US hotelier Hyatt has unveiled an ambitious plan designed to dramatically raise the sustainability and efficiency of its properties and hospitality operations by the end of the decade.

The “Hyatt 2020 Vision” plan contains a set of measurable and actionable targets across three core focus areas, encompassing the use of resources, building smart, and innovation and inspiration.

In terms of smart building, Hyatt will strive to ensure that all new construction and renovation projects are green starting from 2015 by insisting upon LEED or equivalent certification in a bid to build hotels that are more efficient and environmentally conscious.

The plan’s targets for 2020 include slashing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, reducing water usage per guest night by 25 to 30 per cent depending upon location, and cutting the amount of recycling waste dispatched to landfills by at least 40 per cent.

In addition to the sustainability and efficiency of the hotel chain’s built environments, Hyatt also hopes to minimise the impact on the ocean environment of consumption by its clients, pledging to supply more than 50 per cent of its seafood from sustainable sources.

Hyatt executives hope the plan will build upon the company’s prior efforts to raise the sustainability of the hospitality sector, which they say continues to suffer from a lack of serious commitment industry-wide.

“Hyatt’s conservation efforts around the world to date have had a real impact, resulting in major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as water and energy usage by properties across our portfolio,” said Brigitta Witt, vice president of corporate responsibility at Hyatt.

“With five years and significant momentum under our belt, we saw the opportunity to further our commitment to environmental stewardship, in a manner that fundamentally touches every aspect of our business.”

As of June 2014, Chicago-headquartered Hyatt’s global portfolio of hotels consisted of 563 properties in 48 countries around the world.