Sustainability Department-by-Department

Embedding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into everyday business practices in the hospitality industry can significantly enhance sustainability efforts while contributing to a healthier planet and society. Here's a breakdown of practical sustainability embedding department by department. We wanted to create a super simple framework that provides a clear, actionable roadmap for departments to not only aim for sustainability goals but also demonstrate their commitment through tangible and realistic outputs.

1. Leadership & Strategy

• SDGs:

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Commit to Net Zero by 2050 or earlier and include climate-related risks in strategic planning.

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Develop a sustainable procurement policy and set sustainability KPIs.

  • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Promote ethical practices, transparent governance, and anti-corruption measures.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Sustainability strategy document with defined goals and timelines.

  • Annual sustainability performance reports.

  • Updated governance policies reflecting transparency and anti-corruption measures.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 102-14: Statement from senior decision-makers on sustainability’s importance.

  • GRI 102-15: Key impacts, risks, and opportunities.

  • GRI 103: Management approach for material sustainability topics.

2. Human Resources (HR)

• SDGs:

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Offer fair wages, ensure gender pay equity, and provide safe working conditions.

  • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Create mentoring and leadership programs for underrepresented groups.

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Provide wellness programs and mental health support.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Diversity and inclusion policy.

  • Employee engagement survey results with action plans.

  • Record of training sessions on sustainability and gender equality.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 401-2: Employee benefits provided beyond legal requirements.

  • GRI 404-2: Training and skills development programs.

  • GRI 405-1: Diversity of employees and governance bodies.

3. Marketing & Communications

• SDGs:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promote eco-friendly products and educate guests on sustainability.

  • SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Highlight partnerships with NGOs and community organizations.

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Run campaigns to encourage sustainable practices like waste reduction.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Sustainability-focused marketing campaigns.

  • Educational content for customers and stakeholders.

  • Partnership case studies showcasing joint sustainability initiatives.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 417-1: Sustainability information about products and services.

  • GRI 413-1: Operations with local community engagement and impact assessments.

  • GRI 417-3: Incidents of non-compliance with marketing laws or codes.

4. Food & Beverage (F&B)

• SDGs:

  • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Source seasonal, organic produce from local suppliers.

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Implement food waste tracking systems and donate surplus food.

  • SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Offer plant-based and allergen-friendly menu options.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Menus with clear labeling for plant-based and organic items.

  • Monthly food waste tracking reports.

  • Partnerships with local suppliers or food donation programs.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 204-1: Proportion of spending on local suppliers.

  • GRI 306-2: Waste by type and disposal method.

  • GRI 416-1: Assessment of product health and safety impacts.

5. Housekeeping

• SDGs:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Use eco-friendly cleaning products and refillable toiletries.

  • SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Reduce water consumption with low-flow faucets and laundry policies.

  • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Use sustainable fabrics and avoid harmful chemicals.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Procurement logs for eco-friendly products.

  • Water usage reports for cleaning operations.

  • Documentation of training programs on sustainable practices for housekeeping staff.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 303-3: Water withdrawal by source.

  • GRI 306-3: Waste generated.

  • GRI 308-1: Supplier environmental assessment.

6. Maintenance & Engineering

• SDGs:

  • SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Transition to renewable energy like solar or wind.

  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Install energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats.

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Incorporate green building practices.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Installation records for renewable energy systems.

  • Energy efficiency audit reports.

  • Green building certifications (e.g., LEED).

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 302-1: Energy consumption within the organization.

  • GRI 305-1: Direct GHG emissions (Scope 1).

  • GRI 302-4: Energy consumption reduction initiatives.

7. Guest Services

• SDGs:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Offer in-room recycling and energy-saving options.

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Promote sustainable transportation options.

  • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Encourage eco-friendly excursions and marine conservation awareness.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Records of guest participation in sustainability initiatives (e.g., towel reuse).

  • List of recommended eco-friendly excursions for guests.

  • Feedback forms evaluating guest awareness of sustainability programs.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 413-1: Local community engagement activities.

  • GRI 306-3: Waste generated from guest operations.

