Premier Inn owner Whitbread has joined the Zero Carbon Forum, as it ramps up its decarbonisation plans.
The Zero Carbon Forum is a non-profit organisation which helps hospitality members on their journeys to decarbonisation. Other members include Adnams, JD Wetherspoon and Pizza Express while Pizza Pilgrims also recently joined the forum.
Gaining SBTi (Science-Based Targets initiative) validation in 2023, Whitbread has set targets to bring directly controlled Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions to zero by 2040. Its target for Scope 3 emissions is to reduce by 90% by 2050.
Whitbread said teaming up with the Zero Carbon Forum would help it with eco guidance, particularly on reducing Scope 3 emissions.
Subscribe to Sustainability Beat for free
Sign up here to get the latest sustainability news sent straight to your inbox everyday
Will Silverwood, head of sustainability, said: “We are extremely proud of the progress we have made at Whitbread, which stems from a company-wide passion and firm belief that net zero is attainable.
“But we know there is still much to do. Alongside setting stretching targets to help us meet our goals, working collaboratively with Zero Carbon Forum will give us the guidance needed, particularly related to our Scope 3 emission reduction activity, that will be key to achieving our aspirations.”
Currently, 98% of Whitbread’s UK electricity is sourced from renewable energy with a goal of 100% renewable electricity purchased across the entire estate by 2026.
Last year, Whitbread opened the first all-electric Premier Inn hotel, based in Swindon.
