Background of the Study
The hospitality sector, comprising hotels, restaurants, and travel-related services, is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions globally, primarily due to energy consumption, waste generation, and transportation (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2023). In Nigeria, the hospitality industry has been growing rapidly due to increasing domestic and international tourism, yet it faces challenges in managing its environmental impact. With a growing global emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation, reducing the carbon footprint of businesses has become a critical area of focus in the hospitality sector (Ajiboye & Salami, 2024).
In response to these environmental concerns, many hospitality businesses are adopting carbon footprint reduction strategies, such as energy-efficient technologies, waste reduction programs, and sustainable sourcing of materials. While these strategies have been effective in some regions, the extent to which they are being implemented in Nigeria remains under-researched. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon footprint reduction strategies in Nigeria’s hospitality sector, with a focus on assessing their environmental and economic impacts, challenges, and opportunities.
Statement of the Problem
Nigeria’s hospitality sector is growing, yet the environmental impact of its operations continues to be a concern. There is a growing need to explore how carbon footprint reduction strategies can be effectively integrated into this sector to ensure sustainable growth. However, there is limited research on the adoption and impact of these strategies within Nigeria's hospitality industry. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon footprint reduction strategies in the Nigerian hospitality sector, providing insights into the barriers and opportunities for adopting sustainable practices.
Objectives of the Study
1. To assess the current carbon footprint reduction strategies being implemented in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
2. To evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of these strategies.
3. To identify the barriers and opportunities for expanding the adoption of carbon footprint reduction practices in Nigeria’s hospitality industry.
Research Questions
1. What are the current carbon footprint reduction strategies being used by Nigeria’s hospitality sector?
2. What are the environmental and economic impacts of these strategies on the sector?
3. What are the main barriers and opportunities in adopting carbon footprint reduction strategies in Nigeria’s hospitality industry?
Research Hypotheses
1. Carbon footprint reduction strategies significantly reduce the environmental impact of Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
2. The implementation of carbon footprint reduction strategies leads to economic benefits for businesses in the hospitality sector.
3. The lack of infrastructure and high operational costs are significant barriers to the adoption of carbon footprint reduction strategies in Nigeria’s hospitality sector.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on evaluating carbon footprint reduction strategies in Nigeria's hospitality sector, specifically targeting hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Limitations include the potential difficulty in obtaining reliable data from private sector stakeholders and the challenge of measuring indirect environmental impacts.
Definitions of Terms
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Efforts to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted by an individual or organization, often through energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable sourcing (Ajiboye & Salami, 2024).
• Sustainability: The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, particularly in environmental, economic, and social terms (Ogunleye & Adebayo, 2023).