  • GRI 417-1: Information on product sustainability.

8. Procurement

• SDGs:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Source products from certified ethical suppliers.

  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Partner with small and local suppliers.

  • SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Ensure suppliers adhere to fair labor standards.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Supplier evaluation and compliance reports.

  • Procurement policy with sustainability criteria.

  • Record of spending on local and certified suppliers.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 204-1: Spending on local suppliers.

  • GRI 308-1: Supplier environmental criteria assessment.

  • GRI 414-1: Supplier social impact assessment.

9. Events & Conference Management

• SDGs:

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Offer zero-waste events with digital invitations.

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Implement carbon offset programs for event emissions.

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Use local sustainable vendors for events.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Event sustainability reports detailing waste reduction efforts.

  • Carbon offset certificates for hosted events.

  • Records of vendor sustainability certifications.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 306-2: Waste management practices.

  • GRI 305-5: Emissions reduction through carbon offset programs.

  • GRI 413-1: Local engagement during events.

10. Finance

• SDGs:

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Invest in green projects and renewable energy.

  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Fund community development programs.

  • SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Finance energy-efficient initiatives.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Green investment portfolio and project funding records.

  • Financial risk assessments for climate change impacts.

  • Documentation of community benefit initiatives.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 201-1: Economic value generated and distributed.

  • GRI 201-2: Financial implications of climate change.

  • GRI 203-1: Infrastructure investments and services for public benefit.

11. IT & Technology

• SDGs:

  • SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Implement systems to monitor energy and water use.

  • SDG 4 (Quality Education): Offer e-learning on sustainability for staff.

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Reduce paper use through digital check-ins and billing.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Records of implemented digital solutions (e.g., paperless processes).

  • E-learning participation statistics.

  • Real-time sustainability monitoring dashboards.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 302-2: Energy consumption outside the organization.

  • GRI 418-1: Customer privacy and data security.

  • GRI 404-2: Training on sustainability tools.

12. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• SDGs:

  • SDG 1 (No Poverty): Support community housing or food security programs.

  • SDG 15 (Life on Land): Organize tree-planting events and conservation efforts.

  • SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Fund marine conservation projects.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Records of community engagement activities.

  • Partnerships with NGOs for environmental conservation.

  • Reports on the impact of CSR initiatives.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 203-2: Significant indirect economic impacts.

  • GRI 413-1: Community engagement programs.

  • GRI 306-4: Waste diverted from disposal.

13. Logistics and Supply Chain

• SDGs:

  • SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Optimize delivery routes to reduce fuel consumption.

  • SDG 13 (Climate Action): Transition to electric delivery vehicles.

  • SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Reduce packaging waste in supply chains.

• Typical Outputs:

  • Emissions reports for logistics operations.

  • Transition plans to low-emission or electric vehicles.

  • Supply chain waste reduction strategy.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • GRI 305-3: Scope 3 emissions from logistics.

  • GRI 301-3: Reclaimed products and packaging materials.

  • GRI 204-1: Spending on local suppliers.

About the Author

Omar Hadjel, MCIM, is a seasoned marketing consultant, bid support specialist, and GRI-certified sustainability professional with a passion for helping organisations embed sustainability into their core operations. Drawing from years of experience in public sector procurement, bid management, and sustainability consultancy, Omar empowers businesses to achieve their social and environmental goals while enhancing their competitiveness.

Omar has worked extensively across sectors, including hospitality, waste management, and international markets, crafting tailored frameworks that bridge the gap between strategy and actionable results. His approach integrates the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with globally recognised standards like GRI, enabling organisations to report transparently and effectively on their sustainability efforts.

Whether advising SMEs or collaborating with large enterprises, Omar's expertise lies in turning sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes, department by department. His work fosters long-term value for businesses, their stakeholders, and the planet.

When not consulting, Omar delivers thought leadership articles and workshops, encouraging businesses to start or accelerate their sustainability journeys. Based in Staines, he is actively involved in sustainability education and advocacy, contributing to a future where economic growth aligns with social and environmental stewardship.