NETZERO NOW. Hospitality
Contents 4. Introduction 8. Why Net-Zero? 10. Our Pledge 20. How We Get There 28. The Role of Designers 36. Brands, Owners, and Operators 44. Sources
Introduction
72% of global travelers believe people have to act now to save the planet for future generations
Hotels are the second highest offenders for water and energy consumption, after commercial buildings.
Introduction The desire to experience new places is deeply ingrained within human nature, but with the now alarming acceleration in climate change we must question the impact that travel has on the environment.
knowledge of their carbon footprint and expect carbon neutral hotels as standard. Over the past two years we have made pledges that outline our intent to reach netzero design in architecture and workplace interiors, backed by research conducted by our global experts.
The hospitality sector needs to urgently adopt a net-zero, or net-positive approach. While this is a huge challenge to undertake, if we are going to make the necessary changes for the future, we need to take some big steps now.
This report expands on our recent pledges for architecture1 and workplace interiors2. It sets out our journey to achieving net-zero embodied carbon targets for hospitality interior design projects, and provides guidance for brands, owners and operators as to how they can achieve net-zero design.
Environmentally conscious tourists already seek out eco-friendly holidays, but, as we collectively become more aware of the critical importance of sustainability, all future travellers are going to possess a greater
Join us on our journey to net-zero, now.
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"We have an obligation to ingrain sustainability into our design process, not only for the betterment of the planet, but also to educate others. This does not mean we have to compromise aesthetics. In fact, through applying this rationale to creativity we can produce our best work." — Neil Andrew, Head of Hospitality
Why Net-Zero? Although there is no hard and fast rule, hotels currently experience soft refurbishments around every five to seven years. The renovation cycle is typically much shorter for F&B (Food & Beverage) spaces, alongside continuously changing customer needs.
and in the US this figure is around 21 million3, this fact alone demonstrates the need for change. At the same time as designers we must consider the constitution of man made materials, if natural whether they are sourced sustainably, and the ultimate distance that they are transported over in order to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.
This regular cycle of change means that we must look at how items can be reused, or recycled, and avoid throwing them into a landfill. When refurbishing a hospitality space that has not been designed with the whole life cycle of materials and FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Fittings) in mind, it becomes more of a challenge to repurpose items. For example, in the UK alone around 7.5 million mattresses are thrown into landfills each year,
Research by Nature Climate Change in 2018 shows that tourism is responsible for 8% annual GHG emissions4. However, the industry plays an important role in the economy, accounting for 1 in 10 jobs in the UK5. So we must encourage sustainable development in order to ensure that the sector growth does not increase carbon emissions.
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Tourism is responsible for 8% of global greehouse gas emissions
Our Pledge
Our Pledge When we launched our Net-Zero Now pledge for interiors in October 2020, we set ambitious targets for ourselves to reach our net-zero carbon goals. The targets we have set for net-zero hospitality projects aligns with our interiors pledge, while taking into account the progress we have made and challenges that lie ahead. We pledge that: In Q3 2021 we will launch a consultation process with our key contractors, sub-contractors and supplier partners to ensure that our supply chain will meet our net-zero targets. By September 2022 half of our projects will be designed to be 100% Circular. By 2025 all of our projects will be designed to be 100% Circular. By 2030 all of our projects will be net-zero embodied carbon as demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon Assessment
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1. Supply chain engagement
2. LCA on every project
Engage hospitality suppliers to be part of the NOW Database
All projects will have a Whole Life Carbon Assessment and a Carbon Budget
Current
Q2 2022
7. Half of hospitality projects will be 100% recyclable Half of our projects will be designed to be 100% recyclable
10. All projects will be net-zero embodied carbon All hospitality projects will be net-zero embodied carbon, demonstrated through a Whole Life Carbon Assessment based on a 75% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from baseline
Q4 2022
2030
NOW
2030 Q1 2022
Q3 2022
2025
1. Strategy document
6. Hospitality Circular Design Guidelines
9. 100% recyclable and 75% recycled
Publish Circular Design Guidelines internally for use on all hospitality interiors projects
All new materials specified will be 100% recyclable and 75% recycled or reclaimed by weight
Provide a net-zero embodied carbon or circular design strategy at RIBA Stage 2 for all new projects, at no cost to the client
What We Do For nearly a quarter of a century, we've been at the vanguard of the sustainable movement.
