did you know that every day the number of travellers who prefer to stay in highly sustainable businesses is growing? Learning how to make a sustainable hotel has become the new trend in the sector. Moreover, it is a way to show concern and contribute to the care of the environment.
These changes will be highly valued by your guests, increasing profits and improving the corporate image of your hotel business. For this reason, from Greenuso today we show you 20 tips to achieve sustainable hotels. Let’s go for it!
Table of Contents
1. Install charging points for electric cars
In Europe, the use of electric cars is growing every day, which shows that the future of transport points in that direction. In fact, already in Norway, half of all drivers opt for electric cars.
Therefore, an effective way to grow your customer list would be to place charging centres for these vehicles. You will see a spike in visits from these travellers, while promoting the conservation of the planet.
2. Select organic food
how to make your hotel greener? One easy-to-implement practice is to avoid genetically modified products. To achieve this, use organic food with local certifications and that belong to companies recognised for their environmental concern.
Specialists claim that with this strategy you reduceCO2 emissions per guest by up to 952g. This is undoubtedly an important contribution that does not require major capital investments.
3. Make use of rainwater
The pollution and inadequate use of water is one of the problems that most affects the balance of the planet. Therefore, it is everyone’s responsibility to make the necessary changes to help save water. A great idea would be to install systems to collect rainwater, and then invest it in some processes within the hotel.
Use it in toilet cisterns and other places that require a high volume of liquid without the need for purification. Also, reuse the flow for efficient irrigation in your orchards, trees and gardens.
On the other hand, there is inexpensive water treatment equipment available. In this way you will save a lot of money in a short time and offer a more sustainable service.
4. Join the “zero kilometre” strategy
have you ever wondered how far the food and beverages you sell in your hotel travel? This is certainly a very relevant factor in calculating the environmental and financial impact of a product. Opting for zero-kilometre alternatives means buying your groceries and raw materials from local shops, avoiding unnecessaryCO2 emissions.
Nowadays, the globalised economy has meant that products have to travel hundreds of kilometres to reach your customers. So make a list of suppliers in your region and research the quality of their goods. And if you have the opportunity to harvest your own garden, it is even better, as your customers will enjoy quality and freshness.
5. Encourage the use of bicycles as a healthy commuting alternative
This is a highly valued service, as it allows guests to enjoy the landscapes in a way that respects nature. It also encourages guests to dispense with their cars during their visit. On the other hand, it guarantees an active and healthy experience due to the practice of physical activities.
Nowadays, many renowned hotels allow their guests to cycle around the facilities. They even have special cycle paths for pleasant and safe rides.
If you have a restaurant, and it offers a delivery service, make deliveries with bicycle riders. It may limit the delivery area a bit more, but you will avoid polluting other means of transport such as motorbikes.
6. Opt for detergent-free eco-goods
did you know that the use of detergents is one of the most environmentally damaging factors in the hospitality industry? This is reflected in multiple studies that describe each component and its harmful effects. So, if you want to increase the sustainability of your hotel, replace chemical detergents with biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Buy products to clean your floors, clothes or furniture with natural bases and free of toxic residues. This way you reduceCO2 emissions and take care of your guests’ health.
7. Place ecological containers
Nowadays, it is common to find special containers to encourage selective waste collection. This is an effective strategy to create environmental awareness among guests, and to differentiate those materials that can be recycled.
Likewise, by composting organic waste and spreading the word about the strategy, you allow everyone to participate in the sustainable measures of your hospitality business.
8. Activate sustainable means of transport
Hotels that care for the environment are known for wisely managing their impact on nature. For this reason, a great idea to achieve positive results is to implement sustainable means of transport.
Post public transport timetables in a visible place, or transfer guests to the nearest train station free of charge. In this way you reduceCO2 emissions into the environment within the hotel. In addition, if you publicise this strategy properly, you will link your business with values linked to health and environmental care.
9. Use multi-dose dispensers
Moving towards the use of multi-dose dispensers is an important action to make your hotel sustainable. This way you can load sufficient amounts of salt, sugar, pepper or soy sauce into them, without storing waste in the process. It’s just a matter of opting for reusable containers, and then simply fill them with the corresponding products.
In this way, you avoid unnecessary accumulation of waste. This also applies to toilets, replacing single doses with soap, paper or towel dispensers. This is an action that is increasingly being implemented by the major hotel chains that carry ecological values.
10. Select equipment that runs on renewable energy
The idea is to buy devices, equipment or systems that use energy sources such as wind, solar rays or water. These sources are completely renewable, and incorporating them in your hotel is not too costly.
