More and more travelers are choosing to stay in hotels that care about the environment and the local community. Would you like to be part of this movement? Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to turn your property into a sustainable hotel!
1. What is a sustainable hotel?
A sustainable hotel, also known as an eco-friendly hotel or green hotel, is a type of lodging that has been designed and operated in a way that reduces environmental and social impact. These hotels choose to implement sustainability principles, which include conservation of natural resources, protection of the environment, promotion of ethical business practices and the well-being of local communities.
2. Sustainable hospitality: how to be a sustainable hotel?
Before implementing sustainable measures, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of your hotel. Identify areas where you can improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and promote green practices.
Here is a short guide to making your hotel more sustainable:
2.1. Responsible use of water
Water is a scarce and valuable resource, so its responsible use is essential for a sustainable hotel. You can take certain measures such as:
- Water-saving technology: install low-flow faucets and showerheads, dual-flush toilets and hot water recirculation systems to minimize water consumption.
- Guest education: place posters and informational materials in rooms to encourage guests to be water conscious and use water responsibly.
- Water harvesting: install gray water or rainwater reuse systems for use in irrigation or cleaning.
- Reuse program: wash towels when indicated by the guest and try not to wash them by default every day.
2.2. Waste reduction and recycling at the hotel
One of the cornerstones of sustainability in the hotel industry is waste reduction and recycling. Sustainable hotels often implement some of the following practices:
- Recycling program: provides recycling garbage cans throughout the hotel, promoting recycling among guests and employees.
- Zero plastic packaging: eliminate disposable products and single-use packaging. Opt for more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as reusable and biodegradable materials.
- Paper and ink reduction: encourages the use of technology, such as mobile apps and online check-in systems, to reduce the need for paper such as brochures and printed receipts. Implementing tablets into the check-in process, such as Civitfun’s T-Paperless, not only streamlines and simplifies the customer experience, but also contributes to the conservation of natural resources by eliminating unnecessary printing of documents. Explore Civitfun’s products to learn how they can help you make your hotel more sustainable.
- Composting: turn organic waste into compost through composting programs, thereby reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.
2.3. Energy savings in hotels
Energy efficiency is key to the sustainability of any hotel. Energy can be saved in a hotel in a variety of ways. Here are some strategies that sustainable hotels can implement:
- LED lighting and motion sensors: replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights and using motion sensors in common areas and rooms can significantly reduce energy expenditure.
- Insulation and energy efficiency: improving the insulation of facilities and using energy-efficient technologies, such as double-glazed windows and efficient air-conditioning systems, can maintain comfortable temperatures with lower energy consumption.
- Renewable energy: installing solar panels or purchasing renewable energy can drastically reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
2.4. Support for local businesses
One of the highlights that can be realized in sustainable hospitality is the opportunity to support nearby businesses and thus boost the local economy.
- Local purchasing: buy food, cleaning products and other supplies from local suppliers to boost the area’s economy and reduce carbon footprint.
- Cultural offerings: offer guests local cultural experiences. Collaborate with local tour guides and outdoor companies to provide authentic experiences for the guests.
- Promote local culture: Display local artwork in your facilities, offer live music and promote local cultural events to help preserve cultural identity.
- Community projects: Invest in community development projects, such as building schools or improving local infrastructure, contributing to the well-being of the community in which you operate and attracting more visitors.
2.5. Design and construction in sustainable hospitality
Hotel sustainability starts from the first brick. Here are some key guidelines that sustainable hotels follow in this regard:
- Location selection: choose locations that minimize environmental impact, such as areas close to public transportation or consolidated urban areas.
- Sustainable materials: use sustainable and low environmental impact building materials, such as certified wood, VOC-free paint and recycled products.
- Green spaces: design outdoor spaces with vegetation and green areas not only to beautify the environment but also to promote biodiversity and CO2 absorption.
- Sustainable interior design: uses furniture and decorations made from recycled or reclaimed materials, and promotes the use of organic and sustainable textiles.
3. Hotel sustainability: Certifications
Earning sustainability certifications would reflect your commitment to the cause, don’t you think? These certifications endorse your hotel’s sustainable practices and can attract an environmentally conscious audience.
Here are five of the most outstanding sustainability certificates:
- Biosphere Responsible Tourism: it focuses on responsible and sustainable tourism as a whole. Biosphere certified hotels are committed to environmental, social and economic sustainability, and must meet a wide range of standards.
- Green Key: it is awarded to hotels that meet strict sustainability criteria in areas such as environmental management, energy and water consumption, and participation in environmental education activities.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified: highlights hotels that strive to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable agricultural practices. In addition to hotels, this certificate is awarded to tourism businesses that respect ecosystems and local communities.
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Although primarily a certification for buildings, LEED has also been used to evaluate the sustainability of hotels. It evaluates factors such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality and the selection of sustainable materials.
- EarthCheck Certification: one of the leading sustainability certification programs in the hotel industry. It evaluates and certifies the environmental performance of hotels in areas such as water, energy and waste management.
4. Conclusion
Making your hotel a sustainable establishment is a smart decision for both the planet and your business. In addition to contributing to the well-being of the environment and the local community, you will stand out as a preferred choice for responsible travelers.
