A collective effort is required for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and restoration of ecosystems. The travelers, too, are increasingly concerned about their impact on the environment. The hospitality industry is making serious efforts to adopt sustainable green practices, minimise waste, and implement eco-friendly initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.
Waste management strategies
An effective waste management by the hospitality industry essentially involves reducing, reusing, and recycling waste generated to minimise environmental impact.
The waste should be properly segregated at its origin into recyclables, organic waste, and non-recyclables to facilitate recycling and composting. Recycling stations should be there in hotels for guests and staff, mainly for paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metals.
They should compost organic waste from the kitchen and food outlets, and this nutrient-rich compost can benefit the local community gardens, agriculture, and landscaping around. Excess leftover food should be donated to the underprivileged through local charities and food banks. This would minimise wastage of food. The use of single-use plastics or products that never fully decompose, like plastic straws, should be avoided by opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Guests should be encouraged to use reusable items. The staff and guests should be educated about waste reduction practices. Regular waste audits should be conducted to identify areas for improvement and track progress. These waste management strategies will not only divert or reduce waste in the landfills but also help the hospitality industry significantly reduce its overall ecological footprint.
Energy efficiency initiatives
Hospitality industry can take some simple steps that can lead to considerable energy savings, like installation of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, automation by using smart thermostats and occupancy sensors to optimise heating, cooling, and lighting based on occupancy levels. It should invest in renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean energy. Regular energy audits can also identify areas where energy consumption can be optimised, helping them make informed decisions to minimise waste and maximise efficiency.
Hotels and resorts increasingly plan to be net energy positive by adopting the above initiatives. In fact, some are even focusing on removing materials that consume more energy, like concrete, and instead using wood, natural stone, or glass.
Water conservation
The hospitality industry can adopt various water-saving measures, such as using low-flow toilets and showers, water-efficient laundry practices, rain water harvesting for non-potable water needs like landscaping and cleaning, encouraging guests to participate in water conservation efforts by offering them the option to reuse towels and linen. Advanced technologies like smart digital showers should be used. These come with a water powered display that tracks users’ real-time water consumption.
Sustainable food and beverage practices
These include sourcing local, organic, and seasonal ingredients to support local communities and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, offering vegetarian and plant-based menu options to promote sustainable and healthier dining, collaborating with local farmers and suppliers to ensure sustainable sourcing. Besides, hotels can minimise food waste by forecasting demand, donating excess food to local shelters, or implementing composting programs for food scraps.
Eco-friendly and green construction
Designing and constructing the hotel with eco-friendly materials and techniques. Use sustainable materials for furniture, flooring, and decor. Aim for green building certifications, such as LEED, to demonstrate commitment to sustainable construction. Proper ventilation and enhancing insulation would reduce energy consumption and improve the indoor environment. Integrating green spaces, such as rooftop gardens or outdoor courtyards, would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to biodiversity and air quality improvement.
Community engagement:
Engage with the local community through partnerships and support local businesses. Offer cultural experiences and activities that promote local heritage and traditions.
Employee training and engagement:
Educate staff about sustainable practices and their role in promoting sustainability, to come up with ideas for sustainability improvements, and reward their initiatives. Eco-tourism and nature-based activities Promotin eco-friendly tours and activities that respect wildlife and natural habitats would help support conservation efforts.
Continuous improvement and monitoring:
Regularly assess the hotel’s sustainability performance and set achievable goals. Use data and analytics to identify areas for improvement and track progress over time.
Embracing the above sustainable practices by the hospitality industry would benefit the planet by preserving natural resources and reducing pollution, align with the values of environmentally conscious travellers, contribute to long-term cost savings and improve brand reputation of the hotel.