— Request that clients appoint consultants who also adhere to net-zero practices.
We have set ambitious targets for the next 10 years, but we are also committed to adopting change in what we do now. These are some of the approaches will are taking:
— Work with suppliers for materials and ff&e listed on our ‘Now Database’ who meet our sustainability requirements.
— Advise clients to adopt our net-zero approach and inform them about the benefits to the environment.
— Follow circular design principles and consider dismantling and modularity in our design so that buildings can act as material banks.
— Reduce the occurrence of required refurbishments.
— Minimise finishes and source locally when possible
— Design in adaptability of buildings and repurpose existing buildings when possible rather than building brand new ones.
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bamboo bamboo
compressed paper panels
bioluminescent lighting
algae glass
compressed seagrass panels
natural stone
microbial weaving
mycellium leather
Airlite (air purifying paint)
recycled carpet & fabrics
recycled terrazzo
cork flooring
reuse spent botanicals
fast growing timber
aged brass
WHOLE LIFE CARBON
A1 Raw Material Supply
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A4 Transport
C1 De-construction Demolition
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USE STAGE
A5 ConstructionInstallation Process B1 Use B2 Maintenance B3 Repair B4 Refurbishment B5 Replacement
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C2 Transport
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T IO B6 Operational Energy Use
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A3 Manufacturing
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C4 Disposal
C3 Waste Processing
A2 Transport
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D Benefits and loads beyond the life cycle
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Life cycle assessment Understanding and designing for both operational and embodied carbon targets are fundamental when considering construction projects.
Operational carbon (the reduction of energy and water used in the running of a building, sourcing of food and beverage produce and OS&E items) is also key, and it is our responsibility to challenge our clients, hotel brands and partner consultants to do better in this area.
The typology of the project - new build or refurbishment - will dictate how much impact we can have on the operational carbon benefits.
We will consult with hotel brands to review their brand standards with respect to base build performance.
As designers it is our responsibility to focus on reducing the level of embodied carbon and feel that this is where we can regularly add value. This means an emphasis on the materials used, the way in which they are fixed, their level of modularity and the future potential use of the materials after their service life is over.
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Supply Chain Engagement We aim to lead the hospitality interior design industry and drive change throughout the supply chain.
Sub-contractors
In Q4 2021 we will be commencing a deep level of engagement with our supply chain partners. All suppliers will be required to provide their environmental credentials for assessment prior to being considered for use. The approved suppliers will be added to our Now Database and shared with other designers. Through this process we will promote the sharing of knowledge throughout the industry in order for us to move towards net zero design together.
Main Contractors
Suppliers & manufacturers
DRIVE CHANGE Conduct engagement forums with project partners
Clearly communicate the expectations for the project from the start
Provide detailed preliminary requirements
Always request/provide completed a PDS & EPDs
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General Research Sustainable Finishes Materials Palette 1. Camira Fabrics - Wool, Sumi Range 2. Ege - Recycled Carpet 4. Matter of Stuff - Natural Ivory Seastone Tile 5. Camira Fabrics - Wool, Sumi Range 6. Eco Friendly Tiles.co.uk 7. Hontext - Compressed Paper Waste Panels 8. Responsibly Sourced Reclaimed Timber 9. Rimex - Solid Aged Brass 10. Phee - Seagrass Panels 11. Tile Desire - Terracotta Tile 12. Foressa - Recycled Timber Terazzo
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How we get there
72% of global travelers believe people have to act now to save the planet for future generations
Everybody needs to be on board For real change to happen we need an institutional focus on making improvements throughout the construction industry. We need small changes and big changes, from those making large new development plans through to those installing the carpet tiles.
