6 Eco-Friendly Hotel Tips: How to Reduce Environmental Impact and Attract Sustainable Guests
The hospitality industry is constantly changing, and keeping up with the latest trends is crucial for the success of any hotel. One trend that is becoming increasingly popular is eco-friendly or green hotels. By catering to this demand, hotels can align with societal and environmental concerns, enhance the guest experience, and control costs.
A survey by Booking.com found that 83% of global travelers think sustainable travel is vital, with 61% saying the pandemic has made them want to travel more sustainably in the future.
Adopting eco-friendly measures contributes to environmental sustainability and offers financial benefits. For example, streamlining operations and increasing efficiency through sustainable practices, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, and HVAC systems, and implementing recycling and composting programs can lead to cost savings.
Eco-friendly hotels are becoming increasingly visible on platforms such as TripAdvisor, making it easier for conscious consumers to make informed choices. As such, hotels that prioritize sustainability are not only contributing to a more significant cause but also positioning themselves to attract environmentally-minded travelers.
Understanding the Concept of an Eco-Friendly Hotel
Eco-friendly hotels strive to minimize their environmental impact by implementing sustainable practices, such as maintenance, services, and supply chains. These measures include reducing energy and water consumption, pursuing zero waste generation, and utilizing environmentally-friendly products. Hotels may also leverage automation software and other systems to optimize operations and become more efficient.
Exploring the ways hotels can be greener: Sustainability in the hospitality industry
It is a common misconception that implementing sustainable hotel practices is costly and negatively impacts guest experience. However, many sustainable practices focus on reducing resource consumption and waste generation, saving costs. In addition, some areas may provide grants for sustainable improvements. Furthermore, it's crucial to consider sustainability as a long-term investment and an integral aspect of a hotel's business model.
Implementing eco-friendly practices doesn't have to come at the expense of guest comfort. Reducing energy consumption doesn't mean prohibiting air conditioning. Instead, it's leveraging smart appliances and monitoring systems to personalize energy usage while maintaining guest comfort and controlling costs. All hotels suit these sustainable practices.
Eco-friendly hotels are becoming increasingly popular as consumers prioritize sustainable travel options. Not only do these practices align with societal and environmental concerns, but they also offer cost-saving solutions for hotels.
Here are a few eco-friendly hotel ideas that can help reduce costs and improve sustainability:
Breaking the Plastic Habit
Plastic pollution is a global problem that significantly impacts the environment. Hotels contribute to it by using single-use plastics. We can positively impact the environment and create a sustainable future.
- Reduce plastic waste, starting with keycards
Hotels can help by replacing plastic keycards with smart locks, access codes, and keyless entry systems. In addition, platforms like SuiteOp's SuiteConnect for hotel check-in automation save on supply costs and lost cards, reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, and improve security, comfort, and convenience.
- Eliminate single-use plastic water bottles
By giving guests a reusable branded bottle and providing water dispensers around the premises, hotels can reduce the use of single-use plastics and save on supply costs.
Additionally, don't provide straws or disposable cups and cutlery unless necessary, and switch to reusable or biodegradable options like bamboo straws.
Powering Up Sustainability
Hotels are major energy consumers and significant contributors to CO2 emissions. A 2021 study in Europe revealed that buildings such as hotels accounted for 25% of energy consumption from the total European building stock. But it's not all doom and gloom; implementing energy-saving measures can bring down those expenses and positively impact the environment. Let's explore how your hotel can cut energy costs and make a lasting impact.
- Automate energy control
Hoteliers, it's time to upgrade your HVAC system! You'll make guests happy and save energy by installing modern, efficient systems that customize airflow, heating, cooling, and monitoring room occupancy.
- Invest in renewable energy sources
Installing solar panels, air or ground heat pumps, and underfloor heating can significantly reduce energy consumption. Switching to a renewable energy provider, such as solar or wind power, can also help reduce costs and environmental impact.
- Implement energy-efficient lighting
Installing energy-saving light bulbs like LEDs and purchasing Energy Star-rated or equivalent energy-efficient appliances can significantly reduce energy consumption. Additionally, installing motion sensors around the grounds to control lighting can save energy and reduce light pollution.
- Plant trees
Going green is as easy as 1, 2, tree! If you're lucky enough to have a backyard, planting trees around your hotel can provide a natural shade, reducing the need for energy-consuming air conditioning. But, if you're a city hotel, don't worry - you can still support a cause that plants trees in areas that need it and help the environment differently.
