Sustainability is not any more an option but a reality needed in the world as we continue to live our lives. To this end, the hospitality industry that is known to be a high energy and resource user has the responsibility of incorporating green practices.

Cutting down on the carbon imprint of your hotel not only serves the best interest of the environment, it contributes positively to your brand image, boosts clientele that are conscious of the environment and is cost effective in the long run.

The following are some tips that will assist in improving sustainability as well as decreasing a hotel’s carbon footprint. 

1. Energy Efficiency 

Switch to LED Lighting 

Switching from the conventional incandescent bulbs to LED lighting is one of the easiest methods of learning energy use. LEDs usually consume much less energy and also have a greater lifespan and this means less wastage. 

Implement Energy Management Systems 

EMS can be applied to measure and regulate electric energy demand and supply for your hotel. Such systems can control light, heat and air conditioning depending on whether people are in the building or not, and at what time of the day, and year, so that energy is not wastefully used. 

Utilize Renewable Energy Sources 

Finding friendly solutions that can replace fossil power sources by obtaining solar or wind power can significantly reduce the amount of fossil fuel your hotel consumes. The level of climate change awareness is high, which is why most hotels are fitting their roofs with solar panels to produce electricity. 

2. Water Conservation 

Install Low-Flow Fixtures 

Water saving showerheads, faucets and toilets are effective ways of controlling water use without the need for compromising on the guests. These fixtures are developed to work with reduced water consumption as the conventional functions of these fixtures are served. 

Implement Water Recycling Systems 

Ground water systems can recycle the water used in baths and for washing utensils to be used in irrigation and flushing of the toilets among others. This cuts down the quantity of fresh water that your hotel requires. 

Encourage Linen and Towel Reusable Campaigns 

Remind customers to use their towels and bed clothes for more than one washing to save on washing instead of changing them every day or every other day. This can go along way in conserving large amounts of water and energy that would have been used in washing clothes. 

3. Waste Reduction 

Integrated an appropriate and effective recycling program. 

Make sure your hotel has a proper management and implementation policy about recycling. Place bins for recycling items in guest rooms and areas where guests can easily find them and also make sure to explain how they should be used to guests. 

Minimize Single-Use Plastics 

Extinguish single use products like plastic carry straws, water bottles, and toiletry bottles. Use refillable dispensers for washing the hands with soap and use water films to give your customers refillable bottled water. 

Compost Organic Waste 

Establish the composting initiative based on the organic waste from the hotel’s kitchens and dining halls. Composting helps in the prevention in landfill as well as in providing compost for use in landscaping. 

4. Sustainable Food Practices 

Source Locally and Seasonally 

Buy fresh and locally available food these will help to cut on the expenses that come with transportation. This also help local economy and brings fresh foods to your guests. 

Offer Plant-Based Menu Options 

Introduce more menu items that are prepared or that contain vegetables and fruits into your hotel’s food services. Comparing between plant based meals and the meat meals, it has been realized that plant based meals make contribute to lesser carbon than the meat based meals. 

Minimize Food Waste 

Minimizing food waste can also be practiced through portion control, buffets, and donating the leftover foods to the needy people. 

5. Green Building Practices 

Use Sustainable Materials 

In the construction of new facilities or renovation projects, the sustainable material like wood and recycled metal should be used, also, low-VOC paints. They can also have lesser negative effects on the environment and may also improve the Indoor Air Quality. 

Improve Insulation and Windows 

See to it that your hotel is properly insulated and your windows selected are energy efficient. Insulation helps to modify climate lows thus the requirements for heating and cooling are eliminated which saves on energy. 

Incorporate Green Spaces 

Integrate innovations such as green roofs and walls in your hotel so that they act as a plus factor in your construction. These spaces do not only enhance the quality of fresh air in the rooms but also give a comfortable atmosphere to the guests. 

6. Employee and Guest Engagement 

Educate and Train Staff 

Educate your employees on the environmental changes that need to occur in the hotel in terms of cutting the hotel’s ecological impact. Motivate them to look for energy conservation in their responsibilities they perform throughout the day. 

Discover, Implement and Promote sustainability activities and practices with the guests 

Explain to the guest about your hotel’s sustainability policy and show the guest how they can contribute. Education on how they can assist for instance, by placing recycling bins in the work place, limiting the use of water, and linen share programs. 

7. Monitor and Report Progress 

Cap the Amount of Energy and Water Used 

Concerning the use of energy and water in your hotel always check the consumption to see where improvement should be made. As said earlier on, the data can then be used to establish future objectives and to assess achievements over some time. 

Report Sustainability Achievements 

Communicate your sustainability victories to the guests, the employees, and other people of interest. Disclosure of information of what you are doing and how far you have gone can improve your hotel’s image and encourage others to do the same. 

Conclusion 

It may at times appear as a bourgeoning craze to balance the effects that various sectors give to mother nature, however, embracing sustainable measures and minimizing your hotel’s carbon imprint is not only the right thing to do but very business like.

Through this hotel energy efficient system, water reserve, waste management, sourcing food sustainability, using green building features, employees and guests involvement, and environmental impact assessment, your hotel can greatly contribute to the protection of the environment.

Further, the aforementioned strategies can lower costs, enhance guest satisfaction, and positively impact the brand image of your hotel chain. Sustainability is not only essential anymore but has become a teaser; positively impact the earth while making a profit.