Verified Net Zero Hotels scale from pilot to program as Radisson Hotel Group targets 100 by 2030

Radisson Hotel Group announced today the global roll-out of its Verified Net Zero Hotels (VNZ) program, marking a decisive step-up from the 2025 pilot phase to a structured, multi-year roadmap. The next chapter of the initiative was formally unveiled at the International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) 2026, taking place from today through Wednesday, 25 March.

Launched as a proof-of-concept to demonstrate that zero status can be achieved in existing hotel buildings, VNZ is now transitioning into a scalable program with a trajectory to achieving 100 Verified Net Zero hotels by 2030. The roadmap includes a phased 2026 roll-out beginning in Norway, followed by Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, which will host the first VNZ hotel ever in Africa. This milestone expands the program beyond its European base and positions Africa within the Group’s leading hotels in the net zero roadmap. Further expansion is planned into countries such as Germany, Austria, and Spain’s Canary Islands over a five-year period.

Federico J. González Tejera, CEO of Radisson Hotel Group, said: “At Radisson Hotel Group, sustainability ultimately starts with people. It is about delivering for our guests, creating value for our owners, and supporting the communities where we operate. Verified Net Zero Hotels are an important step in our net zero transformation, setting a new standard for how hospitality can reduce its environmental impact while continuing to support people, destinations, and economic activity. Independently verified by TÜV Rheinland, the program is already showing that environmental and commercial performance can advance together, while giving guests greater confidence to travel responsibly.”

VNZ is anchored in a rigorous framework that focuses on all three emission Scopes, is based on the Net Zero Methodology for Hotels and aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative. In Verified Net Zero Hotels, Scope 1 and 2 emissions are eliminated through electrification, the use of renewable city heating/cooling networks, and sourcing of 100% renewable energy while operational Scope 3 emissions are significantly reduced across food and beverage, waste, laundry, amenities, and business travel. Each hotel in the VNZ program will undergo third-party verification by TÜV Rheinland to ensure compliance with an internationally recognized Net Zero Methodology for Hotels.

With VNZ hotels, Radisson Hotel Group brings the future forward. Guests can experience 100% renewable energy, low-carbon menus, and minimal waste hotels while their stay or meeting has a net-zero footprint.

Year-to-date results from the two operational VNZ hotels in Manchester and Oslo, indicate that environmental and commercial performance can advance together. Each hotel registers awareness scores above 70% and about 20% of guests indicate they booked the hotel because of its Net Zero status.

“The excellent results from the Manchester and Oslo Verified Net Zero (VNZ) hotels support the expansion of Radisson Hotel Group’s pioneering program. The hotels show strong carbon reduction across all emission scopes, high guest awareness, and clear support for sustainable meetings and events. They also provide hotel owners with a practical pathway to future-proof their properties and move toward Net Zero,” says Inge Huijbrechts, Chief Sustainability & Security Officer at Radisson Hotel Group. “Our guests know the concept is fully transparent and trustworthy—these hotels offer a Net Zero stay or a Net Zero Meeting & Event space, guaranteed!”

González Tejera unveiled the new Verified Net Zero icon at IHIF 2026. The icon will serve as the program’s physical and digital symbol, designed for use in the lobby, guest touchpoints, and QR-enabled digital storytelling. In an innovative design statement that aligns with the program’s ethos, a 3D-printed version of the icon was on display and incorporates organic waste material from hotel operations, reinforcing the principle that sustainability must be operational, visible, and measurable.

"TÜV Rheinland supports Radisson Hotel Group’s Verified Net Zero initiative by providing independent verification of their decarbonization measures. Ensuring transparency and credibility in sustainability efforts is crucial, and we are committed to upholding these standards through rigorous evaluation. Our role in this initiative highlights the importance of reliable assessments in achieving meaningful climate goals,” explains Dr Kai Höhmann, Senior Vice President Customized Solutions at TÜV Rheinland.

As regulators, investors, and guests increasingly demand insights into all sustainability details, Radisson Hotel Group’s VNZ roll-out positions operational net zero as a verified, transparent, and scalable program.