Global warming's effects are impossible to ignore, with unstable weather patterns bringing the issue of climate change and scarce resources to everyone's doorstep. The need for solutions and tools for environmental responsibility grows with increasingly conscious consumers recognising the problem.
Modern consumerism has significantly impacted the world and the environment, putting industries reliant on leisure and entertainment at odds with sustainability efforts. Measuring and reducing the environmental impact is vital to aligning with environmental goals.
Why reduce your hotel's environmental footprint?
Rethinking the hospitality industry as sustainable is urgent, as global warming is not a passing trend. Adopting sustainable practices goes beyond customer retention and is a great opportunity to demonstrate sustainable living. Many advocate for greener solutions, yet few implement them daily.
Leading by example
When hotels lead by example by supplying rooms with recycling bins, they can encourage customers to adopt similar habits at home and expect the same from future stays. The head office is crucial in the control of sustainability efforts and implementing environmentally responsible practices.
With more hotels setting this standard, those who ignore sustainability risk falling behind. Adopting environmentally responsible practices is more than meeting consumer expectations. It's about securing long-term economic viability.
The issue of sustainability
Achieving sustainability in the hospitality industry is complex. Professionals need to reevaluate processes from amenities to distribution while handling the costs of these changes for maximum environmental benefits. They also need to understand and optimize their essential carbon footprint for environmental impact, but many delay action, relying on OTA-driven revenue for stability. They may miss out on the loyalty-driven revenue that follows hotel management sustainability efforts.
Rethinking the hospitality industry
Guest investment in sustainability has grown steadily over the past five years and shows no signs of slowing. Whether you're a backpacker hostel, a budding hotel chain, or an industry giant, the expectation is clear: rethinking the hospitality industry to address our deteriorating ecosystem is inevitable.
When hotels communicate and rebrand as green businesses, implementing meaningful practices, hoteliers can secure a better future for their businesses and the planet.
What are hotels doing to go green?
Sustainable hotel management requires solutions and tools with metrics to measure improvements and operational efficiency.
Energy consumption
Hotels are cutting energy usage with key-card-activated electric systems and motion-activated lights, ensuring lights are only on when needed to reduce utility costs. Though initial investment control can be time-consuming, they quickly pay off in savings and eco-friendliness.
Water management
Water waste reduction is a common sustainability challenge. While pools and Jacuzzis are notable water consumers, issues like leaky taps often lose more. Adding solutions like leak detectors and installing low-flow showerheads help hotels manage water usage more effectively while reducing their environmental footprint.
Waste management
Plastic is also a major environmental offender, giving hotels a good reason to eliminate single-use items like shampoo bottles and plastic coffee cups. Multi-use alternatives and recyclable single-use cutlery are becoming standard.
Reduction is critical to promoting hotel resource conservation. Tailoring food preparation to actual needs is one of the best solutions to minimising waste, and removing buffets in favour of pre-ordered breakfasts can help significantly reduce waste.
Buying food and products in bulk
An organic hotel emphasises bulk purchasing locally sourced, eco-friendly food and products. From farm-fresh produce to low-chemical cleaning supplies, these products support local economies while meeting the expectations of conscientious travellers in the industry.
These green initiative processes also improve your hotel status and reflect a growing standard. What once seemed like niche practices are now the norm and are reshaping guest expectations of reduced carbon footprint.
How sustainability is regulated
Hotel certifications help hoteliers demonstrate to guests and investors that their practices meet established sustainability standards. Certifications vary by focus, such as Energy Star for energy efficiency or Green Seal for corporate sustainability programs.
Choosing the right hotel certification aligns your sustainable hotel management with a solutions and tools framework for improvement. Most certifications use a merit-based system, helping hoteliers find more growth and environmental impact areas.
Certificates for different types of hotels
Large independent hotel chains:
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Green Key
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Green Globe
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Travelife
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Green Seal
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Audubon
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ENERGY STAR
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LEED
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TripAdvisor GreenLeaders
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Green Tourism (United Kingdom and Canada)
Bed & breakfasts
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Green Key
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Travelife
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ENERGY STAR
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Audubon
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TripAdvisor GreenLeaders
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LEED
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Green Tourism (United Kingdom and Canada)
Independent properties or hostels:
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Audubon
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ENERGY STAR
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Travelife
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LEED
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Green Tourism (United Kingdom and Canada)
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TripAdvisor GreenLeaders
Taking on the commitment to environmental issues and tackling them by scrapping wasteful and unnecessary aspects of the hospitality industry allows hoteliers to create a more stable future for their establishment and the world.
Editor's Note: This article has been updated in December 2024.