Major Hotel Groups Ranked on Plant-Forward Policies as Climate Strategy
Scope Three Action ranked major hotel chains on plant-based food policies, with Accor and Radisson leading while most groups lack measurable commitments.
Photo by Scope Three Action
Non-profit organisation Scope Three Action has published scorecards ranking hotel groups across Europe and North America on their plant-forward food sustainability policies, revealing that most major chains lack the measurable commitments needed to address one of the key sources of their carbon emissions.
The scorecards evaluate clear, publicly disclosed plant-forward policies and protein diversification targets across the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. While only a handful of leaders have committed so far, this approach is gaining traction, with momentum building as more hotel groups recognise the business case for such policies. Forward-thinking hotels adopting these goals not only cut emissions and attract guests, but also reduce costs, improve margins, and decrease exposure to price-volatile ingredients.
The global food system is a major contributor to climate change, and for hotels specifically, the food supply chain represents one of the largest sources of their carbon footprint. Scientific research, including findings from the EAT-Lancet Commission and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, confirms that increasing the share of plant-based ingredients across menus is essential for meeting climate targets. Plant-based proteins generate significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions than animal-based alternatives while reducing pressure on land, water, and biodiversity.
Food is the climate solution hiding in plain sight for the hotel industry. While many chains focus on incremental gains in energy or waste, they're overlooking the single biggest opportunity: what they serve on the plate. Shifting protein sourcing delivers emissions reductions that dwarf most other operational changes, yet requires no capital investment in infrastructure.
Marian Milec, Program Manager at Scope Three Action
As offering plant-based options has become the bare minimum, companies demonstrating genuine commitment are moving forward with measurable policies and targets. An A rating requires a public target with a specific deadline to make at least 30% of meals plant-based or vegetarian, or to achieve a specific protein-split procurement target. Lower ratings reflect commitments without deadlines, partial venue implementation, or no policy at all.
In Germany, Accor and Radisson Hotel Group both achieved A ratings, demonstrating industry leadership. Accor committed globally to 50% vegetarian or plant-based dishes by 2030, with Novotel hotels targeting 25% plant-based offerings by 2026. Radisson Hotel Group set a target for the EMEA region to offer 35–40% of menu options as plant-based or vegetarian, and has consistently exceeded it, currently offering 30–40% plant-based and 60–65% vegetarian meal options across its properties.
The United States and Canada show a starker divide. Accor leads with an A rating while Radisson drops to C for setting a 40% plant-based and vegetarian goal without a specific deadline, reflecting weaker North American commitments. Other major groups, such as B&B Hotels, Choice Hotels, Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Minor Hotels, Premier Inn, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, received F ratings because they have no public policy.
"Leading companies are embracing protein diversification and plant-forward targets because they deliver a rare win-win: significantly lower emissions while saving costs, with the added benefit of more appealing menus for guests,” Milec added.
Additional scorecards covering Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom reveal similar trends. While standout performers demonstrate that plant-forward targets are both achievable and commercially viable, the results across all markets point to a clear and urgent need for broader industry action. Scope Three Action calls on hotel groups yet to establish measurable food sustainability policies to take the next step and set clear, time-bound targets.
For the full scorecard and more details, please visit: scopethreeaction.org/hotel-food-sustainability-scorecards
About Scope Three Action
Scope Three Action is a non-profit organisation that empowers food-industry companies to integrate significant Scope 3 emissions reduction into their business strategies. By providing expert guidance and practical solutions, Scope Three Action helps businesses fulfil their sustainability commitments while transforming environmental responsibility into a competitive advantage.
Media Contact
Marian Milec
Program Manager [email protected]