Hilton reports 36.0% fall in franchised hotel emissions intensity

Hilton reported a 36.0% reduction in carbon emissions intensity at its franchised hotels worldwide against a 2008 baseline, as it released its 2025 Travel with Purpose report on 25 June 2026. The company also said its managed operations had exceeded their 2030 landfill waste intensity goal ahead of schedule.

Carbon emissions intensity at managed hotels fell by 50.9%, while managed operations recorded reductions of 37.1% in water intensity and 64.7% in landfill waste intensity. These figures measure progress against the baseline rather than annual reductions during 2025.

For owners and operators, the report sets out environmental performance alongside Hilton’s investments in hotel efficiency, workforce development and community support. The company said Travel with Purpose forms part of its business and growth strategy across the 144 countries and territories in which it operates.

Hotel efficiency and design

Hilton’s operational priorities include energy efficiency, lower water consumption, waste reduction, biodiversity protection and responsible sourcing. The company also reported continued alignment with science-based targets and global ISO standards.

As a property-level example, Hilton highlighted Hilton Garden Inn Brussels Airport, which opened in 2025. Its design incorporates geothermal energy and 600+ solar panels, and the hotel uses 100% renewable electricity.

The property holds BREEAM Excellent, WELL Gold and DGNB Gold certifications, a combination Hilton said is unique among hotels in Belgium. Separately, the company launched its inaugural Travel with Purpose Awards this year, recognising 40 hotel teams for measurable environmental and community contributions.

Career development and industry training

Hilton said it created 686,000+ learning and career opportunities in 2025. Its Hilton Cares programme provides scholarships and resources to employees and community members, with the aim of widening access to education and strengthening the hospitality talent pipeline.

Katherine Lugar, executive vice-president of corporate affairs and president of the Hilton Global Foundation, linked the strategy to guest experiences and long-term business value. She said investment in employees, more sustainable stays and community support was embedded in the company’s approach to growth.

The report also detailed work on human trafficking prevention. In 2025, Hilton collaborated with industry peers and Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT) on updated, survivor-informed training, made available free throughout the industry.

Foundation grants and community support

Across its wider community activities, Hilton reported reaching more than 2.5 million people and recording more than 1.8 million volunteer hours globally. The Hilton Global Foundation has awarded $22M+ in grants since 2019 to support opportunity, resilience and sustainable travel destinations.

For 2025, the foundation reported 2.3M+ meals distributed, 2.4M+ pounds of food donated and 2.1M+ pounds of waste diverted. It separately recorded an impact on 995K+ community members.

During the Los Angeles wildfires, Hilton provided 20,000 complimentary hotel nights for more than 7,000 people. Teams across 80 hotels took part in the response.

Hilton said Travel with Purpose would remain central to its growth strategy as it works towards its remaining 2030 goals. Its stated priorities continue to be investment in people, more sustainable hotel operations and support for communities.