By Dr. Juliana Philip Ndalnamu, PhD
Principal Lecturer, Hospitality Management | NRF Research Lead
[ORCID: 0009-0004-5880-3305]
Why Carbon Footprint Reduction Matters in Hospitality
The hospitality and tourism industry plays a critical role in economic growth, job creation, and cultural exchange. However, behind its vibrant exterior lies a growing environmental challenge — its contribution to global carbon emissions. In Nigeria, this is a particularly urgent issue as we work toward aligning our development strategies with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
From energy-hungry hotels to food waste in large kitchens and unsustainable transport for tourism, the industry's carbon footprint demands strategic attention.
The Research Project: A National First
In response to these environmental concerns, I’m leading a TETFund National Research Fund (NRF)–sponsored study titled:
“Real-Time Estimation and Potential Reduction of Hospitality and Tourism Carbon Footprints Using the Greenview Footprinting Tool”
This groundbreaking project, running from 2024 to 2026, is designed to provide data-driven solutions for hospitality operators, educators, and policymakers who are ready to take action against climate change.
🛠️ What Are We Doing Exactly?
We are working with hotels and tourism stakeholders across Nigeria to:
- Measure actual carbon emissions from operations like energy, water use, transportation, and waste.
- Analyze patterns using the Greenview Footprinting Tool, a globally recognized standard for hotel sustainability reporting.
- Recommend practical steps and training modules to reduce emissions, without compromising service quality.
- Educate hospitality students and professionals on integrating sustainability into daily decision-making.
- Influence curriculum and policy by translating findings into educational and regulatory models.
Early Insights
Though our data collection is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest:
- Many hotels still depend heavily on diesel generators, contributing to high emissions.
- Food waste and inefficient cooling systems are two of the silent contributors to environmental degradation.
- There is low awareness of carbon measurement tools among hospitality managers.
This shows an urgent need for awareness, tools, and training tailored to Nigerian realities.
Aligning With the SDGs
This project is deeply aligned with:
- SDG 13: Climate Action – by reducing industry-based emissions
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption – by improving sustainability in procurement and waste
- SDG 4: Quality Education – by embedding climate topics into hospitality teaching
It’s not just about reducing emissions. It’s about building capacity, empowering professionals, and changing systems.
Join the Movement
I invite hospitality educators, operators, students, researchers, and sustainability advocates to collaborate, share insights, and implement best practices from this project. Together, we can create a climate-smart hospitality sector in Nigeria — one that meets the demands of both guests and the planet.
Stay Connected
If you’re passionate about climate action, hospitality innovation, or academic collaboration, let’s connect.
📧 Email: ndalnamujp@pg.abuad.edu.ng
🔗 ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5880-3305
🌐 Website: https://bit.ly/3TNIlwM
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-philip-714498270/
✍️ Final Note
I am proud to lead this initiative as a Principal Lecturer and committed researcher. This project is not just research — it’s a contribution to a more sustainable, data-driven, and environmentally responsible hospitality future for Nigeria and beyond.
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