Written by Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer
Drawing on years of professional expertise in interior design, Ms. Menendez presently excels as the founder and president of Senom Design.
With climate awareness at an all-time high, both tourists and business travelers increasingly prioritize sustainability when choosing accommodations. For hotels, implementing a strong sustainability plan is no longer optional but essential to attract these conscientious travelers, demonstrate a commitment to the environment, and ensure long-term stability. Hotels that fail to embrace sustainable strategies may face instability and unpredictable operational impacts and ultimately risk losing market share in an evolving landscape.
This two-part guide provides actionable steps to help hotels develop a comprehensive sustainability plan that aligns with global standards and positions them as leaders in responsible hospitality.
Steps to building a sustainability plan
1. Establish your hotel’s current sustainability status
Before setting goals, it’s vital to understand where your hotel currently stands regarding sustainable practices. Conduct an internal assessment to evaluate factors like energy use, water consumption, waste management, and community impact. This "sustainability snapshot" will highlight key areas needing improvement and provide a baseline to measure progress.
Consider engaging external experts or utilizing tools from organizations such as the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to conduct a thorough audit. Identifying both strengths and areas for growth is an essential first step toward creating a tailored, effective sustainability strategy.
2. Define realistic and long-term objectives
Establishing meaningful sustainability objectives involves setting targets that are achievable yet impactful, reflecting both the values of the organization and the demands of the industry. Goals should align with the broader mission of the hotel and be embraced by all stakeholders, from upper management to frontline staff.
To create globally relevant goals, consider aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13, Climate Action. This alignment with international frameworks demonstrates a commitment to global environmental efforts and can help hotels meet growing expectations from guests and investors. In addition, hotels should aim for ambitious targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by the Paris Agreement and moving toward Net Zero by 2050.
Resources like the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance’s water stewardship and human rights guides can help hotels define additional objectives, ensuring a holistic approach that covers both environmental and social responsibility.
3. Design a comprehensive sustainability strategy
Creating a strong sustainability strategy can significantly enhance the hotel’s reputation, attract environmentally conscious guests, and reduce costs by improving efficiency. This strategy should focus on core areas of sustainability and incorporate specific, actionable measures.
Energy conservation
Reduce overall energy consumption by installing energy-efficient lighting, incorporating renewable energy sources, and improving HVAC systems.
Water conservation
Install low-flow fixtures, optimize laundry practices, and use signage to help guests understand sustainable water usage options.
Waste reduction and efficiency
Implement the "6 R's" framework (Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle) across all hotel operations to minimize waste, particularly with single-use plastics and food waste.
Sustainable transportation options
Offer sustainable transportation options such as shuttles, bike rentals, and incentives for employees who use public transit.
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
Use chemical-free, concentrate-based, refillable cleaning supplies to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.
Support for local communities through responsible ecotourism
Prioritize local hiring, source food and supplies from nearby vendors, and implement fair labor practices to benefit the community and the hotel.
By integrating these initiatives, hotels can create a sustainability strategy that addresses both the environmental footprint and the social impact of their operations.
Example of a sustainable waste strategy
To inspire readers, provide a specific example of a waste reduction strategy:
Rethink current practices by sourcing recycled materials for hotel furnishings and decor.
Refuse single-use plastics, such as plastic straws, by switching to eco-friendly alternatives.
Reduce food waste by 25% over three years with better inventory and donation practices.
Reuse linens by offering guests the option to skip daily washing services.
Recycle across all hotel floors with dedicated recycling stations.
This structured, multi-layered approach to waste reduction can become a pillar of a hotel’s sustainability plan and serve as a model for other aspects of the strategy.
Conclusion
Establishing a sustainability foundation is essential for hotels to stay competitive, meet traveler expectations, and respond to the growing urgency of climate action. By assessing their status, setting realistic goals, and designing a targeted sustainability strategy, hotels can lay the groundwork for a responsible, resilient future in hospitality. In Part 2 of this guide, we will cover the practical steps for implementing, measuring, and communicating these efforts to build long-term value and trust with guests and the community.
Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer
Drawing on years of professional expertise in interior design, Ms. Menendez presently excels as the founder and president of Senom Design. Through Senom, she aims to make projects not only beautiful, but sustainable, healthy, and approachable. Similarly, she specializes in turnkey rentals and property staging, custom product design, pre-construction, and more working with Iconic Modern Home in the Hamptons, New York City and Connecticut.
