In the face of growing environmental concerns, the hospitality industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices in hotels. According to a study by Booking.com, 72% of travelers believe that people need to act now and make sustainable travel choices.
As the industry grapples with this reality, many hotels are looking for ways to reduce their environmental footprint.
“Sustainability is no longer an optional trend in the hotel industry, it's a necessity. Hotels that prioritize eco-friendly practices are not only contributing to the global effort to combat climate change, but they're also appealing to the growing number of travelers who value sustainability,” says Jodi Susman, CMO of Budderfly.
A large portion of guests are willing to put their money behind these beliefs, and one study showed customers are willing to pay more to stay at a sustainable hotel.
Caption: Guests are willing to pay more for sustainable hotels with the X axis referring to percentage of respondents and the Y axis as their level of willingness to pay for a guaranteed eco-friendly hotel; Source: Operto
A sustainable hotel is one that minimizes its impact on the environment through its operations. This can be achieved through energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and other eco-friendly practices. Sustainable hotels not only help to protect the environment, but they also offer a unique selling point to attract eco-conscious travelers.
The hospitality industry is seeing a shift towards more sustainable practices. These include the use of renewable energy, waste reduction initiatives, and the incorporation of local and organic food into their menus.
Marriott's sustainability policy, for instance, is a testament to the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. The five-pronged policy outlines a comprehensive approach to sustainability, including building sustainable hotels, training staff, and building sustainability throughout the supply chain.
So, how can hotels be more sustainable? Here are nine sustainable hotel ideas helping reduce carbon footprint and unlock growth opportunities.
You can significantly reduce your hotel's environmental impact by improving energy efficiency. This can be achieved through the use of renewable energy sources; energy-efficient appliances, including LED lighting; and smart energy controls for efficient energy use. Regular maintenance of HVAC systems can also help to reduce energy consumption.
Incorporating LED lighting and smart energy controls can not only conserve energy, they can reduce the manual involvement of staff. Large healthcare facilities, for instance, have reduced energy consumption by 15% annually simply by upgrading from fluorescent to LED lighting.
Hotels consume a significant amount of energy, contributing to 20% of the global CO2 emissions from tourism. To combat this, hotels should consider investing in renewable energy systems. For instance, installing solar panels or utilizing geothermal energy can significantly reduce a hotel's carbon footprint.
A prime example of this trend in sustainable hotels is The Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin, which sources its energy from an underground river, saving up to 80% in energy.
To reduce an item’s carbon footprint, hotels should aim to source sustainable hotel products and foods locally. This not only reduces transport costs and fuel usage but also supports local businesses and economies.
Hotels use large amounts of water, making it crucial to implement methods to save and reduce consumption. Installing water-efficient appliances, implementing rainwater harvesting systems, and reusing greywater can significantly reduce a hotel's water consumption.
While it's impossible to entirely eliminate carbon emissions, hotels can strive for carbon neutrality by minimizing their carbon emissions and offsetting the rest. This can be achieved through various carbon offsetting programs, which involve investing in environmental projects to balance out the carbon emissions produced by the hotel.
Hotels can also play a significant role in promoting sustainability in guest experiences. This can be done by providing information about the hotel's sustainable practices, offering incentives for guests who choose aid these efforts, and encouraging guests to conserve energy and water.
One trend that’s not just reserved for sustainable hotels is reusing towels. Studies have shown 75% of guests are happy to do their bit by reusing towels if the hotel demonstrates the benefits appropriately.
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From the construction materials used to the layout of the building, hotels can make a significant impact on their sustainability by investing in sustainable infrastructure. This includes using sustainable or recycled materials in construction, designing the building to take advantage of natural light and heat.
Hotels generate a significant amount of waste, from food waste in the kitchen to disposable items in guest rooms. Implementing a comprehensive waste management system, including recycling and composting, can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Spanish hotel chain Iberostar also plans to introduce smart monitoring systems across its footprint of 100 hotels to reduce food waste by 50% in two years’ time.
Employee training and engagement are crucial for implementing sustainable practices at your hotel. This can be achieved through regular training on sustainability practices and encouraging employee participation in sustainability initiatives.
The journey towards sustainability is not just a trend, but a necessity for the hotel industry. It's a path that requires commitment, innovation, and strategic planning. However, you don't have to walk this path alone.
Budderfly, America's fastest-growing energy efficiency company, is uniquely positioned to assist hotels in their sustainability journey. With a one-stop-shop approach to energy management, equipment upgrades, and carbon footprint reduction, Budderfly provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges of sustainability.