Investors
Developers
→ Commit to relevant industry roadmaps targeting embodied carbon
→ Commit to relevant industry roadmaps and require disclosure of supply chain data for structural elements
→ Only finance new projects incl. buildings, large renovations, infrastructure and manufacturing plants, that are compliant with carbon reduction targets → Only finance new projects incl. buildings, large renovations, infrastructure and manufacturing p l a n t s t h a t a re n e t - ze ro embodied carbon
→ Set embodied carbon reduction targets and require mandatory disclosure of supply chain data and track construction site emissions → Construction sites to be highly resource and energy efficient and, along with site-related transport processes, powered by renewable energy → Only build projects that have a net-zero embodied carbon
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Hotel Brands
Designers
Supply Chain
→ Fully set-out and understand obligations in regards to Corporate carbon targets and how they are reflected in hospitality projects
→ Commit to relevant industry roadmaps integrate low embodied carbon design at conceptual design stage
→ Review brand standards in relation to basebuild and interior requirements
→ Publicly share life cycle assessment data
→ Commit to relevant industry roadmaps and develop carbon reduction targets with timelines set to achieve net-zero embodied carbon by 2050
→ Recommend design teams and supply chain who are able to deliver low carbon projects → Understand and plan for their obligations in running buildings to meet operational carbon targets
→ Propose best practice embodied carbon reduction targets and implement circularity principles → Propose requirements for all projects to be 100% net-zero embodied carbon
→ Declare the embodied carbon of the top 40% of standard product portfolio by carbon footprint via EPDs, and the entire standard product portfolios via EPDs → All forms of energy used are from renewable or low carbon sources and all process carbon emissions are mitigated → All electricity is from renewable or low carbon sources (manufacturing & transport)
Project Process Approaching projects with the aim to design and specify in an environmentally sensitive manner is a start, but in order to reach our net-zero targets and monitor progress, we have developed a process that will be applied to all projects and runs alongside the RIBA workstages. This process extracts and analyses our key deliverables at each stage and will be used to internally audit our projects for compliance against our pledge. As we learn from each project, this process can be further refined. We will also include a new ghost 'RIBA Stage 8: Post-Use' to ensure that important considerations, including planning for use of products and materials post installed life, are allowed for in procurement, and construction of materials specified.
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Client Handover material passports on exit Client/Hotel Brand Define internal carbon goals
Client/Agent Monitoring
Client/Hotel Brand Understand fully requirements
Post Use
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Contractor Handover material passports for projects
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Architect/Designer/MEP Sustainability and carbon workshop to establish goals, scope and intent
B r i ef
Contractor Full inventory of materials and energy used
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Architect/Designer/MEP Whole Life Carbon and Material Health assessment
Deliverable: Carbon Brief
RIBA STAGES
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Cost Manager Net-Zero Carbon cost assessment
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Contractor Regular carbon reporting
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C onc
Deliverable: Full inventory and materials database
ign
Deliverable: Whole Life Carbon Assessment
Client/Hotel Brand Appoint design team and cost
Cost Manager Net-Zero Carbon focussed contractor prelims Architect/Designer/MEP Full inventory of materials and energy used
Architect/Designer/MEP Material and energy inventory
Deliverable: Stage 2 Net-Zero / Circular Design Report Architect/Designer Supply chain engagement and buy in
Architect/Designer Environmental impact assessment
Deliverable: Stage Report
Detail About Deliverables The end vision is for a hospitality project to reduce its whole life carbon by 75% from the business as usual scenario, be fully circular (be 100% recycled material and 100% recyclable) whilst reducing maintenance and maximising reuse at the end of service life of components. We propose a set of deliverables to help achieve this, as highlighted in the previous diagram. Here is some more information on each deliverable:
(LCA) to show where carbon improvements can be made. Included in scope. Stage 3 - Post Stage 3 Report Once materials are specified, LCA targets are assessed against the project vision and product selection can be approved by client. Additional cost. Stage 4 - Whole Life Carbon Assessment LCA quantification based on tender documentation, allowing specific clauses to be placed within the specification. Additional cost.