From Plate to Compost
Food waste is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. However, you can significantly reduce food waste and promote sustainability as a hotelier. Here are a few ways you can make a difference:
- Portion control
By implementing portion control, you can reduce the amount of food left uneaten and minimize waste. For example, you can achieve portion control by using smaller plates and utensils or offering smaller menu options. Additionally, by allowing guests to take leftovers home in reusable containers, you can also help reduce food waste.
- Partner with local organizations
Donating excess food to local food banks or shelters can help feed those in need and reduce food waste. You can also consider partnerships with local organizations that regularly pick up excess food.
- Turn left-over food into compost.
Composting food scraps can turn waste into a valuable resource that people can use to enrich the soil in gardens and landscaping. This reduces the waste sent to landfills and helps create a more sustainable environment for your guests.
- Say NO to over-purchasing.
By planning menus and taking inventory of food products regularly, you can reduce over-purchasing and food waste. In addition, forecast the number of guests and consider factors such as dietary restrictions and seasonality.
- Educate your guests
By educating your guests about the importance of reducing food waste and encouraging them to take smaller portions or take leftovers home, you can help raise awareness about this critical issue. You can also provide guests with information on local organizations that accept food donations and encourage them to impact the community while they stay positive.
Making a Splash: Save H2O
Water conservation is another crucial element in creating an eco-friendly Hotel. As water scarcity becomes an increasingly pressing concern, hotels must take proactive measures to explore greener ways.
- Utilize smart and innovative appliances and systems
Install innovative water-saving shower systems like Orbital Systems, which can save up to 90% of the water used. Purchase water-efficient appliances and install aerators on faucets, low-flow showerheads, push taps, and dual or low-flush toilets.
- Re-use linens and towels
Encourage guests to reuse linen and towels by providing enough towel racks or having an in-house washer. This helps maintain a clean and hygienic living space and promotes sustainable practices.
- Repurpose water
Implement rainwater or greywater collection systems to repurpose wastewater for non-potable uses like flushing toilets.
Green on the Go
Sustainability and eco-friendliness go hand in hand, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions is essential. Furthermore, promoting sustainable transportation solutions is an effective way for hotels to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the industry's greener goal. In short, it's a win-win situation for the hotel and the environment.
Here are some eco-friendly suggestions to explore:
- Use hybrid or electric vehicles
Switch to hybrid or electric vehicles for your corporate fleet and provide guests with bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also saves on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run.
- Implement group shuttle
Implement group shuttles to reduce low-occupancy trips and switch to flexible on-demand transportation services for local attractions or employees between sites. This reduces fuel consumption and cuts operational costs by ensuring vehicles are only in circulation when needed.
- Invest in on-site charging options
Offer on-site charging options for electric vehicles. This will attract environmentally-conscious guests and save on costs compared to public charging points.
Boosting the Community and Supporting the Local Economy
Supporting the community can add a personal touch to your guests' experience.
Why go far and wide when you can shop locally? Hotels can boost the local economy and shrink their eco-footprint by supporting small businesses in the neighborhood. Plus, by promoting the hidden gems in the area and giving back to the community, hotels can be the ultimate triple threat: good for the earth, the people, and business!
Supporting the local community is not only a responsible business practice, but it also enhances the guest experience. Hotels can help stimulate the economy and promote sustainable tourism by sourcing products and services from local vendors. Furthermore, by promoting local tourism destinations and experiences, hotels can offer guests a unique and authentic experience.
Here are some ways hotels can support the local community:
- Partner with local farmers
Partner with local farmers, producers, and artisans to source products and services. This can include using locally-made crafts, toiletries, furnishings, and more on-site and offering these items for sale at the hotel's reception or gift shop.
- Create guest recommendations
Recommend authentic local bars, restaurants, and other businesses to guests. This supports the local economy and offers guests a more authentic experience. Use technology such as SuiteOp's SuitePortal to promote these businesses and allow guests to place orders for food delivery or local products.
- Offer a local tour
Organize visits to local workshops, studios, and natural or cultural heritage sites. Offer local walking, biking, or hiking excursions and help guests discover lesser-known destinations. This supports the local community and provides guests with a unique and authentic experience.
Creating an eco-friendly hotel benefits the environment, reputation, and bottom line. By implementing sustainable practices such as energy-efficient systems, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions, hotels can reduce their environmental impact and attract eco-conscious guests. Additionally, hotels can enhance the guest experience by supporting the local economy and promoting sustainable tourism.
We hope that the tips in this blog post have given you some inspiration and ideas on how your hotel can become more sustainable. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, and every step toward sustainability counts. So, let's work together to create a greener future for the hospitality industry and the planet.
