Green Revolution in Hospitality: Embracing Eco-Friendly Luxury

Sustainable hospitality is taking the front seat because of rising environmental concerns and changing climatic conditions.

This made the hoteliers realize that a significant amount of food is wasted every day, and this creates adverse consequences for people, such as waste of energy required to cook the food. When food waste is dumped in landfills, it releases harmful gases into the atmosphere.

According to Science Direct,

The above data indicates that hotels produce a lot of waste daily, requiring attention to treat it. That's where the concept of the green revolution in hospitality emerges.

The green revolution aims to make hospitality businesses sustainable and produce environmentally friendly products.

This is not because your competitors are doing it; rather, it has become a NECESSITY for modern travellers. Today's travellers have become more environmentally conscious and choosy about the hotels/resorts they'd like to invest in.

So, hotel managers should think of sustainable ways of treating waste, reducing disposal costs, and using innovative technologies to work on sustainability.

Let's discuss in detail sustainability in the hospitality industry along with some of the best eco-friendly practices hoteliers are adopting.

An overview of Sustainability in the hospitality industry

As guest expectations are constantly changing, hoteliers need to take care of their preferences and ensure that it does not create an environmental impact.

The reason is that travelers today have become more environmentally conscious, and if your property doesn't care about its carbon footprint, then it would influence booking decisions.

Guests have changed their priorities, and the hotels that have a prime focus on meeting their financial goals, such as RevPAR and ADR, are losing market share. That's because they don't care about adopting green hotel practices.

According to Russel Bateman, the Head Chef of Gordon Ramsay Restaurant,

Sustainability is important in the hospitality industry for the people who work in it and housekeeping staff should be mindful of the food they prepare.

It's important not just for maintaining the present lifestyle but for the world to move forward.

Studies state that more than 3 quarters of people are looking for sustainable accommodation and if your hotel is making sustainable plans to protect the environment, then it would not save your cost in the long run, but it also makes the guest feel satisfied.

What are sustainable, eco-friendly hotels?

Sustainable hotels are the ones that adopt green practices and make effective utilization of resources (water consumption, energy usage, and waste management) to reduce carbon emissions in the environment.

These eco-friendly hotels are not confined to taking care of recycling bins at the property; rather, their focus is on taking a sustainable initiative that saves the environment, reduces operational costs, and positively supports local communities.

While most hotel owners think that sustainability comes from using reusable mugs and cups. Rather, it's more about saying NO to single-use plastic, using shampoo dispensers in bathrooms instead of mini bottles – such small things can make a big difference in your guests' lives.

This also signals guests that you care about sustainability, and it's visible.

Even the hoteliers are now shifting from making sole profits to enhancing the guest experience.

Hotels that are environmentally sustainable result in social sustainability.

This not only increases your hotel's reach, but it also appeals to the growing interest of eco-conscious travelers. In the long term, it can generate a steady stream of revenue for hotel owners.

Why is sustainability hospitality on the rise?

The hospitality industry uses huge resources (energy and water) and negatively impacts the environment.

Moreover, it doesn’t affect the environment, but it wastes a ton of money for hotels and resorts.

Here's why the demand for sustainable hospitality has been on the rise -

1. Environmental issues are on the rise

As a lot of influencers talk about sustainable practices and climate change, that inspires modern travelers to trust environmentally conscious brands.

Today travelers and online bookers, especially Millennials and Gen Z are ready to spend more on hotels or resorts that care about sustainability and don’t deplete natural resources to become attractive destinations.

Studies from the United Nations state that there has been a significant transformation in weather conditions which gives rise to more natural calamities.

Adopting sustainable practices is not just advantageous for one hotel or resort, but it brings positive outcomes for the environment. Shifting towards a greener future results in significant cost savings, and water and energy conservation.

Countries around the globe are playing their part in reducing the need for plastic straws and single-use plastics. Hospitality companies should go for eco-friendly products such as reusable water bottles or bulk shampoo dispensers.

Moreover, hoteliers should educate their staff about using energy-efficient devices, biodigesters, and renewable energy sources. Make your staff aware of the importance of sustainable hospitality practices.

2. Innovative Technology

The rapid advancement in technologies emphasizes the need for using energy-efficient devices. Solar panel installations help hoteliers achieve cost savings in the long run such as saving 30% of what they used to pay a few years back.

For hospitality businesses, solar panels are a viable alternative for conserving electricity and saving costs.

