Travelodge has launched a new sustainability strategy including plans to become a net-zero hotel operator, as well as working in a more inclusive way.
The budget hotel firm, which operates just under 600 hotels in the UK, Ireland and Spain, has unveiled its Better Future plan which will play a “critical” role in the brand’s development.
The strategy, based around the three pillars of being inclusive, caring and conscious, outlines Travelodge’s goal to become a “sustainable business with long term profitable growth”, including KPIs to help it reach net-zero and how this will be aligned with science-based targets.
Jo Boydell, Travelodge’s chief executive said: “As one of the UK’s largest hotel brands, we have always been committed to doing business responsibly. However, we know that there is more we need to do and we believe that sustainability has a critically important role to play in shaping the future of Travelodge.
“The plan has been designed to mark a step-change in our sustainability agenda and is fully integrated with our wider business strategy and our purpose to provide affordable travel for everyone.”
Goals include ensuring Travelodge is “accessible, inclusive and affordable” to employees and guests; improving the physical, emotional, financial and work wellbeing of staff; and reducing energy consumption through energy efficiency projects. The building of new hotels and refurbishments will also have sustainability as a “key consideration”.
To support the implementation of the Better Future plan, Travelodge has created a new governance model and steering committee to “ensure effective monitoring and implementation” of the plan. The group will also provide an annual sustainability report to give an update on progress against its targets.
“Our KPIs and performance targets have been identified for their capacity to stretch and challenge us. We have a long road ahead of us to complete our route to becoming a net-zero hotel operator and continue our journey to make sustainable, affordable travel for everyone a reality,” added Boydell.
Travelodge said it had already made progress in several areas, including the installation of LED lighting in its properties and the use of more sustainable materials in the design of its refreshed “budget-luxe” hotels.
The brand has partnered with the Purpose Coalition on a Levelling Up Impact Report, which highlights work to deliver a positive impact on communities across the UK. Travelodge has also appointed Disability Positive to advise on policy and training programmes to support customers living with disability.