Hilton

Hilton's Climate Commitments and Emissions Performance

Hilton, a leading US-based hotel company, is actively engaged in reducing its environmental impact and has set ambitious climate targets. The company is committed to leading the hospitality industry toward a net-zero future and has aligned its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets with climate science.

Emissions Overview:

• 2024: Hilton reported total Scope 1 emissions of approximately 442.4 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 market-based emissions of about 2.06 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 2 location-based emissions of approximately 2.14 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions, including those from franchises, business travel, and waste, were substantial. Franchise emissions alone amounted to about 3.99 billion kg CO2e, with business travel contributing around 26.6 million kg CO2e and waste generated in operations approximately 106.7 million kg CO2e. The total aggregated emissions for 2024 are not directly provided in the calculated_totals.sum_total field, but the individual scope figures indicate a significant carbon footprint.
• 2023: The company reported total emissions of approximately 6.77 billion kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were around 489.0 million kg CO2e. Scope 2 market-based emissions stood at approximately 2.08 billion kg CO2e, with location-based emissions at about 2.10 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions, largely driven by franchises (approximately 4.20 billion kg CO2e), business travel (around 22.6 million kg CO2e), and waste (about 96.0 million kg CO2e), were also significant.
• 2022: Total emissions were approximately 6.37 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 446.1 million kg CO2e. Scope 2 market-based emissions were around 1.90 billion kg CO2e, and location-based emissions were approximately 1.92 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions, primarily from franchises (about 4.02 billion kg CO2e), business travel (around 17.1 million kg CO2e), and waste (approximately 86.9 million kg CO2e), contributed to the overall figure.
• 2021: Total emissions were approximately 6.26 billion kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were around 415.0 million kg CO2e. Scope 2 market-based emissions were approximately 1.76 billion kg CO2e, and location-based emissions were about 1.78 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions, dominated by franchises (approximately 4.09 billion kg CO2e), with business travel at about 7.6 million kg CO2e and waste at approximately 73.0 million kg CO2e.
• 2020: Total emissions were approximately 4.91 billion kg CO2e. Scope 1 emissions were about 329.6 million kg CO2e. Scope 2 market-based emissions were around 1.39 billion kg CO2e, and location-based emissions were approximately 1.42 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 emissions, largely from franchises (about 3.19 billion kg CO2e), business travel (around 6.4 million kg CO2e), and waste (approximately 60.0 million kg CO2e).
• Earlier Years: Data from 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016 shows similar trends with substantial emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3, with franchise emissions being a major component. For instance, in 2019, total emissions were approximately 6.37 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 476.0 million kg CO2e and Scope 2 market-based at around 1.93 billion kg CO2e. Scope 3 franchise emissions were approximately 3.88 billion kg CO2e.

Climate Targets and Commitments:

Hilton has established a comprehensive set of climate commitments, often aligned with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodologies. Key targets include:

• Net Zero by 2050: Hilton aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
• Scope 1 & 2 Emissions Reduction:
  • The company commits to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030, using a 2019 base year. This target is verified as consistent with the 1.5°C warming pathway.
  • Earlier targets included reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon intensity from Hilton-managed hotels by 61% by 2030 (from a 2008 base year).
  • More recently, Hilton committed to reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions from managed hotels by 75% by 2030.
• Scope 3 Emissions Reduction: Hilton is committed to reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from franchises by 27.5% by 2030, from a 2019 base year. This also aligns with the 1.5°C pathway.
• Franchisee Engagement: Hilton works with franchisees to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions, with a target of a 56% reduction from franchised hotels.

These targets demonstrate Hilton's dedication to decarbonisation across its value chain, encompassing both direct operations and those influenced through its franchise agreements. The company is actively reporting on its progress and engaging in initiatives to meet its ambitious climate goals.