How can you Make your Hotel More Sustainable

Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in the hospitality industry as more travellers seek eco-friendly accommodations. Hotels must adopt sustainable practices that not only reduce environmental impact but also meet the expectations of environmentally conscious guests. Making your hotel more sustainable involves various strategies that enhance both its environmental and operational efficiency. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you implement sustainable practices in your hotel.

Embrace Energy Efficiency

One of the most impactful ways to reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint is through energy efficiency. Start by replacing traditional lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, which use significantly less electricity and have a longer lifespan, reducing both energy bills and maintenance costs.

Investing in smart thermostats and energy management systems can also make a big difference. These technologies allow you to optimise energy usage by adjusting heating and cooling based on occupancy levels. Additionally, consider renewable energy sources like solar panels or even wind turbines, that despite requiring an initial investment they can lead to substantial savings in the long run.

Case in Point: The Lancaster London hotel installed a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant that reduced its carbon emissions by 2,000 tonnes annually, proving that large-scale changes can make a significant impact.

Prioritise Water Conservation

Water conservation is becoming an increasingly critical focus in the hospitality industry, particularly as global water scarcity intensifies. Hotels, by their very nature, consume vast amounts of water, from guest rooms and kitchens to laundry services and landscaping. Implementing robust water conservation strategies not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable tourism.

One of the most straightforward yet impactful measures is the installation of low-flow fixtures throughout the property. This includes low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, which significantly reduce water consumption without sacrificing guest comfort. By maintaining water pressure while using less water, hotels can see substantial savings

Another advanced strategy gaining traction is greywater recycling. Greywater, which includes water from showers, sinks, and laundry, can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as irrigation and toilet flushing. This not only reduces the demand for fresh water but also cuts down on wastewater. As highlighted by Hospitality Net, properties like the Novotel Itu Terras de São José Golf & Resort have successfully reclaimed millions of litres of greywater annually, illustrating the feasibility and benefits of such systems in reducing water footprint.

Incorporating smart technologies into water management is another innovative approach. Smart water meters and IoT sensors allow hotels to monitor water usage in real-time, identify leaks or inefficiencies, and make data-driven decisions to optimise water consumption. These technologies not only help in detecting and fixing issues promptly but also provide detailed insights that can inform long-term conservation strategies.

Reduce Waste

Waste reduction is an area where hotels can make immediate and noticeable improvements. Start by eliminating single-use plastics in guest rooms and facilities. This includes replacing plastic water bottles with glass ones or installing filtered water dispensers. Reducing or eliminating single-use plastics is a critical step for any hotel aiming to decrease its environmental impact.

Adopting a comprehensive recycling program with clearly marked recycling bins in guest rooms and common areas, as well as training staff to properly segregate recyclable can be very effective and drastically reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills. At Bywaters we provide support to staff and have useful resources that can assist any hotel become more sustainable.

Food waste represents a significant portion of a hotel’s total waste, and reducing it can lead to substantial environmental and economic benefits. Strategies include monitoring and adjusting food purchasing and preparation processes, composting organic waste, and donating surplus food to local charities

Comprehensive recycling programs are essential, but why stop there? Composting food waste and donating surplus food to local charities can further reduce the waste your hotel sends to landfill. Partnering with local suppliers can also help reduce packaging waste and support the community.

One of the most impactful ways to reduce emissions is by adopting innovative waste management technologies. For instance, Imperial London Hotels, in partnership with Bywaters, successfully implemented a miniature compaction unit known as ‘The Pod’ at the Royal National Hotel. This system significantly reduced waste storage space, decreased the frequency of waste collections, and cut down on CO2 emissions from transportation. This initiative not only optimised space and operational efficiency but also generated substantial cost savings, amounting to £20,000 annually.

Implementing soap recycling programs is an effective way for hotels to reduce waste and contribute to global hygiene initiatives. Rather than disposing of partially used soap bars, hotels can collaborate with organisations like Clean the World, which specialise in collecting, sanitising, and repurposing soap to distribute to communities in need. This approach not only helps to minimise the amount of waste sent to UK landfills but also supports worldwide health efforts by providing essential hygiene products to those who lack access. By integrating soap recycling into your hotel’s sustainability strategy, you enhance your waste reduction efforts and make a positive social impact, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable and responsible tourism.

Commit to Sustainable Sourcing

Sustainable sourcing is key to reducing your hotel’s environmental impact. Choose locally produced food and beverages to cut down on transportation emissions and support local businesses. This will also help minimise packaging waste which is an essential step towards a sustainable hotel. Additionally, using eco-friendly cleaning products and sustainable building materials helps to create a healthier environment for both guests and staff.

Selecting products that are certified by reputable sustainability standards is another key strategy. Certifications like FairTrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) ensure that products are sourced in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

By committing to sustainable sourcing, hotels can enhance their environmental stewardship, support ethical practices, and appeal to eco-conscious guests. This not only improves the hotel’s reputation but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

Engage Your Guests

Your sustainability efforts can be amplified by engaging your guests. Start by educating guests about your sustainability practices through in-room materials, digital displays, or pre-arrival communications. Providing information on how they can contribute, such as reusing towels or participating in recycling programs, or offering discounts for opting out of daily housekeeping services encourages them to take part in your efforts. According to Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, transparency about your green initiatives can significantly increase guest participation. Mapping your efforts against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—such as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—can provide a strong framework for communicating your sustainability journey.

Promote local eco-tourism activities that allow guests to experience the beauty of your surroundings while supporting conservation efforts. Additionally, using digital communication methods instead of paper can significantly reduce waste and showcase your commitment to sustainability.

Get Involved with the Community

Sustainability isn’t just about what happens within the walls of your hotel; it’s also about making a positive impact on the surrounding community. Partner with local environmental organisations to support conservation efforts or participate in community green projects. Hiring locally not only supports the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with commuting.

By actively engaging with and supporting the local community, hotels can create a lasting positive impact that benefits both the area and the hotel itself. Highlighting  this involvement not only strengthens the hotel’s reputation as a responsible business but also builds a deeper connection with guests who value community and sustainability.

Achieve Certifications and Awards

Earning sustainability certifications like Green Key, EarthCheck, can bolster your hotel’s credibility. These certifications require hotels to meet rigorous environmental and social responsibility standards, covering areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and community engagement and can attract eco-conscious travellers. For instance, Green Key offers a well-respected certification that focuses on environmentally friendly operations and practices, helping hotels to systematically improve their sustainability performance.

The process of obtaining these certifications involves meeting specific criteria, which often leads to improvements in operational efficiency and reductions in costs. Plus, the recognition from these certifications can set your hotel apart from competitors.

Once you’ve achieved certifications or won awards, it’s essential to promote these accomplishments to your guests, staff, and partners. Display certification logos on your website, in marketing materials, and within the hotel to build trust and awareness. Make sure to communicate what these certifications and awards mean in terms of your hotel’s sustainability journey, helping guests understand the tangible impacts of your efforts.

Conclusion

Adopting sustainable practices is not just good for the environment—it’s good for business. As the demand for sustainable accommodation continues to grow, hotels that prioritise sustainability will find themselves at a competitive advantage.

Start small, but think big. Every step you take towards sustainability is a step towards a better future for our planet and your hotel’s bottom line.