In an era where environmental consciousness is prioritized globally, the hospitality industry plays a crucial role in adopting sustainable practices. As key players in the travel and tourism sector, sustainable hotels can significantly impact by embracing eco-friendly initiatives.
On average, a single night's stay in an eco friendly hotel in London generates 11.5kg of CO2 per guest, while in the Maldives, this figure skyrockets to over 152.2kg per night.
A single hotel room generates between 10 to 13 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to over 100,000 footballs of CO2 released into the atmosphere from one room in a building with over 300 rooms. That's more than 30 million footballs of CO2! By implementing sustainable hotel practices, such as energy-saving technologies and waste management, the hospitality sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental awareness.
That's a LOT of CO2: Understanding Our Carbon Footprint
Hotels alone contribute to 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, making it a priority to ensure they become more eco-friendly (especially when compared to aviation emissions are only 2%).
While it’s essential for hotels to prioritise eco-friendliness to contribute to mitigating the carbon crisis, it is equally significant in driving business. More than 65% of customers express concern about the environmental impact of their hospitality choices, making sustainable practices a key factor in attracting and retaining customers.
In this blog, we will explore various sustainable practices that hotels can adopt to reduce their environmental footprint whilst also enhancing guest experiences.
Energy efficiency
One of the primary areas where hotels can make a difference is in energy consumption. Using eco-friendly materials in energy-efficient appliances and lighting can further enhance sustainability efforts. Implementing energy-efficient measures not only helps the environment but also reduces operational costs. Hotels can invest in LED lighting, motion sensors, and energy-efficient appliances.
Switching to LED lighting has the potential to reduce your carbon footprint by 50-70%. LED lights can consume 90% less energy than regular lights, meaning that you are saving money and lowering your carbon footprint at the same time.
Additionally, harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar panels can further decrease reliance on conventional power grids. Once solar panels are installed they have minimal upkeep and are a great way to reduce the negative impact energy consumption and production have on the environment as they are completely renewable and release no greenhouse gasses.
Water Conservation Measures
Water conservation is a vital component of sustainable hospitality. Hotels can implement various measures to conserve water, ensuring they play their part in preserving this precious resource. Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, promptly fixing leaks, and using drought-resistant landscaping are just a few ways to reduce water usage. Additionally, hotels can implement greywater recycling systems, which collect and treat wastewater from sinks, showers, and washing machines, and reuse it for irrigation and other non-potable purposes. By conserving water, hotels can significantly reduce their water consumption, lower their water bills, and contribute to the global effort to conserve water resources.
Sustainable sourcing and local partnerships
Hotels can support local economies and reduce their carbon footprint by sourcing products locally and sustainably. Supporting local communities through sustainable sourcing not only reduces carbon footprint but also promotes social responsibility. Whilst this applies to products such as toiletries and linens it is particularly important when it comes to food.
A 3-course meal, which you would likely find in a nice hotel restaurant, generates 8 kg of CO2. To try and keep this number down hotel restaurants should focus on;
- Prioritising locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- Choosing organic and sustainably produced ingredients to support environmentally friendly farming practices.
- Consider plant-based menu options to reduce the carbon emissions associated with meat and dairy production.
Some of the more carbon-friendly foods are often plant-based, as seen in the chart below;
So focusing on offering delicious plant-based meal options is a great way for hotels to bring down their overall carbon footprint.
Additionally, 82% of people have stated they would like to see hotels, cafes and restaurants offer a low-carbon menu so having this in place would also benefit business.
Reduce waste
Hotels generate significant amounts of waste, including food waste, packaging, and disposable amenities. Implementing green initiatives such as recycling programs and composting can significantly reduce waste. To put it in perspective, food waste emissions have been estimated to be as high as 8% of total GHG emissions versus total airline travel emissions to be 3%.
To address this issue, hotels can adopt a comprehensive waste management system that includes recycling programs, composting, and waste reduction initiatives. Using biodegradable and compostable materials for disposable items can further minimise the environmental impact.
In terms of food waste food scraps should be composted and if you have the space on site consider making your own compost bin as this would keep transportation emissions down whilst also helping the circular economy.
Eco-friendly transportation options
Encouraging guests to use eco-friendly transportation options, such as local buses and trains, can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with travel. Encouraging eco-friendly transportation options offers significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions.
To put it in perspective, every 25 miles of the average car, creates enough cc2 that would take a mangrove sapling over 1 year to remove.
Additionally, many great hotels have bike stations on-site which encourages customers to explore their surroundings sustainably without relying on taxis which emit higher levels of CO2.
Hotels can also offer electric vehicle charging stations and provide shuttle services using fuel-efficient or electric vehicles.
It’s the small things that do matter.
Benefits of Sustainable Practices in Hotels
Implementing sustainable practices in hotels offers numerous benefits, from reducing energy consumption and conserving water to minimizing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices. These initiatives can also improve a hotel’s bottom line by lowering energy and water costs and enhancing its reputation as a responsible business. Moreover, sustainable practices can boost guest satisfaction and loyalty, as more travellers seek out eco-friendly hotels that align with their values and priorities. By adopting sustainable practices, hotels contribute to a more sustainable future and strengthen their competitiveness in the hospitality industry, ensuring they remain attractive to the eco-conscious traveller. Embracing sustainability practices not only enhances a hotel's sustainability efforts but also plays a vital role in reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact, promoting sustainable tourism for future generations.
Countering carbon emissions
Carbon emissions are inevitable, and whilst the hospitality sector can implement sustainable practices, there is no way to run a business without emitting any greenhouse gasses (yet!). Therefore, ensuring your hotel counters its carbon emissions is the most crucial step in keeping it eco-friendly.
Purchasing humanitarian carbon reduction and removal credits, planting trees, and preventing ocean plastic are some of the best ways to reduce a hotel’s negative climate impact.
With SKOOT you can counter your hotel’s carbon footprint whilst also helping communities in need, visit our website today to check out how to offset your carbon.
By embracing sustainable practices, hotels not only contribute to global environmental conservation but also meet the growing demand for responsible and eco-friendly travel experiences. The implementation of these initiatives not only benefits the planet but also enhances the reputation of hotels as responsible and forward-thinking establishments. As travellers become more environmentally conscious, sustainable practices will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry.
