How to Make Small Hotels More Sustainable

Did you know that according to World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Trip.com Group, and Deloitte, 69% of all travelers are now seeking eco-friendly travel options?

As a small hotel owner, this statistic isn’t just interesting – it’s a potential game-changer for your business.

Sustainability in hospitality isn’t just a trend; it’s becoming a necessity. Hotels and other types of accommodation within the hospitality industry contribute 2% of the 5% global CO2 emission by the tourism sector.

But here’s the good news: even minor changes can make a significant impact, both on the environment and your bottom line.

In this post, we’ll explore practical steps to make your small hotel more sustainable. You’ll learn how to reduce your environmental footprint, cut operational costs, and attract the growing market of eco-conscious travelers.

 

Understanding Hotel Sustainability

What makes a hotel eco-friendly?

An eco-friendly hotel goes beyond just asking guests to reuse towels. It’s about implementing comprehensive practices that reduce environmental impact across all operations.

To be recognized as truly eco-friendly, hotels often seek accreditation from reputable third-party organizations. These accreditations provide guidelines and standards for sustainable practices in hotel management.

The Business Case for Sustainability

Implementing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business too. The Iveagh Garden Hotel in Dublin, for instance, has reduced its energy usage by 78% and CO2 emissions by 81%, while still attracting high-profile business clients from various sectors.

This shows that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand.

Here are more reasons making your hotel eco-friendly is good for your bottom line:

1. Meet Growing Consumer Demand: One in three consumers prefer sustainable brands, according to a study by Unilever  By going green, you’re tapping into a significant and growing market segment.
2. Reduce Operational Costs: Energy-efficient appliances and water-saving fixtures can significantly lower utility bills.
3. Enhance Brand Image: Sustainability efforts can set you apart from competitors and create positive brand associations.
4. Future-Proof Your Business: As environmental regulations tighten, and resources become scarcer, sustainable hotels will be better positioned to adapt and thrive.
5. Attract and Retain Staff: Many employees, especially younger generations, prefer to work for environmentally responsible companies.

 

5 Steps to Make Your Small Hotel Sustainable

1. Implement Energy Efficiency Programs

Energy efficiency is a cornerstone of hotel sustainability. A standard hotel room emits 31.1kg of carbon every single night. Conduct an energy audit to identify areas for improvement.

Set a goal to reduce energy consumption by 10% in the first year through these measures.

Here’s how you can dramatically reduce that number:

• Switch to LED lightbulbs: This simple change can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%.
• Install modern, efficient appliances and HVAC systems. Look for ‘energy star’ rated products.
• Use sensor-activated lighting. It’s perfect for areas that aren’t frequently used.
• Consider renewable energy: Solar panels can significantly reduce your reliance on the power grid.

Of course, the best tip is just to use natural lighting whenever possible.

2. Adopt Water Conservation Measures

The average hotel room uses 400-700L of water every day. Here’s how you can cut down on water waste:

• Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow fixtures in all guest bathrooms.
• Implement a linen reuse program: Last Drop Village Hotel & Spa reduced their footprint by only changing bed linen for stays over 3 days unless requested by the guest.
• Consider a grey water recycling system for landscaping, like Cinnamon Hotels, whose in-house water waste control systems have an annual saving of 816 cubic meters.
• Use smart irrigation systems and drought-resistant plants in your outdoor areas.

3. Launch Waste Reduction Initiatives

Reducing waste is crucial for hotel sustainability. Start with establishing comprehensive recycling programs in guest rooms, kitchens, and operational areas.

Then you can gradually move away from single-use plastics. Replace mini toiletries with refillable pump bottles, use biodegradable bin bags, and offer reusable water bottles. For instance, Columbus Hotel Monte Carlo minimized their waste by making eco-friendly dental and razor kits available only on demand, buying organic coffee in bulk or biodegradable capsules, and partnering with a company to recycle their soaps.

4. Source Sustainable Products and Services

Sustainable sourcing can significantly reduce your hotel’s environmental impact while supporting local communities and ethical businesses.

Partner with nearby farms for fresh produce, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. You can also source artisanal products like soaps, artwork, or furnishings from local craftspeople to give your hotel a unique, authentic feel.

Look for biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning supplies that are safe for both guests and the environment. This also applies to the guest’s in-room toiletries. Choose toiletries that are organic, cruelty-free, and come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging.

The tips below may require a bit of planning and initial investment, but the long term rewards for the planet will be worth it:

• • Choose linens and towels made from organic cotton, bamboo, or other sustainable fibers.
  • Opt for furniture made from reclaimed wood or recycled materials.
  • Work with laundry services that use water-efficient machines and eco-friendly detergents.
  • Choose pest control companies that use natural or low-toxicity methods.

In the future, you can also implement a sustainable purchasing policy that considers the entire lifecycle of products, from production to disposal. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), or Energy Star when selecting products.

5. Engage Guests in Your Sustainability Efforts

Communicate your eco-friendly initiatives to guests.

Provide options for guests to participate, such as linen reuse programs or local conservation activities. You can also offer incentives for eco-friendly choices, like discounts for guests who decline daily room cleaning.

Remember, a Nielsen study shows that 92% of guests say they trust word-of-mouth or recommendations from friends and family above all other forms of advertising. By engaging guests in your sustainability efforts, you’re not only reducing your environmental impact but also creating advocates for your brand.

 

Capitalizing on Your Sustainability Efforts

Now that you’ve implemented sustainable practices, it’s time to ensure these efforts benefit your business.

Marketing Your Eco-Friendly Initiatives

Showcase your sustainability efforts on your website with a dedicated page detailing your eco-friendly practices and certifications. Leverage social media to share behind-the-scenes looks at your initiatives and engage with environmentally conscious communities online.  Millennials and Gen-Z love supporting eco-friendly businesses, so you’ll have at least two market segments to support you.

Participate in eco-tourism directories like Ecobnb to reach environmentally aware travelers.

Leveraging Sustainability for Increased Bookings

Create sustainable packages that incorporate eco-friendly activities or showcase your green initiatives. Remember, your sustainability efforts should enhance, not detract from, the guest experience. So make it fun by offering eco-friendly amenities like bikes for guest use, promoting sustainable experiences such as nature walks, local farm visits, or cooking classes using local, organic ingredients.

You can also collaborate with eco-friendly travel bloggers and influencers by inviting them to experience your sustainable practices firsthand, thereby attracting their audience into your hotel.

Another strategy is to participate in or host environmental events to raise awareness and attract like-minded guests. This positions your hotel as a leader in sustainable hospitality within your community.

 

Going Green is a Smart Business Move

Implementing sustainable practices in your small hotel isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a smart business move.

As you embark on this journey, remember that sustainability is an ongoing process. Start with the strategies that make the most sense for your property, measure your progress, and continually look for ways to improve.