Minor Hotels Europe & Americas receives SBTi validation for renewed CO2 reduction targets

New 2030 target to avoid over 145,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent

Minor is committed to a 90% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions and aims to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain(?) by 2050, thus leading the way in sustainability.

SBTi validation of both targets positions the company as a leader in sustainability and in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement

Minor Hotels Europe & Americas has reached a major milestone with the validation of its net zero target for 2050 by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In addition, the group has significantly revised its 2030 targets, with more ambitious emission reduction targets to avoid emissions of more than 145,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

The validation of these targets underlines the company's commitment to strong climate action and places it in line with Minor Hotels' global sustainability goals. The international hotel chain, operating under the banner of parent company Minor International, is making significant progress towards SBTi validation for its 2030 and 2050 global targets, including an equal pledge to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century.

SBTi is the global standard-setter for science-based decarbonisation targets. Validation by SBTi is a sign of credibility and commitment, ensuring that companies not only set but actually achieve key sustainability milestones, in line with the Paris Agreement targets.

Minor Hotels Europe & Americas has announced its new targets for 2030, targeting an absolute 46.2% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 2019 levels. In addition, Minor has set a target to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 27.5%. These include purchased goods and services, capital equipment, fuel and energy-related activities, waste from operations, upstream leased assets and franchises.

This more ambitious 2030 target builds on Minor's earlier commitment in 2018 to reduce total GHG emissions by at least 20%, and is expected to result in the avoidance of emissions of 146,803 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Looking ahead to 2050, Minor Hotels Europe & Americas has committed to an absolute reduction of 90% of its Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions from 2019 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero emissions across the entire value chain.

These forward-looking measures highlight Minor Hotels' role as a pioneer in sustainability within the hospitality industry, with the company determined to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Both of these targets have been scientifically validated and approved by SBTi, highlighting Minor's strict adherence to the stringent criteria required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change. The new targets also align Minor Hotels Europe & Americas with the scientific thresholds recommended for companies under the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

To achieve these goals, the company has set up a special overarching task force called SBT 2030. Coordinated by the organisation's Sustainable Business Department, it covers all key areas with the aim of achieving end-to-end decarbonisation.

Elena Ruiz, Director of Sustainability at Minor Hotels Europe & Americas: "By aligning our regional targets with Minor International's global targets, we can take a collaborative approach in tackling climate change, a strategic priority for all businesses and a goal to which a hotel group of our calibre should aspire. Our commitment is reflected in UP for Planet & People, our strategic business plan for ensuring a sustainable business model. The fact that our new targets have been validated by SBTi is an important milestone and brings us closer to the shared goal of net zero emissions.“

Minor Hotels Europe & Americas continues to receive recognition for their sustainability initiatives. Minor retains fourth place for hotels, resorts and cruises in the latest S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook and has been included in the FTSE4GOOD index every year since 2013. In addition, Minor Hotels continues to be included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index and CDP's Supplier Engagement Rating Leaderboard.

With the UP for Planet initiative, Minor Hotels is actively contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. They do this by taking measures to reduce emissions, optimise energy and water consumption and promote resource efficiency according to the 4R (reduce, reuse, recycle, replace) approach.

More than half (53%) of Minor Hotels' hotel portfolio in Europe and America has sustainability certifications. Of its electricity consumption, 66% comes from renewable sources, and in Southern Europe this even reaches 100%. The company further strengthens its sustainable footprint by offering bike rental services at 99 hotels, electric vehicle charging points at 72 locations, and sourcing 90% of its purchases from local and certified suppliers.