Airbnb Experiences Doesn’t Address Climate Change

Airbnb’s expansion into experiences and in-home services makes no mention of how the new offerings align with its climate targets and green goals – the company has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2030 and to work with sustainable suppliers.

The company announced a suite of new services this week including personal chefs, massage therapists, stylists, and fitness trainers alongside a relaunch of Airbnb Experiences in 650 cities. 

But there was no detail on whether service and experience providers would be expected to meet environmental standards or if Airbnb plans to account for their emissions.

On its website, Airbnb calls climate change “one of the greatest challenges of our generation” and says it is working to help “hosts and guests become more sustainable.”

Airbnb has previously said suppliers account for the largest share of its corporate emissions. 

Through its Supplier Sustainability Program, the company says it has engaged nearly 80 vendors representing roughly 47% of its 2023 emissions.  This program aims to have suppliers reduce their greenhouse gas impact.

It’s unclear whether service or experience providers fall under that program or will be included in future emissions reporting.

While the launch highlights authenticity, celebrity-led offerings and local expertise, there is no reference to low-impact travel, emissions from service delivery, or promoting environmentally sustainable experiences.

Experience Providers and Hosts Emissions Not Counted

In response to questions from Skift, Airbnb said it is continuing work toward its corporate net-zero emissions goal by 2030.

“Airbnb continues working toward its target of achieving net zero by the end of 2030 for emissions associated with our corporate operations,” a spokesperson said.

As part of its net-zero pledge, Airbnb refers specifically to corporate activities, which include business travel and emissions from its offices.

In its recent sustainability report, Airbnb said emissions from experiences and host stays are not included in its corporate operations and are not counted.

“References to Airbnb’s emissions means Airbnb’s corporate, absolute, market-based greenhouse gas emissions,” the sustainability report stated. “This does not include estimated emissions associated with any stays and experiences on the Airbnb platform.”

Activities such as cooking, food delivery, waste and traveling to experiences can have emissions associated with them.

Airbnb said it counts emissions in line with the greenhouse gas protocol which does not have guidance on the type of business models used by the company.

But the company told Skift there would be some green options in experiences.

“We’re excited to offer experiences that local hosts have designed to introduce guests to sustainable practices and foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world,” the Airbnb spokesperson said.

They highlighted examples that include dining at a zero-waste restaurant in Mexico City, creating keepsakes from marine plastic in Dubrovnik, and learning about ancient trees in Vancouver with a conservationist.

The company said it is working with its host community to promote sustainability, including educational materials developed with the UN Environment Programme and the WWF, and pilot programs to support energy efficiency upgrades in homes in several countries.

Skift’s in-depth reporting on climate issues is made possible through the financial support of Intrepid Travel. This backing allows Skift to bring you high-quality journalism on one of the most important topics facing our planet today. Intrepid is not involved in any decisions made by Skift’s editorial team.