The sustainability of the hotel industry is more important than ever. With an increasing number of guests seeking environmentally friendly and sustainable options, hotels have started to adopt a variety of sustainability practices in order to save energy and reduce waste. Here are nine sustainability practices you can implement in your hotel to save energy and reduce waste.
1. Only Wash Towels And Linens That Need It
One practice that has become a trend in recent years is only washing towels and linens that need it. This sustainability strategy is not only more environmentally friendly, but can also save your hotel money on laundry costs.
There are a variety of ways to implement this practice, such as using towel and linen sensors that only activate the washing cycle when someone enters their room, or providing guests with the option to reuse their towels. Some hotels leave a note in each room stating that all towels they are finished with should go on the floor and towels that have been unused or are going to be reused are hung up.
2. Install A Smart Light System
Installing a smart light system is another sustainability practice that can save your hotel energy and money. Smart light systems automatically adjust the level of lighting in a room based on the amount of natural light that is available, as well as the time of day.
This not only saves energy, but can also help to create a more comfortable and inviting environment for guests. Smart light systems are becoming increasingly popular in hotels and can be easily installed by a qualified electrician.
3. Offer Refillable Water Stations
Plastic water bottles are one of the biggest sources of waste in the hospitality industry. In order to reduce this waste, many hotels are now offering refillable water stations for guests.
These stations are typically located in the lobby or common areas and offer filtered water that can be refilled using a reusable water bottle. This sustainability practice not only reduces waste, but can also save your hotel money on purchasing bottled water.
4. Utilize Smart Climate Control
Smart climate control is another sustainability practice that can save your hotel energy and money. Smart climate control systems automatically adjust the temperature in a room based on the time of day and the occupancy of the room.
This not only saves energy, but can also ensure that guests are comfortable during their stay. Smart climate control systems are becoming increasingly popular in hotels and can be easily installed by a qualified HVAC technician.
5. Reduce Waste During Events
Hotels often host a variety of events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. These events can generate a significant amount of waste, so it’s important to have a plan in place to reduce this waste.
There are a number of ways to reduce waste during events, such as using reusable or biodegradable dishes and utensils, avoiding single-use items, and recycling or composting any waste that is generated. By implementing these sustainability practices, you can ensure that your hotel’s events have a minimal impact on the environment.
6. Prioritize Reusable Dishes And Utensils
If your hotel offers room service, it’s important to prioritize reusable dishes and utensils. Single-use items, such as disposable plates and cups, are one of the biggest sources of waste in the hospitality industry.
By using reusable dishes and utensils, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste generated by your hotel. There are a number of companies that offer reusable dish and utensil rental services, so you can easily find a provider that meets your needs.
7. Compose Or Donate Food Waste
Food waste is another major problem in the hospitality industry. In order to reduce food waste, many hotels are now composting or donating their food waste.
Food waste can be composted on-site or donated to local organizations that provide meals for those in need. Much of the food wasted by the hospitality industry is still edible and therefore can be easily donated. By composting or donating your hotel’s food waste, you can help to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to landfills.
8. Install Low Flush Toilets And Automatic Sinks
Installing low flush toilets and automatic sinks is another sustainability practice that can save your hotel water and money. Low flush toilets use less water than standard toilets, and automatic sinks turn off the water when they are not in use.
9. Recycle!
And of course, we can’t forget to mention recycling! Many hotels now have recycling programs in place to recycle a variety of materials, such as paper, glass, and plastic. Hotel waste an enormous amount of these materials, so recycling can have a significant impact on reducing waste.
In order to make recycling easy for guests, many hotels now offer recycling bins in guest rooms and common areas. You can also encourage guests to recycle by providing information about your hotel’s recycling program.
Conclusion
There are a number of sustainability practices that you can implement to save energy and reduce waste at your hotel. By implementing these practices, you can not only help the environment, but also save your hotel money. If you’re looking to develop a greener hotel, start with the tips provided in this article.