Stage 1 - Carbon Brief At the end of Stage 1 we review the design vision to understand and establish the quantifiable success factors in the reduction of carbon and the increase of circularity. Included in scope.
Stage 5 - Full inventory and materials database Outturn carbon quantification based on contractors information. Outline report of what will be required in Stage 7 to maximise circularity.
Stage 2 - Net-Zero / Circular Design Report From the Bill of Quantities a circularity report is produced from a Life Cycle Analysis 26
The role of designers
Furniture from virgin resources contributes to 30% of the carbon footprint of a commercial building over its entire life.
Diving Deeper into Circular Design General items are used very intensively in hospitality spaces leading to frequent renovations. All items must therefore be high quality and robust in order to extend their life cycle.
preparation for items to be removed and used elsewhere. "The drive towards a sustainable future must lead our design choices. In considering fixing methods and modularity within design we can limit the waste generated by hospitality refurbishments.
If loose ff&e is leased, if not to be refurbished and reused it can be returned to the supplier for re-use in another project. Similarly builtin items must designed in modularity in order for them to be dismantled and reused, as opposed to being disposed of.
This consideration is perhaps more important in our industry than ever before, not just due to the constant change in customer needs and resulting increase in typologies, but also the need to design in flexibility into hospitality spaces for greater resilience.”
As designers we must be aware that even hospitality brands with the best sustainable intentions will often want to make their mark on a property, and differentiate it from what was there before and so we must design in
-Asif Din, Sustainability Director, Perkins&Will 31
A New World of Materials One way to slow down the increasing carbon footprint that the construction industry has on the planet is to recognize that all of the man-made materials we require already exist, and look to recycle these rather than producing more. A wealth of new recycled materials are emerging and as designers we must use these where possible in order to encourage all suppliers to take this route.
that can be also be used, or compassionate materials such as vegan leathers. At Perkins & Will we have launched the Now Database, which is an open-source platform for environmentally conscious products. Supplier are welcome to provide their EPDs, and following assessment our added to the list.
There are an increasing amount of ingenious products based on natural materials, such as algae-based products, or processed biomass
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Guestroom 2035 Sustainable Finishes Materials Palette 1. rug colour tufts 2. seagrass panel 3. spent botanicals 4. cork flooring 5. clear recycled glass 6. mycelium leather 7. mohair velvet upholstery fabric 8. satin brass metal 9. bamboo wall panel 10. air puriflying paint finish 11. honext wall finish 12. natural stone 13. biophilia 14. recycled terrazzo 15. rug colour tufts
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Furniture Approaches Currently, the average renovation of a hospitality property is between three to five years, and we must look to increase that number by using the high quality and durable finishes.
is possible. If not, then items should be sold to a second hand furniture supplier for re-use within another project. If purchasing furniture for a property consider buying second hand pieces or investigate leasing the items from suppliers.
The four Rs:
Built-in casegoods and joinery items should be designed to be robust and modular, in order for it to be easily dismantled and reused in another project.
Resell - Repurpose - Recycle - Recover At the commencement of renovation it is important to review the existing furniture inventory and review whether refurbishment
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Brands, Owners, and Operators
Currently approximately 13million mattresses are thrown into landfills each year as they cannot be recycled.
Be part of the change No one thing is going to unlock the challenge that is net-zero. It is like a jigsaw, where lots of little pieces will get you to the complete picture. And, like a puzzle, it is not always easy or obvious!
— Work with consultants and suppliers that have sustainable programs
We are here to help and guide our clients to be part of the change. Our team of sustainability experts and accredited designers can work with brands, owners, and operators to reach net-zero targets, from design decisions to operational choices.
— Train staff on eco-friendly behaviour
This is not an exhaustive list, but these are some suggestions to start thinking about:
— Remove single-use plastics
— Where possible source items from local retailers and providers.
