Towards a more sustainable Madrid
Tourism, a fundamental pillar of the Spanish economy, is also a significant source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the real culprits of climate change. This is mainly due to transportation and accommodation, but also to tourist activity, which consumes energy and generates waste, jeopardizing the sustainability of the system. When we talk about tourism, we are talking about a massive movement of population to a certain point, increasing its population in a timely and considerable manner. This generates situations of collapse of certain services, such as waste or water management, and massive consumption of energy, mostly obtained from fossil fuels.
However, numerous improvements have been made in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, when awareness of the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of tourism was heightened. Madrid, as a tourist epicenter, has been no exception in this paradigm shift, leading certain movements and joining others to decarbonize not only its tourist activity, but also its activity in general.
Innovation in transportation
One of the most significant transformations to decarbonize part of the city's tourism activity has taken place in the transportation sector. Aiming to reduce GHG emissions, the city has invested in an extensive public transport network and actively promoted the use of electric vehicles. In addition, bike-sharing initiatives and expanded pedestrian zones in the city center encourage more sustainable and healthy mobility.
Increasingly committed accommodations
Accommodation in the Community of Madrid has also undergone a radical change. Many hotels and hostels have adopted sustainable practices and decarbonization strategies, such as calculating and reducing their carbon footprint through energy efficiency and renewable energy, either by installing photovoltaic panels or contracting 100% renewable electricity suppliers. Many have joined in promoting the conservation and creation of forest ecosystems through the acquisition of carbon credits in the voluntary market.
These efforts not only reduce the sector's carbon footprint, but also set a new standard in the hospitality industry, as well as becoming an opportunity to increase the perceived value of your business and differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive market. The hotel and tourism sector is rising from the ashes of a terrible pandemic by embracing an essential need: the decarbonization of its economy.
★ AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS TO BE INSPIRED BY
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Environment Award 2023
BARCELÓ HOTEL GROUP
Awarded for its "Biomass power plant at La Bobadilla, a Royal Hideaway Hotel" initiative, which has reduced CO2 emissions by 80% and energy consumption at the hotel by up to 45%.
Responsible tourism
Beyond transportation and accommodation, Madrid is encouraging a more responsible approach to tourism. This includes promoting low environmental impact activities, such as walking tours and biking, as well as raising awareness of the conservation of the region's cultural and natural heritage. The region is also working on waste management, which is key to avoiding methane emissions from the city's large landfills, and promoting recycling practices among tourists and residents.
The percentage of conscientious tourists is increasing, demanding responsible practices from the different businesses that make up the tourism fabric of the area. This is very positive for the ecosystem since, with more aware customers, business owners tend to adopt more sustainable practices to attract more aware tourists. More and more stakeholders are demanding more sustainable practices from tourism companies in the Community of Madrid. Customers, investors and companies are looking for responsible business models that are willing to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.
A sustainable approach
Even with a long list of good news, not everything is solved. Much remains to be done and a vast public-private partnership is needed to channel efforts towards a truly effective, innovative and inspiring decarbonization strategy that will make us meet the goals and objectives as a European region. We must reach net zero by 2050.
In the current context, it is crucial that companies adopt decarbonization strategies that are aligned with global sustainability objectives. This need arises not only because of imminent and future mandatory EU environmental regulations, but also because of the urgency of preserving our planet in optimal conditions for living and working. Beyond complying with current regulations, integrating sustainability into our operations is fundamental to ensuring a future in which companies can thrive. It is a smart, strategic decision that can ensure the long-term viability of a business. By adopting a sustainable approach, you contribute to the preservation of the planet and secure a place in the economy of the future, where sustainability and business success go hand in hand.