Sustainable Practices in Hotel Management      

The hospitality sector is not as green as many hotels would like. According to statistics from Waste Managed, the industry generated over 2 million tonnes of waste in 2019 in the form of plastic, packaging, food, and cardboard. It is also responsible for more than 15% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, putting it close to the output of all vehicles combined. Because of this, many hoteliers see that going down this route might actually be beneficial for business, and are exploring ways to clean up their firms. Responsible proprietors want to reduce their waste to make tourism more sustainable. . While implementing green solutions involves an upfront cost, 89% of UK travellers believe the sustainability of their activities is vital. 

Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Hotels are implementing various eco-friendly initiatives to appeal to a more sustainability-conscious public. These tactics are helping them meet 2050 net-zero targets. Such initiatives include implementing living walls to reduce air and noise pollution in its walls. Sections on the inside and outside provide guests with a more tranquil environment. Others have moved to using biomass to heat its site. This innovation reduces the net CO2 emissions from heating and cooling rooms. Equally progressive is the move to operate a “biodynamic calendar,” providing guests with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and honey throughout the year. The proximity of the hotel to its food source reduces transportation-related CO2 emissions and improves food quality. 

Green Certifications For Hoteliers

Hoteliers can earn various green certifications to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in the UK. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular: 

• Green Globe – a certification that indicates management’s commitment to sustainable practices, including maintaining the cultural heritage of buildings and surroundings.
• Green Key – a certification recognised by the UN Environment Programme and World Tourism Organisation, awarded through the Foundation for Environmental Education for exceptional ecological performance across a range of criteria, including recycling and CO2 emissions. 
• BREEAM – a certification from the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) offering certifications for the sustainability of hotels’ “built environment.”

How Hotels Can Reduce Their Environmental Impact

Hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact and enhance sustainability through various methods. These include: 

Installing Low-Flow Toilets

Low-flow toilets, showers, and taps can reduce water usage by around 30%. 

Source Seasonal Ingredients Locally

Hotels can build partnerships with farm-to-table organisations, sourcing food locally instead of relying on supermarkets. This strategy reduces CO2 and also makes dishes tastier. 

Eliminate Single-Use Plastics

Hotels can also eliminate the use of single-use plastics. Most already outlaw plastic straws but could extend these schemes to water bottles, bags, and toiletry containers. 

Inform Guests Of Your Sustainability Efforts

Informing guests of your eco-credentials will make them think twice about taking hour-long showers. It may also encourage them to lower the thermostat, turn off lights in the bathroom, and switch off the TV when not in use. 

Improve Building Insulation

Finally, hotels can be more sustainable by adding insulation to walls and ceilings. Filling gaps under doors and around windows can also help keep heat inside. 

Increasingly, we are asked as recruiters to support clients in hotels and restaurants for candidates that have a experience and appreciation of operating in environmental friendly practices. Be that Housekeepers, Chief Engineers, Chefs or in Food and Beverage. With the direction of travel moving towards net zero hotels, such will demand for team members continue.

Should you require any support with nay recruitment needs, please contact us through our website, we would be delighted to help.