What is a hotel sustainability report? And why do I need one?
Think of your sustainability report as a MAp of your hotel’s sustainability journey: why you started, where you are, where you want to go – and how you are getting there.
Yes, it includes facts and figures. But it is also a narrative – a chance to tell YOUR authentic story. Why have you started this journey? Why does the world (and its people) need your hotel? What are your (sustainability) objectives? What have you already done to reach them? What worked well? What challenges did you face? What are your next steps?
A good sustainability report makes your efforts visible and tangible. It shows your stakeholders (guests, team, investors, partners, community) what drives you and where you are heading. And it helps you to track progress.
In short: A sustainability report is not about being perfect. It's about being transparent, committed, and ready to do better.
Before you begin
Start with two things: define your sustainability goals and establish your starting point. Decide what matters most and what aligns with your hotel’s purpose and values. Set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. Whether you begin with carbon emissions, social impact or supply chains – clarity at the start makes every step easier later. Then measure where you stand: how sustainable is your hotel today? Take the assessment here.
Step 1: Secure management commitment
A sustainability report succeeds when leadership sets the tone. Make it explicit that sustainability is core to your strategy, not a side project or a necessary evil. Clarify YOUR why – the change you want to see in the world – and translate that purpose into one-year goals with your team. Allocate the resources to deliver and hold the cadence.
Step 2: Appoint a dedicated person or team
You don't have to do everything on your own – and you shouldn't.
Assign someone (or a small team) to lead your hotel’s sustainability activities and the reporting process. Ideally, involve people from different departments: operations, housekeeping, kitchen, marketing, …
Look for team members who bring both skills and motivation – whether it is data analysis, communication, or just a strong belief in doing better.
Already have a sustainability squad? Great! Then head to our free download The Sustainable Hotel Handbook: Introduction – it offers even more input for your journey.
Step 3: Select a sustainability reporting framework
You are not starting from scratch – and you do not have to reinvent the wheel. Several frameworks exist to help you structure your report:
Even if you do not adopt a framework in full, it can still spark useful ideas. Choose what fits your size, target group and purpose. Our free download shows you how to write your own sustainability report, aligned with the standards above.
Still searching for even more inspiration before you start yourself? Our Communication Handbook highlights best-practice examples from hotels that are already reporting. You might want to start there.
Step 4: Engage your stakeholders
A strong report is not written in isolation. It reflects the perspectives of the people your hotel impacts: guests, employees, suppliers, local community members, investors – you name it.
Based on your reporting framework and the first information you added and filled in: ask questions. Digg deeper. Create feedback loops. Make room for dialogue. And communicate honestly about what you are doing – and why.
Trust grows when people feel seen and heard. That applies to sustainability, too.
Step 5: Use third parties to build trust
You do not have to prove everything on your own. Third-party verification adds credibility – and often, clarity.
External audits or certifications show that you are serious. They help you make reliable claims. And they often bring fresh ideas for improvement. For example, in 2021 we at MAp decided to walk the talk and become a certified B Corporation.
Each certification offers a structured path and sends a strong message: We care. And we are willing to be measured.
Step 6: Write and share your report
This is where everything comes together. Your sustainability report should lay out your commitments, actions, metrics and learnings – in a way that is both honest and understandable.
Share your purpose. Share your process. Share your numbers – and your next steps.
And remember: your report is not a one-time thing. It is part of your very personal and authentic sustainability journey. One that becomes more meaningful, visible and impactful over time.
The grand finale: Need a hand?
We know writing your first sustainability report can feel overwhelming. That is why we've created the free template:
The Sustainable Hotel Insights: How to Write a Sustainability Report for Your Hotel
It gives you structure, guiding questions and a head start. So you can focus on what matters: your content, your impact, your story.
And if you ever get stuck – we are happy to help! ☻
Thank you for embarking on this journey with us! Let’s build a more hospitable and purposeful Planet – together.
Template for credible sustainability reporting in the hospitality sector
In this free template, you will find information, guidance and practical tips on how to prepare a sustainability report for your hotel.
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