Generate electricity inside your venue using wind turbines, and other similar technologies. However, if this is difficult for you, contact suppliers that are committed to the ecosystem and provide clean energy. This strategy will help you to significantly reduce your carbon dioxide emission impact.
11. Offer vegetarian options on your menus
Evidence points to the impact of factory farming on the environment. Consequences such as deforestation, excessive water volume and pollution are all counted as consequences of this practice. And this reality is present in a new generation of consumers, willing to do what is necessary to bring about change.
Because of this, by incorporating meat-free alternatives into your menu, you will add customers who are concerned about achieving greater sustainability. Moreover, if you combine this strategy with other marketing actions, the results will be more optimal.
12. Heat water through solar panels
did you know that it is possible to replace electricity with solar rays to heat the water in your hotel? Certainly, this is a completely sustainable option since by using solar panels you will be able to fulfil this purpose in an environmentally friendly way.
Another alternative would be to install a heating system that uses hot water to radiate heat in the rooms with this technology. In this way, theCO2 reduction per guest is reduced to astonishing levels.
13. Buy energy-efficient electrical equipment
It is important to keep in mind that conscious use of electricity is an effective way to reduce the energy load. The idea is to be vigilant and purchase energy efficient equipment for your hotel. You will notice the effectiveness of these appliances because they are identified with a “class A” rating
Purchase dishwashers, refrigerators, washing machines, freezers and other appliances that incorporate control and sequencing of the start-up. Also check that they manage consumption by means of “standby” mode and disconnection of low-priority electrical circuits.
14. Install water taps with reducers
Another way to optimise water consumption that stands out for its simplicity is to install flow restrictors. This system combines the volume with the tap air, for an abundant perception of the user. This way they will have very positive results, without noticing the difference.
And the best thing is that it directly influences the reduction of your expenses and the production of liquid waste.
15. Ask for help to reduce waste
Spread information in your hotel to promote sustainability through the conscious use of resources and services. Post notices such as “turn off the light when leaving the room”, or “turn off the tap after washing your hands”. These actions allow your guests the opportunity to contribute to the protection of the environment and make an important difference.
Also, set up a suggestion box to listen to any ideas they may have on how to achieve a more sustainable society. This reflection exercise will allow them to put into practice other actions even beyond your hotel.
16. Provide recycled paper in the different sections of the hotel
Another interesting idea is to use recycled advertising material, printing paper and toilet paper. This material is obtained by processing previously used cardboard and paper. In this way it is used in multiple cycles to reduce the production of solid waste.
As a result, you are doing your bit for the planet’ s trees. Importantly, you reduce by 1/3 the water and energy required for this task with traditional methods.
17. Promote your green alternatives to visitors
On the other hand, it is important that in your sustainable hotel you project with your actions the so-called green lifestyle. This will help you to communicate these values more consistently to your customers by matching them with the facts.
Try to place messages on recyclable materials, with the purpose of educating through useful tips on how to take care of our planet. It is important to promote and remember how through small actions we can all do our bit and contribute to a better ecosystem. And the best thing is that your visitors will feel satisfied and happy to visit you regularly.
18. Buy products at fair prices
Making your hospitality business a sustainable option means respecting the environment and promoting a fair view of the economy. To achieve this, make an effort to contact suppliers whose practices are oriented towards fair trade. You will notice that your customers will value the quality of their products, while helping to strengthen the economic systems that respect producers.
19. Incorporate eco-friendly furnishings in your hotel
The ambience of your hotel should also be designed in a sustainable way. This can be achieved by placing pieces made by artisans from your community and with materials that highlight local characteristics. In addition, ensure that no harmful chemicals are involved in their manufacture, that they are stable, resistant and can be easily repaired.
Remember that wood is an interesting raw material, which allows furniture to be made in harmony with nature. The idea is that these materials used for the decoration of your hotel business send a message of balance and respect for the ecosystem to your guests.
20. Use energy-saving light bulb systems
One of the most expensive services is the electrical system. Therefore, green hotels are characterised by controlling this consumption while taking care of the environment. Opt for LED lamps or energy-saving bulbs to light your business with only 20% of the energy traditionally used.
So much for our post on how to make a hotel sustainable, and some tips on how to contribute to a healthier environment. Communicating these values through various strategies in all your spaces will allow you to get the best results. Keep in mind that in our online shop, you have the sustainable products that your hospitality service and your hotel business needs. Contact us!
