It's almost common knowledge by now that the relationship towards the environment that companies have is not simply with a sentiment of philanthropy, as it was perceived years ago. Now, companies understand and consumers demand that they take responsibility for their actions and ways of production in order not to cause any harm to our planet (almost impossible, but the goal should be at least to cause the minimum negative impact possible). Therefore, the tourism and hotel industry would be no different.
We are moving towards a future where we are beginning to understand that business, society, and the environment are not separate spheres, but rather integrated spheres where one element cannot survive without the other. This understanding makes the responsibility of companies towards the environment a mandatory demand, and may even be regulated by strict laws, as is the case in several European countries, for example.
In a scenario where ESG (an acronym for good environmental, social, and governance practices) is one of the most debated topics globally, and the demand for companies that act accordingly is growing, but still, the vast majority of companies are taking their first steps in this area, incorporating sustainable practices into the business proves to be a differentiating factor for your hotel when customers choose accommodation.
So let's now dive deep into how to make your hotel more sustainable!
Companies operating in the tourism industry must pay close attention to how their operational sector impacts the environment, the local community, and the lives of their employees. However, incorporating sustainability into a hotel does not have to be complex or difficult. Through awareness, strategic changes in operations, and engagement of customers and employees, it is possible to make the transition to a sustainable hotel.
Why is sustainability important for the hotel industry?
In addition to minimizing negative impacts on the environment, such as water waste, energy consumption, and pollution, adopting an ESG strategy within the hotel can generate other benefits, such as the improvement of the financial sustainability of the business (through water and energy savings and better waste management), and the improvement of the hotel's reputation, given that the demand for sustainable tourism has been growing exponentially in recent years. A June 2021 Booking.com survey of 29,000 travelers from 30 countries showed that 81% want to stay in sustainable accommodations. Demand is high, but supply is lacking, with 49% of respondents believing that there are currently not enough options available on the market.
Managing Waste
There are dozens of measures that can be taken to make a hotel not only sustainable (something that sustains itself, that does not generate or minimizes negative impacts on the environment), but also ecological (that generates a positive impact on the environment, and uses natural resources without degenerating it), such as implementing a rainwater harvesting system, and a renewable energy and energy efficiency system.
However, this is a step further. For those who are just starting on the journey towards sustainable development, looking at waste management may be the most accessible practice in the short term.
The way waste is managed and disposed of can be a determining factor in the environmental impact of the location of the hotel. In addition to implementing responsible selective waste collection, it is essential to change the way we view this waste. It is important to understand that disposable products are not inevitable elements and can be removed from the hotel's operating strategy. Using reusable or biodegradable objects is a very efficient sustainable action since once the waste is removed from the equation, there is no negative impact on the environment when it is disposed of.
All disposable items left for guests in their rooms, plastic cups and cutlery at the pool bar, and plastic water bottles, as well as office paper or paper used in the day-to-day operations, can be eliminated, and the removal of these items also results in savings (in the medium term) on the recurring cost associated with the purchase of disposable supplies.
In addition to plastic waste, it is also necessary to look at organic waste, but not as a waste, but rather as a nutrient, through composting this material. In addition to organic kitchen waste, there are always leftovers from food and meals during the operation of a hotel. Instead of throwing them away in plastic bags and sending them to landfills, where they will be leaking greenhouse gases, the best thing to do is compost them to turn them into fertilizer for gardens, flowerbeds, and the hotel's green areas.
Finally, another important factor is the use of cleaning products. Whether it's laundry detergents or cleaning products for rooms and common areas, you should always choose eco-friendly cleaning products. Eco-friendly detergents use more natural ingredients and fewer chemicals, so they are less toxic and harmful to people and the environment.
Raising Awareness
None of this can be achieved without the collaboration of the guests themselves. In addition to involving employees, suppliers, and collaborators, it is necessary to effectively involve guests. Including these ecological changes in the hotel's branding, through impactful communication, makes guests more aware, celebrate and collaborate with new practices.
By raising awareness, it is possible to get guests to collaborate with simple actions that, overall, generate a great impact. Some examples include asking that towels and bed linen not be changed every day during your stay, turning off the lights and air conditioning in areas that are not in use, encouraging guests to be aware of their consumption habits, and encouraging them to use public transportation in the area around your hotel, and promoting bicycle rentals.
It is extremely important that all stakeholders are collectively aware when implementing ESG so that everyone is aware of the relevance and benefits of ESG for society, the company, and of course, the environment. Union is strength.
Investing in Training
And to achieve these results with excellence, it is extremely important to invest in training. Without training, there is no awareness, without awareness, there is no change, and without change, there is no evolution and achievement of objectives.
If you wanna know more about how to make your hotel sustainable or need help to guide you on that journey, don't hesitate to contact us! With the right training program, you are able to change the mindset of your collaborators and apply in practice the knowledge that will transform your business! Join us!
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