Hospitality may have delayed the introduction of sustainable practices in recent years, but the pandemic has accelerated this process.
According to research, awareness of climate change is present mainly in the younger generations. Many surveyed millennials and Generation Z members said they are focused on addressing and confronting environmental decisions. For example, 64% of millennials and 55% of Generation Z members take specific measures to reduce the use of disposable plastic.
Such decisions and a focus on sustainability and climate change issues will impact change within all industries, including hospitality and the travel industry.
We bring an overview for inspiration. โป๏ธ
Svart
During the construction of Hotel Svart, the use of concrete and steel was avoided as much as possible. Solar panels placed on the roof will create enough energy for operating, regardless of the day, year, or season.
Over five years, the facility is planned to be CO2 neutral and operate on zero waste principles.
Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers
This hotel uses energy from renewable sources.
The facades facing south, east and west are covered with solar panels, and the heating and cooling system use groundwater installation. That means that the hotel uses 65% less energy compared to similar hotels.
The rooms are equipped with recycled furniture, while the bathrooms offer products containing natural ingredients.
Hotel Adriatic Rovinj
Hotel Adriatic has recognized the growing threat posed by plastic pollution to marine biodiversity. It was decided that available alternatives would replace all disposable plastic items.
Conscious Hotels Amsterdam
This hotel chain makes eco sexy ๐
All materials used in hotels are recycled or used. Cleaning is done without chemicals, and towels are changed at the guestโs request, not before. Energy is generated from Dutch windmills. All paper, glass, plastic and chemical waste are separated.
The Green House Hotel
Each of the 32 rooms is equipped with locally produced 100% wool carpets. Solid wood furniture is made in the UK from trees that storms have knocked down. Ecological paints were used when painting the walls.
All the furniture is recycled.
Maslina Resort Hvar
Located amidst olive groves of protected and indigenous species, Maslina Resort is much more than an aesthetically superbly decorated resort on the island of Hvar.
Architecture and natural materials with little impact on the environment blend in with the landscapeโboth the restaurant and spa highlight seasonal and local ingredients on their menus.
Hotel Split
It is officially certified as a โgreenโ category hotel and one of the first in Croatia.
The hotel collects rainwater and uses it to irrigate green areas and clean the hotel. As part of green policy, it uses a central air conditioning, ventilation and lighting management system, and recuperative heat recovery. All cleaning products are biodegradable. Hygienic products are pH neutral and have an eco certificate. The hotelโs lighting uses energy-saving LED technology, while environmentally friendly and recycled materials are used in everyday work.
All rooms use a smart room system to reduce energy consumption.
Sustainability Sensitivity
Due to the growing interest in environmental issues and sustainability, implementing specific green initiatives is under additional public scrutiny. ๐
It seems not in vain.
Unfortunately, guests, users and consumers often discover that the advertised green practices are just a kind of smokescreen that conceals standard procedures. Confusion of guests, travellers, customers and consumers can seriously damage a reputation.
According to Booking.com, 73% of American travellers believe sustainable travel is vital, and 46% say the pandemic has forced them to consider a more sustainable way to travel. Almost half (42%) still believe that there are not enough sustainable travel opportunities in 2021 either, and 48% admit that a specifically chosen stay prevents them from practising sustainability, for example, by not providing the possibility of waste separation or recycling.
Although 3 out of 4 global hoteliers and vacation rentals follow sustainability practices, only one third actively communicate their efforts to potential guests.
When supporting and implementing sustainable initiatives, the most important thing is to remain completely honest and share the effort.
We are all collectively aware of the amount of effort and investment that sustainable strategies and long-term environmental changes require. It is not realistic to expect it to change overnight.
But now more than ever, the economic benefits of sustainable initiatives are undeniable. It is time for hospitality to be sustainable to such an extent that not even Greta Thunberg would complain ๐.