Whether hoteliers are looking to provide lighting or powering computer systems, solar panels power your hospitality business by reducing their energy bills.

Moreover, hotels that use green technologies don’t just convince eco-friendly travelers but also become competitive.

Also Read - Hotel Technology Integration

3. Produces economic benefits

Adoption of energy-efficient devices isn’t always an expense for your hotel, it does come with several benefits.

Unlike other industries, hotels also have pressure to reduce their carbon footprint in the environment, and usage of sustainable hotel practices can become their ally.

Some of the best measures that hoteliers can take include using refillable room supplies, products that are C2C certified, or smart ways to conserve water such as smart irrigation control systems.

This way hoteliers economic benefits such as cost savings, minimising waste, increasing their revenue, and improve their brand image in the long term.

They can even cater to the needs of eco-friendly-conscious travelers who are ready to spend extra nuggets on accommodation because sustainability matters to them.

4. Become socially responsible

Consumers have become environmentally conscious, and studies show that 79% of consumers in countries like India, Indonesia, and China are worried about environmental sustainability.

A study was conducted by Nielson IQ and the results of the survey state that a sustainable lifestyle is important for 78% of US consumers.

Nowadays, most consumers are shifting their preferences toward buying products with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) related claims.

These numbers indicate that people have become environmentally conscious, and they want to invest their hard-earned money in those hotels that value saving the planet.

So, the hotel manager needs to use fair trade practices, pay timely wages to staff working with them, care about the environment, and use locally sourced produce. 

In this way, they set the example for others that they’re a responsible citizen of society and that’s why their guests choose them over others.

5. Your competitors are sustainable

It seems like a fortune that your competitors go green. That means you should also adopt sustainable practices in your hotel.

Every company that says that they are environmentally sustainable is creating a false image and today’s guests understand that a thin life difference exists between saying and doing. 

So, your hotel needs to become sustainable not just for your guests, but for the entire planet. It shows others that you care about the climate and natural beauty more than just earning mere profits. 

Innovative Eco-Friendly Practices in Luxury Hotels

Going green isn’t a fancy thing, it has become a necessity. A single hotel room produces carbon emissions, 10 to 13 Tonnes a year.

Imagine if that hotel had around 200 rooms, then the total amount of CO2 would be insane. Such carbon emissions negatively affect the environment.

Let’s discuss some of these eco-friendly practices that hoteliers should adopt-

1. Use energy-efficient devices

Luxury hotels are trying to reduce carbon emissions in the environment by using renewable energy sources such as LED lighting, solar panels, smart thermostats, motion sensors, etc.

Integrating smart sockets in lighting systems automatically changes the lighting settings when a guest arrives in the room and adjusts the temperature per weather conditions and time of the day.

Switching to energy-efficient devices not only saves the environment but also reduces operational costs. LED lighting consumes 80% less energy than regular bulbs.

Thus, it not only reduces emissions in the atmosphere but also provides a comforting experience to guests.

W Sentosa Cove Hotel in Singapore uses a smart lighting system to turn on/off the lights. Its smart sensors adjust the lighting conditions based on occupancy and weather conditions.

Thus, hoteliers can reduce their energy consumption and save their energy bills.

2. Local sourcing

Many 5-star hotels rely on sourcing products from local growers and providers which promote the development of local communities.

Thus, hotels can decrease carbon emissions and create a positive image in the minds of guests that they use locally sourced and natural ingredients.

A popular example of a luxury resort is Resort Rio which follows the idea of the green revolution.

It uses naturally sourced ingredients from local farms and provides dining experiences for guests. Thus, hotels are reducing their carbon footprint by saving their transportation costs. 

3. Water Conservation

Water scarcity remains a serious issue for the whole world and hospitality is no such exception. To save water, hoteliers can either invest in rainwater harvesting systems or use water-efficient fixtures.

Hoteliers should employ low-flow fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom as they supply less water, and they seem to provide plenty of water to the guests.  

This technology reduces the water consumption for hoteliers. 

Inform the guests to be mindful about the water usage. Hoteliers should reuse the wasted water for other purposes such as dust reduction, or laundering.  

Educate your staff on making optimal utilization of water as there are coastal areas or islands where there is a lack of access to drinking quality water. 

Resort Rio, being a luxury hotel, is using rainwater harvesting to conserve water and invested in sewage plants that recycle the water for other purposes such as gardening. 

