Hospitality and tourism continued to have growing presence in national or international economy. According Pereira V., Silva G and Dias A, in their publication titled “Sustainability Practices in Hospitality: Case Study of a Luxury Hotel in Arrábida Natural Park”, tourism and hospitality contribute approximately 10.5% to world GDP. Sustainability practices in this sector have evolved beyond regulatory compliance to become a fundamental ethical responsibilities. With growing concerns about climate change and Greenhouse gas emissions, players within the hospitality and tourism sector must adhere to the fundamentals of “green economy”.
In this article, I will discuss how hotel managers can achieve sustainable development in their operations.
What is Sustainable Development or Sustainability Practices?
According to United Kingdom Sustainable Development Commission, “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” It simply means “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. In other words, it means conserving resources for future generations. Sustainability practices are actions taken to protect the environment, save resources, and operate in a way that benefits both people and the planet for the long term.
Managers of hospitality businesses must understand the impact their businesses have on the environment. The annual carbon footprint of the hospitality industry is estimated at 3% of global carbon emissions in 2022. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), “one-third of these emissions are produced by hotel operations.” _Deloitte. Sustainable operations in this sector are essential for long-term success, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
How Can Managers Achieve Sustainability in Their Operations?
Establish a Clear Sustainability Goal. Hotel managers should draft a formal document (policy) outlining the hotel’s commitment to sustainability, carbon footprint reduction, and social responsibility. Hotels and other hospitality practitioners should define SMART metrics for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible procurement.
Reduce Energy Consumption. Hotels operate 24-hours a day and seven-days per week making them to become “one of the most energy-intensive types of organizations”. It is essential they reduce rate of energy consumption. This can be achieved by using LED lights, motion sensors, and energy-efficient appliances. Energy consumption is proportionately related to greenhouse gas emissions; the implementation of efficient energy-saving strategies during the hotel’s operation phase will result in reduced costs for hotel units and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Embrace circular economy.Circular economy(CE) is a growing concept among scholars and practitioners. According to Ellen Marcarthur Foundation “the circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources”. Hotel practitioners can achieve CE by reducing wastage such as reduction of single use plastic, reduction of food wastes (food wastes can be donated), sustainable procurement by purchasing locally produced goods, choosing eco-friendly materials, and working with suppliers who follow circular economy principles. Hotels can carry out repairs and maintenance instead of pursuing outright replacements.
Use Renewable Energy. Introduce new energy source by investing in solar energy and wind energy or purchasing green energy.
Promote Eco-Friendly Transportation System. This can be pursued by offering bike rentals services or partnering with bike sharing companies, and promoting public transportation options.
Reduce Water Consumption. The adoption of efficient methods of water consumption can promote reduction in a company’s operating cost. Water consumption can be reduced by using low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets, and installing sensor-based taps in communal restrooms to prevent water wastage. Conduct periodic checks to discover water leakages.
Educate Guests and Staff. Educate them on sustainable practices, encourage responsible consumption, and offer incentives for participation.
Check Hope Street Hotel for more on sustainability in operations.
Adopting sustainable practices enable hotel owners and managers to reduce operational costs, increase revenue, enhance the organization’s reputation for social responsibility, and attract environmentally conscious guests, ultimately increasing patronage. Fostering sustainability practices in operations allows hotels and other hospitality businesses to comply with extant environmental laws and avoid sanctions.
