The Role of Social Sustainability Initiatives in Driving GHG-Free Operations: Empirical Evidence from Game Lodges and Tented Camps Within Kenya’s Southern Tourism Circuit

Abstract

This study examined the influence of social sustainability practices and the adoption of zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emission practices among lodges and tented camps in Kenya’s Southern Tourism Circuit. A quantitative explanatory research design and multiple linear regression were employed to assess the impact of seven social sustainability initiatives: Community Collaboration and Guest Awareness, NGO Collaboration and Guest Participation, Local Sourcing and Economic Support, Local Hiring and Workplace Safety, Staff Development and Training, Community Contributions, and Employee Welfare. Findings revealed that the regression model was statistically significant (R² = 0.682, F (7,65) = 19.957, p < 0.001), indicating that social sustainability practices collectively explain 68.2% of the variance in the adoption of zero GHG emission practices. Three components were found to significantly influence adoption: NGO Collaboration and Guest Participation (β = 0.406), Local Sourcing and Economic Support (β = 0.642), and Local Hiring and Workplace Safety (β = 0.247). However, Community Collaboration and Guest Awareness (β = 0.081, p = 0.400), Staff Development and Training (β = 0.107, p = 0.191), Community Contributions (β = 0.031, p = 0.728), and Employee Welfare (β = 0.146, p = 0.083) were not significant predictors in the regression model. These results suggest that three important factors comprising NGO collaboration and guest participation, local sourcing and economic support, and local hiring and work safety significantly and positively influence the adoption of zero GHG emission practices. Other social factors, such as staff training and employee welfare, though present, may not directly influence the adoption of zero GHG emission practices among lodges and tented camps. For eco-lodge operators in this study, the study recommends that they should deepen collaborations with NGOs and local communities to co-create sustainability programs involving guests. They also need to formalise local sourcing policies and maintain transparent tracking of purchases to encourage local economies and reduce emissions.