CLIMATE CHANGE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES AND THE ADOPTION OF ZERO GHG EMISSION PRACTICES AMONG LODGES AND CAMPS IN THE SOUTHERN TOURISM CIRCUIT OF KENYA

Abstract

There is widespread agreement that the hotel industry plays a major role in economic growth and development. However, increasing concern has emerged about the sector’s contribution to global carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are accelerating the climate change crisis across the world. This crisis not only affects economies and societies but also threatens the long-term survival of hospitality establishments by endangering the natural and cultural attractions that draw tourists to destinations. Thus, the adoption of zero GHG emissions is a pressing concern demanding immediate and collaborative action within the hotel industry. In recent years, the concept of sustainability has emerged as one of the vital lines of action that establishments are embracing in their efforts to mitigate change. The implications of various sustainability practices on the adoption of zero GHG emissions within the tourism sector have not been exhaustively examined, particularly in Kenya. This study sought to assess the adoption of climate change sustainability initiatives towards zero GHG emissions among lodges and tented camps within the Southern Tourism Circuit in Kenya. The first objective sought to assess the influence of environmental sustainability initiatives. The second objective aimed to evaluate the impact of social sustainability initiatives. The third objective sought to examine the effect of economic sustainability initiatives. The fourth objective sought to determine the moderating effect of firm resources and capabilities. The study was underpinned by the triple bottom line model, the stakeholder theory, the ecological modernisation theory and the protection motivation theory. An embedded research design was utilised to collect data from line managers of 22 lodges operating in and close to the Amboseli, Chyulu Hills, Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. A criterion sampling approach was adopted in selecting departmental managers in lodges and camps for inclusion in the sample. Key informants were selected through a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. Hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression analyses. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Statistical significance was inferred at the 0.05 level. Qualitative findings were presented using appropriate verbatim quotes, while charts and tables were used to present quantitative findings. Results indicated that the explained variances on the adoption of zero GHG emission practices by environmental, social, and economic sustainability initiatives were 46.5%, 68.2%, and 68.5%, respectively. Significant predictors of environmental sustainability initiatives were renewable energy and composting (β=0.522) and operational resource efficiency (β=0.506). Significant social sustainability initiatives predictors were non￾governmental organisation collaboration and guest participation (β = 0.406), local sourcing and economic support (β = 0.642), and local hiring and work safety (β = 0.247). Aligning profits with sustainability (β = 0.422) and efficiency (β = 0.404) were the significant economic sustainability initiatives. Firm resources and capabilities were a significant moderating variable. Lodges and camps should expand the use of clean energy such as solar and biogas, with support from government incentives and partnerships, alongside strict enforcement of environmental regulations to ensure regular assessments and sustainable daily operations. Hospitality establishments should strengthen collaboration with local communities and NGOs, prioritise local sourcing, involve guests in sustainability efforts, and integrate sustainability into business planning through staff training, dedicated resources, and financial support from government and investors.