Last updated on September 4th, 2023 at 10:39 am
You can gain a competitive edge in the hospitality industry by prioritizing sustainability in your hotels. The hotel industry accounts for about 1% of global carbon emissions, and this figure keeps growing. Going green is healthy for the earth and good for your business since many customers are becoming conscious about the environment. Are you searching for ideas to build an eco-friendly hotel business? This doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some ways hoteliers can embrace sustainability.
Digitize check-in and check-out
Leverage automation tech to modernize your hotel check-in and check-out processes. This tool allows guests to access their rooms without using physical keys and going through traditional desks. Digitizing your check-in process will help you reduce plastic cards and paper usage. Fortunately, you can send passcodes and check-in instructions virtually via an app. Your guests will embrace the convenience of gaining quick and secure access to their rooms without waiting in line.
Use renewable energy and efficient lighting
Installing energy-efficient LED bulbs is one of the best ways to save energy. Investing in renewable energy sources to power your hotel is another great idea to embrace sustainability. Many hotels and resorts are switching to eco-friendly power sources like wind, geothermal, and photovoltaic systems to reduce their carbon footprint. Planting more trees around your hotel to green your business is also worth it.
Conserve water and use tankless heaters
Hotels are increasingly adopting new water conservation strategies and reducing utility bills. These measures include installing low-flow showerheads and WCs, water recycling, and rainwater collection systems. Unlike their conventional counterparts, tankless water heaters are eco-friendly and less bulky, making them a hotel favourite. Moreover, Energy.Gov suggests they are about 24-34% more efficient than traditional ones. These eco-friendly hot water systems use less energy and reduce waste and CO2 emissions. You can work with a commercial tankless manufacturer who can help you transition to tankless water heaters if you want to embrace sustainability. Installation costs for these appliances are relatively low because of the lack of bulky equipment and external components. This is especially beneficial if you have limited space.
Offer guests a sustainable food menu
Consider offering customers sustainable food and beverage menus—foster relationships with local farmers, fishermen, and suppliers. Limiting your long-distance transportation can help reduce your carbon footprint related to food supply chains. Eco-friendly hoteliers should embrace organic and sustainable farming methods and avoid synthetic pesticides and excessive chemical fertilizers. Center your food menu around seasonal produce and ensure you use natural ingredients. Locally sourced food options in your menu will give guests a unique taste of your traditional dishes. Plant-based meals usually have a smaller environmental impact than animal-based alternatives. Therefore, including a diverse range of vegan and plant-based options can increase your sustainability.
Over 11000 scientists have warned about the threats of climate emergency. According to one survey cited by the Washington Post, over half of guests prefer staying in an environmentally friendly property. Therefore, embrace sustainability with these ideas to improve your customer experience.
