Responsible consumerism is the next big thing – and one that will impact almost every vertical, from retail to dining to travel. Recent findings hint that socially and environmentally responsible hospitality practices have quickly become the norm, rather than the exception, as travellers and consumers worldwide use their financial power to sustain green thinking. This responsible consumerism has forced hoteliers to view sustainability from a whole new angle.
We’ve seen Millennials as the main consumer group encouraging companies to be more environmentally responsible. In the meantime, 68% of Booking.com users seek eco-friendly hotels, a movement that drives hospitality leaders worldwide to engage in environmentally-conscious practices, or their future growth could be at risk.
And some industry leaders have already answered the call, integrating more sustainable practices into their operations. Marriott International together and other large chains have completely removed the use of plastic straws and other items that never decompose. That’s not much, but it’s an honest responsibility: hotels, hostels and eco-resorts are bringing smart showers, added temporary boilers from responsible rental companies, solar panels, and have gone so far to regenerate collar reefs in their property. There are many steps a hotel can take to move toward sustainability.
Why Should Hotels Go Green?
Sustainability in the hospitality industry is crucial to achieving growth and satisfying customers. Modern consumers seek out green businesses and apparently pay more for eco-friendly services and products. 1 in 3 consumers prefer environmentally responsible brands, and the hospitality industry is taking note. We’ve seen popular platforms like TripAdvisor developing its Green Leaders Program in order to showcase accommodations with green practices to conscious travellers, such as hotels going green in everything that means energy and design.
Hospitality leaders can also expect to save significant financial resources by going green. Engaging in sustainable practices means reducing your water and energy consumption, as well as staffing from things like guest services and maintenance.
Do Your Part: 5 Ways Your Hotel Can Become More Sustainable
While some green practices, like buying organic food, can cost more, many practices focus on reducing waste generation and resource consumption, saving money. Obviously, an initial investment may be necessary to replace or overhaul infrastructure (like installing an energy-efficient HVAC system), but this should pay well in the long run.
When it comes to guest experience, being sustainable doesn’t cause anyone to turn heads or switch sides. Reducing energy waste, for instance, means leveraging smart monitoring systems and appliances to optimise and personalise energy use to keep your costs low and your guests comfortable. Consider the following:
- Automating energy control
Energy use is a major industry expense and a great source of carbon emissions. European hotels account for 25% of all buildings’ energy consumption and consume twice more energy than homes. American hospitals aren’t too far away either. Recent findings show that US hotels spend approximately $2,196 per room annually on energy. So, you don’t have to be an expert to understand that every empty room cooling down, every light left on is a waste of money.
Hotels can tackle energy problems by using efficient VAC systems that customise heating, airflow, and cooling by monitoring room occupancy and allowing guests to personalise temperature schedules.
- Plastic waste – a top-of-mind priority
Disposable plastic is everywhere in the news today and far from travellers’ minds. They want to reduce their plastic consumption when they travel again, and responsible hotels can do a lot to help.
For instance, replacing plastic key cards with access codes, smart locks, and keyless entry systems not only saves the planet but also improves the security, comfort and convenience of your guests.
Even so, removing disposable cutlery and cups from your service is another great way to reduce plastic waste. You can always switch to biodegradable or reusable options like bamboo straws if necessary.
- Save Water
Water shortage is probably one major concern today, especially in countries where locals lack clean water drinking while tourists indulge in sparkling pools, clean laundry and lush grounds.
However, hotels can integrate smart water-saving systems that recirculate and purify to save up to 90% of the water used. Then there’s the linen and towels options, a practice that enables hotels to automate and monitor housekeeping operations for greater efficiency and savings.
- Reduce waste during events
Reducing the number of trash containers during busy summer months at your hotel or venue while increasing the amount of recycling options to force partakers to dispose of their waste responsibly.
Guests feel comfortable recycling by clearly making and positioning recycling points for plastic bottles, paper, and aluminium cans.
- Engage in Responsible Sourcing
Responsible sourcing is all about procuring from nearby growers and food providers. It’s a great way to support local producers while also reducing the CO2 emissions you would otherwise produce by delivering goods from a distance. Menu selections should include sustainable offerings such as vegan and vegetarian items that necessitate fewer resources to produce than meat.
On the other hand, food remains can be used to support local growers by establishing a process to compost waste and encouraging sustainable gardening practices. What’s more, unused or leftover food can be donated to nearby or national food banks and programs like The Summer Food Service Program.
Before you go…
From property-wide initiatives to restaurants, guest rooms, or spas, event planners and conscious consumers should be asking their hotels about what specific efforts are being made to be more environmentally friendly.