Sustainability compliance in the hospitality and leisure sector can be complex, with businesses needing to navigate a range of regulations designed to protect the environment and promote responsible tourism. These requirements can vary by location, but they are becoming increasingly important for companies in this industry to address.

One of the most notable regulations impacting the hospitality sector is the Climate Change Act 2008, which mandates that the UK achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050(1). The hospitality sector, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions due to its high energy use, will play a major role in meeting this target. Businesses are required to make steps towards reducing their carbon footprints and reporting their emissions in line with government policies.

The hospitality industry in the UK faces pressure to demonstrate sustainability efforts, particularly with the government’s Sustainability Reporting Standards (SRS) that will require businesses to report environmental impacts like carbon emissions, energy use, waste management and water efficiency.

SMEs are not part of the initial scheme directly but as larger hospitality operators and corporate clients will ask for  sustainability data from supply chains, they might be affected(2).

The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 also affect the sector, particularly in terms of waste separation and recycling(3). These regulations require businesses in the hospitality industry to manage their waste responsibly, separate recyclables from non-recyclables, and ensure that hazardous materials are disposed of safely.

The new  ‘Simpler Recycling in England’ regulations mandate separate dry mixed recyclables and food waste from general waste, before collection by the waste contractor and separation of food waste particularly will be a challenge. Two thirds in the sector do not recycle food waste and 920,000 tonnes of food is wasted by hospitality and food service outlets each year(4).

Hospitality businesses will need to be vigilant in adhering to all the rules, as improper waste disposal can result in fines and reputational damage.

Sustainability standards are also being introduced through voluntary certifications, like the Green Tourism Certification Scheme(5) or ISO 14001(6), which offer businesses a framework to implement and monitor environmental management practices. These certifications help businesses demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, making it easier to market themselves to eco-conscious customers.

Additionally, the UK government has introduced incentives for businesses to adopt greener practices, such as energy-efficient building standards and tax relief for those investing in renewable energy systems. Adopting energy-efficient technologies or improving building insulation can help businesses comply with regulations and reduce operational costs in the long term.

Meeting these compliance requirements isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s an opportunity for businesses in hospitality and leisure to contribute to the broader goal of environmental protection while ensuring long-term viability and financial success.

Bibliography

1 Climate Change Act 2008 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents

2 Upcoming sustainability reporting standards: what UK hospitality businesses need to know (Accessed May 2025) https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/upcoming-sustainability-reporting-standards-what-uk-hospitality-businesses-need-to-know

3 Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011 (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/988/contents

4 Preparing for England’s new waste rules and how to make the most of the opportunity (Accessed May 2025) https://www.ukhospitality.org.uk/getting-ahead-of-new-recycling-legislation/

5 Sustainability certification that works for your business (Accessed May 2025) https://www.green-tourism.com/

6 What is ISO 14001? (Accessed May 2025) https://www.iso.org/standard/60857.html