NATIONAL REPORT—In recent years, ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—has gone from buzzword to boardroom priority. But how does ESG look in action for global hotel brands? As sustainability moves from peripheral strategy to operational imperative, Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham are leading the charge in distinct yet converging ways.
This article dives into the ESG progress of these three international hotel chains between 2021 and 2023, highlighting trends, innovations, and opportunities hospitality executives should pay attention to. Whether you’re managing a boutique property or overseeing a global brand portfolio, their strategies offer valuable insights into the future of sustainable hospitality.
Environmental Progress: Emissions, Water, and Waste
If the past three years have shown us anything, it’s that the hospitality sector is serious about its carbon footprint. Hilton emerged as a front-runner, reporting a 45.1% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity from its 2008 baseline by the end of 2023. Marriott followed closely with a 34.3% reduction (based on 2016 data), while Wyndham reported a 30% reduction compared to its 2019 baseline.
All three brands have aligned their goals with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and have announced plans for net-zero operations. While each chain has different baseline years and metrics, the direction is clear: decarbonization is non-negotiable.
In terms of water efficiency, Marriott led the pack with a 31.1% reduction in water use intensity. Hilton and Wyndham posted 26.5% and 24.7% reductions, respectively. Importantly, all three companies are deploying water-saving technologies like smart irrigation, greywater recycling, and drought-risk mapping—practices that are quickly becoming the new normal for hotel design and operations.
Waste management has also evolved from compliance to innovation. Hilton achieved a 54.4% reduction in landfilled waste intensity. Marriott diverted 46.4% of its waste, and Wyndham cut total waste intensity by 35.9%. Key practices include expanding composting, switching to full-size bathroom amenities, and piloting textile and soap recycling programs.
Social Impact: Inclusion, Opportunity, and Community
While the “E” in ESG often grabs headlines, the “S” has become equally vital—especially in a labor-intensive industry like hospitality. Hilton took a bold step by committing to 5 million learning and career growth opportunities globally by 2030. Marriott set a target of 3 million job placements for underserved populations, and Wyndham focused on training 1 million associates.
Diversity and inclusion targets are another key area. Hilton leads with clear, measurable goals: 50% women in leadership globally and 25% ethnic diversity in U.S. leadership by 2027. Marriott reported 40% of executive positions held by women in 2023. Wyndham takes a broader approach, emphasizing inclusive pipelines and supplier diversity without specific numeric targets.
Beyond the workforce, all three brands have doubled down on community impact. Hilton’s Global Foundation and Marriott’s Serve 360 platform each contributed millions in grants and in-kind donations. Wyndham launched global “Wish Day” volunteer campaigns and supported disaster relief across regions. These initiatives not only meet ESG standards but also boost brand loyalty and local goodwill.
Governance: Technology, Transparency, and Trust
You can’t manage what you don’t measure—and these hotel chains are measuring everything. Hilton uses its proprietary LightStay platform to monitor and report sustainability metrics across its portfolio. Marriott has a comprehensive Sustainability Dashboard, and Wyndham operates its Green Certification Program, categorizing hotels based on ESG implementation progress.
Each company aligns its disclosures with global reporting standards like GRI, SASB, and TCFD. Hilton and Marriott also maintain ISO certifications (14001, 50001), and Wyndham’s internal audits are aligned with ISO practices. Notably, all three brands participate in the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and advocate for industry-wide sustainability reforms.
Yet, despite the progress, challenges remain. There is still a lack of consistency in Scope 3 emissions reporting (i.e., emissions from franchised properties), baseline years vary, and third-party verification is not universal. As ESG reporting becomes more regulated—especially in Europe and parts of North America—hospitality companies will need to tighten their data quality and assurance protocols.
What Can Hospitality Leaders Learn from This?
For GMs, sustainability officers, and brand executives, the message is clear: ESG is no longer a siloed initiative. It must be embedded across every function—from design and procurement to HR and marketing.
Here are a few takeaways:
- Set clear, measurable targets: Hilton’s DEI goals and Marriott’s job placement commitments offer strong templates.
- Invest in tracking technology: LightStay and Sustainability Dashboards are not just for compliance—they provide operational insight and real-time accountability.
- Think local, act global: Wyndham’s localized community programs show that ESG doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all.
- Communicate with transparency: Regular, consistent ESG reporting is becoming an expectation—not a bonus.
The Bottom Line
The hotel industry is at a crossroads: one path leads to traditional operations with mounting risks; the other embraces ESG as a strategic advantage. Hilton, Marriott, and Wyndham are choosing the latter—and they’re showing that profitability and sustainability can go hand in hand.
Whether you’re running a single property or overseeing a multinational portfolio, the time to engage with ESG is now. The leaders are already setting the pace. The question is: will you follow, or will you lead?
