Inside Hilton’s Climate Strategy: How to Decarbonize Hotels You Don’t Own
Tue Nov 11 2025
How can a global hotel brand cut emissions when it doesn’t actually own most of its properties? In this episode of GreenShift, host Darren Graham sits down with Jean Garris Hand, Global Head of Sustainability at Hilton, to explore how one of the world’s largest hospitality companies is tackling decarbonization across 9,000 hotels in 139 countries.
Hand explains how Hilton’s “asset-light” model—where 90% of hotels are franchised—can actually be an advantage. From negotiating renewable energy contracts for hundreds of properties at once to creating shared sustainability platforms and incentive programs, Hilton is leveraging its scale to drive change. The conversation also covers the rise of cost-competitive renewables, the role of waste diversion and circular design, and how data reporting tools like LightStay are keeping every hotel accountable to global climate goals.
Hilton’s model shows that climate action in hospitality isn’t about ownership—it’s about influence, innovation, and scale.
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Note: Skift’s in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift’s editorial team.
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How can a global hotel brand cut emissions when it doesn’t actually own most of its properties? In this episode of GreenShift, host Darren Graham sits down with Jean Garris Hand, Global Head of Sustainability at Hilton, to explore how one of the world’s largest hospitality companies is tackling decarbonization across 9,000 hotels in 139 countries. Hand explains how Hilton’s “asset-light” model—where 90% of hotels are franchised—can actually be an advantage. From negotiating renewable energy contracts for hundreds of properties at once to creating shared sustainability platforms and incentive programs, Hilton is leveraging its scale to drive change. The conversation also covers the rise of cost-competitive renewables, the role of waste diversion and circular design, and how data reporting tools like LightStay are keeping every hotel accountable to global climate goals. Hilton’s model shows that climate action in hospitality isn’t about ownership—it’s about influence, innovation, and scale. --- You can follow all of Skift's climate coverage on our Climate Hub. Note: Skift’s in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift’s editorial team. Connect with Skift LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skift/ WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/skiftnews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skiftnews/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@skiftnews Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/skiftnews.bsky.social X: https://twitter.com/skift Subscribe to @SkiftNews and never miss an update from the travel industry.