4. Use eco-friendly food services

As the concern for sustainability is growing, hoteliers don't just need to run their hotel; they need to create strategies for managing food waste. Here are some of the ways to make your hotel sustainable -

1. Educate and inform your guests about disposing of waste separately in different containers, such as paper, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles.
2. Use reusable mugs and dishes, and avoid using straws, glasses, and mugs. It also reduces supply chain and waste management costs. Instead of using single containers for cereal, jam, and yogurt, it's preferable to use a glass container.
3. Rather than making vague statements that you've green and sustainable accommodation, share a bunch of facts with guests, such as how much carbon emissions have reduced, what % of water has saved, etc.
4. Switch to biodegradable or compostable options, meaning instead of using traditional plastics such as cornstarch, bamboo, or sugarcane fiber. These are less harmful than traditional plastics and cause less harm to the environment.
5. Shop from local vendors and food providers. This way, you can support farmers and reduce carbon emissions as the shipping distances are reduced. Such organic fresh produce appeals to eco-conscious guests.

 5. Make the hotel landscaping and gardening greener

1. Make sure to remove excess water from storms and irrigation that doesn't evaporate. You can keep the water flowing away by adding rain gardens or special drains. These help to soak up the water naturally.
2. You can use smart water irrigation systems to avoid unnecessary watering. You can go with the drought-resistant native plants to conserve water and reduce reliance on pesticides and fertilizers.
3. Invest in a warm compost bin. There are different benefits of turning organic waste into nutrient-rich soil, such as fewer pests, faster composting, and fewer plant diseases.

6. Go green for Purchasing

The other way to make your hotel eco-friendly is by using biodegradable, non-toxic materials.

Have a sustainable packaging policy for everything, such as -

1. Paint
2. Light bulbs
3. Cleaning supplies
4. Paper products
5. Shop for certified green appliances.
6. Replace your old and inefficient appliances with new energy-saving devices such as eco-friendly dryers, refrigerators, and ice machines.
7. Upgrade older washing machines to new ones to save water and electricity.

Wrapping up

Every hotel is trying to become sustainable in one way or the other.

Some hotels are using energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.

Others have used sustainable materials (recycled wood and non-toxic paints) to construct hotel buildings.

Some other hotels are emphasizing sourcing local produce from nearby farms to provide fine dining experiences to guests. This reduces transportation costs and employs local people residing near the hotel. 

Swart Hotel in Norway is considered the most energy-saving hotel in the world.

The architects of this hotel designed it in a circular shape allowing it to conserve more energy than it consumes. 

The roof of the hotel is surrounded by solar panels, so it saves energy and reduces energy costs by 45%.

So, if you too want to cater to environmentally conscious guests, it’s high time for you to walk on the path of building a sustainable future for them.

FAQs

Q1) What are effective waste management strategies for hotels?

A1) Here are a few effective waste management strategies that hoteliers can adopt -

1. Educate guests to reuse towels and linens.
2. Hotel staff should be trained in waste reduction and cycling.
3. Conduct regular waste audits to keep an eye on waste generation and how you can better prepare your hotel for such waste reduction.

Q2) How can hotels promote their sustainability efforts without greenwashing?

The best way for hoteliers to promote their sustainability efforts without greenwashing can be done in the following ways -

1. Display accurate information about sustainability initiatives, such as energy conservation, how they handle waste, and food waste initiatives.
2. Create a separate section on the website about green initiatives and sustainability measures you took in the past. Mention the impact, showcase the results, and testimonials you received from past clients.

Q3) What are some common features of eco-friendly hotels?

A3) Here are some common features of eco-friendly hotels, as given below -

1. Use energy-saving systems, such as the installation of LED systems.
2. Sustainable local products should be used to minimize carbon emissions.
3. Water cycling and filtering systems should be used, especially if the hotel is in an area where the water supply is limited or the area is suffering from drought conditions.

Q4) How do eco-friendly hotels save energy?

A4) Eco friendly hotels save energy through below mentioned methods:

1. Eco-friendly hotels save energy by reusing towels and bed linen.
2. Smart sensors can be used to optimize room temperature. Generally, the AC is not turned off when guests leave the room, so if smart sensors are used, then it would turn off the AC or at least reduce the room temperature when the guests are not there.

Q5) What is the importance of sourcing local products in eco-friendly hotels?

A5) The importance of sourcing local products in eco-friendly hotels is that it reduces carbon emissions.

Collaboration with local businesses can reduce their reliance on other vendors; this way, not only can hotels delight their guests with organic produce, but it also creates opportunities for farmers and local businesses.