Global tourism company and hotel group Iberostar announced today a series of climate commitments, including a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.

Iberostar’s emissions reduction roadmap, which has received validation from the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), includes goals to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 85% and scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2030.

Scope 3 emissions make up 77% of Iberostar’s carbon footprint, and the group has included 7 greenhouse gas reduction categories including purchase of goods and services, capital goods, downstream leased assets, activities associated with fuels and energy, employee transport, business trips and waste to cover all material elements of its emissions.

The company anticipates that the plan will reduce its total intensity of annual emissions by 594,000 metric tons of CO2 per year.

Gloria Fluxà, Iberostar Group’s Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“Iberostar continues to present a responsible tourism model that generates value in both people and the environment. Our clear and well-defined strategic plan supports the ambitious commitments in our own 2030 Agenda. We are moving forward with a long-term vision, building a profitable company with a fundamental pillar of sustainability, and keeping in mind the positive impact of our work.”

Other goals within the roadmap include reducing energy consumption by 35%, implementing the use of renewable energy in all destinations, and moving towards Net Zero buildings in new constructions and renovations. The company said it will compensate for remaining emissions by implementing nature-based solutions that protect and restore the ecosystems in all its destinations.

Fluxà said:

“We must move on from commitment towards implementation. Real progress demands bold, immediate actions such as those we’re practicing at Iberostar. The Iberostar roadmap is based on science, data, and strong corporate leadership.”

The family-owned multinational Spanish company, whose portfolio includes over 100 four and five-star hotels in 16 countries, will present its decarbonization roadmap and strategy at this week’s COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt.