and the value chain, where significant climate impact reductions can be achieved over time. The industry did not consider it necessary to repeat the calculation of Scope 1 and 2 emissions and their reduction potential. Instead, it describes the importance of customers and employees from the perspective of the industry’s climate action, as well as actions related to energy efficiency and food.

Companies make a lot of purchases: for example food and other raw materials and logistics. Their purchasing and tendering expertise is of great importance in managing emissions, as a significant proportion of emissions are generated in the company’s value chain.

Main solutions

In district heating, energy technology and energy source updates and moving to more energy efficient buildings can reduce emissions significantly. Companies can also change from district heating to geothermal heat. Additionally, means include curbing room temperatures with centralised control and improving the recovery of waste water while saving hot water with water-efficient taps and showers.
The hospitality industry can decrease its emissions by producing its own energy with solar and wind power. In addition, energy efficiency improvements can be made in lighting, as well as in kitchen, washing, and refrigeration equipment. Moreover, replacing fossil fuels in local heating with heat pump solutions is considered a moderate contributor towards the low-carbon future of hospitality. The industry can also focus on reducing food waste and packaging waste, making food preparation methods and storage more climate-friendly, and taking emissions into account when sourcing raw materials.

Needs and requirements

The low-carbon roadmap recognizes that strengthening the industry resilience and preparing to adapt to plausible future changes is crucial for long-term success. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the structure of the industry and impacted the financial situation of companies. The hospitality industry started to grow after the end of the pandemic, but it is currently difficult to assess developments.

Future and positive impacts

To enable and encourage emission reductions in the value chain functions, the hospitality industry identifies relevant measures to implement. Companies can reduce the negative climate impacts of food by preferring and offering local plant-based products while minimising food waste in different phases of food production. By establishing criteria for low-carbon procurement, hospitality companies can influence the choices made outside company limits. Finally, companies’ decisions on property locations determine what options the consumers and employees have when travelling. However, in order to achieve the sufficient reductions, Finland must create an effective system for recycling packaging.