— Consider the weight of bedding in order to minimise energy expended during laundry and use ex-friendly detergents. — Remove mini-bars from rooms
— Encourage re-use of towels during a guests stay
— Retrofit existing buildings rather than build new ones
— Use refillable toiletries
— Allocate rooms close to each other for easy housekeeping
— Upcyle ff&e, purchase second-hand or lease ff&e where possible 38
Purpose and profit One of the greatest challenges we face is perception: the idea that a sustainable approach will cost more and compromise good design. But it doesn't have to be a trade-off.
Millennials and Gen Z have a lot of spending power, which will continue to grow. What is important to understand about these groups is their decision making behaviours. Research confirms that Millenials and Gen Zers choose to spend their money on brands that align with their values, which are focussed on environmental and social issues. If brands are not authentically responding to these issues, this key client group will go elsewhere.
At the moment, choosing environmentally friendly processes and materials can have a higher up front cost, but we want to reinforce the fact that, over time, these costs will be paid back, as less money will have to be spent in the long term. If we lead the way, others will follow, and in the years to come this choice will be the norm, not the exception.
It is important that we change our mindset to long term thinking, not only for the bottom line, but also for the planet.
And, we can't forget the role that our guests play in this, namely the next generation of travellers. Quote source: Consumer Culture Report 2020
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83% of millenials say it’s important for the companies they buy from to align with their beliefs and values
Cost Benefits It is important when considering a more circular approach to design, to fully analyse capital expenditure costs against operational expenditure costs along with potential material resell value. It is often assumed that net-zero design is more expensive for clients, however it offers many potential savings: — A leaner approach to design can also be a cheaper solution. — Grants, tax-breaks, and rebates are available for net-zero designs. — Net-zero design offers efficiency during operation. — Spaces will be more flexible, and future adaptations will be easier. — Value can be recouped from reselling materials. — Cost premiums have gone down over the past ten years.
If you can have a conversation about how much money a client is going to spend over the life of a building, or for the next 10-15 years, that's where the real value proposition comes in. -Mark Roddy, SmithGroupJRR
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Sources 1. Net-Zero Now Interiors Pledge: https://perkinswill.com/net-zero-now-interiors/ 2. Net-Zero Architecture Pledge: https://perkinswill.com/news/pledging-net-zero-operational-carbon-design-strategies-for-all-future-projects/ 3. The Furniture Recycling Group: http://www.tfrgroup.co.uk/latest-news/the-furniture-recycling-group-puts-britain-in-the-spotlight-for-mattress-recycling-on-earth-day/ 4. Nature Climate Change: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-018-0141-x 5. Transforming Existing Hotels to Net Zero Carbon: https://us.gleeds.com/news-media/publications/transforming-hotels-to-net-zero/#
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Images Pg 4-5 - Image © Jonathan Borba / Unsplash Pg 9 - Guestroom 2035, © Perkins&Will with Accor X Movenpick Pg 10-11 - Image © Perkins&Will; Pg 16 - Pekins&Will: Net-Zero Now Interiors report Pg 18 - Pekins&Will: Net-Zero Now Interiors report Pg 19 - Image © Perkins&Will; Pg 20-21 - Image © justinreznick / iStock Pg 22-23 - L-R: Image © Neonbrand; Image © Pop Zebra; Image © Caroline Selfors; Image © Kelly Sikkema; Image © Greg Rosenke. All via Unsplash. Pg 25 - Pekins&Will: Net-Zero Now Interiors report Pg 27 - Bin Ghannam Eco Resort © Perkins&Will Pg 28-29 - Image © Perkins&Will Pg 30 - Guestroom 2035, © Perkins&Will with Accor X Movenpick Pg 33 - Guestroom 2035: Sustainable Finishes Materials Palette © Perkins&Will with Accor X Movenpick. Pg 34 - Guestroom 2035: Furniture Options © Perkins&Will with Accor X Movenpick. Pg 36-37 - Image © Olesia Bahrii / Unsplash Pg 39 - Bin Ghannam Eco Resort © Perkins&Will Pg 41 - Image © DisobeyArt / iStock Pg 43 - Image © Perkins&Will;
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