SB/T 11252-2025 in English

Standard Background and Significance

SB/T 11252-2025, "ESG Management System Requirements for Accommodation Enterprises," is my country's first ESG management standard specifically for the accommodation industry. It was issued by the Ministry of Commerce on June 16, 2025, and will officially take effect on January 1, 2026. The development of this standard marks the entry of ESG management in my country's accommodation industry into a stage of standardized and regular development.

The background to the standard's development stems from the accelerating global trend toward sustainable development and the strategic requirements of my country's dual carbon goals. As an industry with high energy consumption and widespread social impact, the accommodation industry urgently needs to establish a unified ESG management framework to meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and consumer expectations.

Scope of application and core architecture of the standard

This standard applies to enterprises such as hotels, guesthouses, inns, motels, resorts, guest houses, training centers, homestays, guesthouses, and long-term rental apartments that provide accommodation and related comprehensive services to consumers, covering the entire life cycle of design, construction/renovation, operation, and exit.

In-Depth Analysis of the Core Elements of an ESG Management System

Organizational Structure Design

The standard requires accommodation companies to establish a three-tiered ESG governance structure: an ESG committee responsible for strategic decision-making, an ESG working group responsible for specific implementation, and functional departments responsible for daily management. This structural design ensures the professionalism and execution of ESG management.

Materiality Assessment Mechanism

Adopting the dual materiality principle, assessing issues based on both their importance to business development and their importance to stakeholders. Through stakeholder surveys and expert scoring, a database of sustainable development issues is compiled and prioritized.

Key points and best practices for implementation

Environmental responsibility implementation strategy

In terms of energy management, the standard recommends the use of renewable energy such as solar energy, energy-efficient equipment such as LED lighting and energy-efficient air conditioning, and the establishment of intelligent control systems. Water resource management requires the use of water-saving appliances, encourages guests to reduce the frequency of linen changes, and recommends the installation of greywater systems for large enterprises.

Supply chain management innovation

The standard emphasizes building a responsible supply chain, requiring suppliers to provide certification of compliance with ESG standards and prioritizing local sourcing to reduce carbon footprint. It also aims to establish long-term, stable partnerships and work with suppliers to explore innovative improvement solutions.

Emergency Management System Construction

Companies are required to develop emergency preparedness and response plans based on the type of emergency, conduct regular simulation exercises, and establish a public opinion monitoring mechanism. Particular emphasis is placed on timely information dissemination and public opinion management capabilities during emergencies.

Performance Evaluation and Continuous Improvement Mechanism

ESG Performance Monitoring System

The standard requires the establishment of a performance monitoring mechanism that combines quantitative and qualitative analysis. Through the continuous disclosure of annual data, comparative analysis from both the company's own vertical and industry perspectives will be conducted to promote continuous improvement. Particular emphasis is placed on monitoring and addressing negative information.

Information Disclosure Standards

ESG reports must be prepared based on mainstream domestic and international disclosure frameworks, including those of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Third-party assurance is encouraged to enhance the credibility of reports.

Standard Implementation Recommendations and Roadmap

Phase-by-Phase Implementation Strategy

It is recommended that accommodation companies adopt a three-step implementation strategy: Phase 1: Establish a foundational framework, complete organizational structure design and materiality assessment; Phase 2: Focus on breakthroughs, select priority issues for targeted improvement; Phase 3: Comprehensive optimization, achieving deep integration of ESG management with business operations.

Resource Guarantee Measures

Companies should provide the necessary resource support for their ESG management systems, including dedicated funding, professional talent recruitment, and information system development. Particular emphasis should be placed on ESG training for senior management to ensure their understanding and commitment to sustainable development goals.

Continuous Improvement Mechanism

Establish a continuous improvement mechanism based on the PDCA cycle, regularly review internal and external changes, and promptly adjust ESG strategies. For non-conformities, a 5-Why analysis method is used to identify the root causes, and corrective plans are developed, including responsible parties and timelines.

Standard Evolution Trends and Future Outlook

With the increasing global demand for sustainable development, ESG management in the accommodation industry will demonstrate three major trends: digitalization, standardization, and internationalization. Future revisions to the standard will place greater emphasis on alignment with international standards, addressing emerging issues such as climate change response and biodiversity conservation, and promoting higher-quality, more sustainable development in the accommodation industry.

This standard, as a milestone document for ESG management in the accommodation industry, provides companies with a systematic management framework and implementation guidelines. Accommodation companies should take this opportunity to accelerate the construction of their ESG management systems, while pursuing economic benefits, better fulfilling their environmental and social responsibilities and achieving sustainable development goals.