Sustainability is increasingly important across all industries and is a factor for many consumers. When going on a trip, people are more likely than ever to consider their carbon footprint. They will look to reduce that impact by consuming, travelling on or staying in more sustainable products, companies and places. Whether you want to find sustainable hotels locally (like a Lake District hotel) or to take your trip abroad, this article should help you identify a sustainable company. It will also look into the different areas and ways that sustainability can be integrated throughout a hotel.
How to find sustainable hotel companies
The internet has enabled people to find products and companies in mass markets extremely quickly and efficiently. Almost 700 million people worldwide booked their holidays or accommodation online in 2023 and this number was expected to rise. This indicates that many hotel companies have moved online, having websites that outline their hotel structure, room options, food and beverage options and company values. As a result, checking hotel websites for their details is the best way to see how they view sustainability practices.
Companies that prioritise sustainability will make this clear in a section or category of their website that explains what they do every day to support environmentally positive movements. Try searching ‘sustainable hotels’, as this should provide you with a list of appropriate hotels or direct you straight to popular sustainable hotels.
What are the sustainability practices in hotels?
Once you have identified a sustainable hotel, you should know what its sustainability practices are likely to be. If they have a category on their website, the specific hotel’s practices may be outlined, so this is worth checking.
Here are some suggestions for ways that hotels can implement sustainability across their operations:
Basics
The basics can be implemented behind the scenes during hotel setup and cleanup.
- Low energy lights (LED), automatic dimming or shutting off
- Reduced plastic usage
- Reupholstered and reused furniture
- Old equipment and waste (including kitchen oil) are recycled unless the equipment can be donated.
- All disposed of materials are recycled
- Electric car charging points and electric cars for company cars
- Concentrated and eco-friendly cleaning products
- Energy-efficient washers and dryers and the use of environmentally friendly chemicals and washes at lower temperatures
- Sustainable energy sources (e.g. biomass boilers, hydroelectric power, ground source heat pump)
Supply chain
Working with local suppliers will reduce the carbon footprint of deliveries and imports and help prop up the local economy. It can also support organic and fair paying (ethical) companies.
Bedrooms
Bedrooms have to maintain their appeal whilst incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable improvements. These include:
- Energy efficient and sustainable heating (e.g. thermostatic radiators, underfloor heating)
- Low flush toilets
- Sustainable bedding (e.g., vegan, made from recycled materials)
- QR codes in the room for an online room directory to reduce paper use
- Refillable toiletries
- Insulated curtains, walls and windows to prevent heat loss
Kitchen
Most of the effort in the kitchen should be focused on reducing waste, reducing plastic use and supporting local and ethical companies.
- Deliveries are sent in cardboard and not plastic boxes
- Recycling cooking oil and waste disposed of correctly
- Plastic or glass containers with plastic lids, no clingfilm
- Using local food
- Using seasonal produce
Staff
Having sustainable practices extended to staff drives home their importance as a value for the hotel. This could include:
- Staff accommodation (reducing employee travel) that includes sustainable options (e.g., LED lighting, recycling bins, etc.).
- Training online, no paper used
- Paperless payslips
Community
Engagement in the local community, through charity work, education and support for the local environment (including wildlife and nature), demonstrates a full integration and dedication to sustainability that extends beyond their business.
Book a break in a sustainable hotel
So, if you’re someone who cares about the future of the environment and wants to have a guilt-free, sustainable holiday, take these tips on board and have a holiday that has a positive impact for more than just you!
