Sustainability has become a major buzzword in various industries, and the hospitality sector is no exception. Sustainability in the hotel industry refers to the measures taken to reduce the environmental impact of hotel operations. This can include energy conservation, waste reduction, water efficiency, and sourcing local and organic food for hotel restaurants.
A recent Global Business Travel Association report that surveyed GBTA members and global stakeholders found that the vast majority of respondents are already implementing eco-friendly practices on property. In fact, 92% of the total respondents say that sustainability is a priority for their organization. The survey also found that 73% of travel managers are currently communicating or planning to communicate sustainable choices with employees. Among buyers, 81% say that they have integrated or are planning to integrate sustainability into their travel programs, with 76% of buyers also planning to integrate sustainability questions into their RFP. Likewise, 86% of suppliers reported that they plan to integrate sustainability into their commercial objectives.
The need for sustainability in the hotel industry is driven by a combination of important factors such as:
- Environmental factors: Hotels, like any other business, have a responsibility to minimize their environmental footprint. This includes reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting biodiversity.
- Economic factors: Sustainable practices can also lead to significant cost savings for hotels. Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures, for example, can reduce utility bills, while waste reduction can lower disposal costs.
- Social factors: Consumers increasingly patronize businesses that align with their values. For many, this includes a commitment to sustainability. Hotels that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability can attract these socially conscious consumers, enhancing their brand image and customer loyalty.
There are also several key practices that hotels can adopt to make their operations more environmentally friendly and sustainable, including the introduction of appliances and programs that support energy conservation, focus on waste reduction, and increase water efficiency. Hotels have also found success in reducing their carbon footprint by locally sourcing food for their restaurants and choosing organic options whenever possible.
Sustainability as a corporate priority
In recent years, sustainability has become a priority for many corporations in their travel programs policy. Both internal and external pressures drive this shift. Internally, many corporations recognize the economic benefits of sustainability and its importance for risk management. Externally, corporations face increasing pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
As part of their corporate travel programs, many corporations now prioritize hotels that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. This is because these corporations recognize that their own sustainability efforts are enhanced when they partner with like-minded hoteliers.
Key benefits of sustainability efforts for hoteliers are manifold:
- Alignment with corporate policies: Some corporations have green procurement policies. These companies prefer to do business with other organizations that also prioritize sustainability.
- Attracting corporate clients: Sustainable practices can also boost corporate engagement, as companies worldwide take pride in partnering with hotels that follow sustainability practices. This can also accomplish their corporate social responsibility goals and fit into their corporate travel program policy.
- Reduce operational costs: As mentioned earlier, sustainable practices can lead to significant cost savings. Energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can reduce utility bills, while waste reduction can lower disposal costs.
- Enhanced brand image: A commitment to sustainability can enhance a hotel’s brand image, attracting socially conscious consumers and increasing customer loyalty.
- Market differentiation: Sustainability initiatives can set a hotel apart in a crowded market. This unique selling proposition can appeal to corporate clients who are looking for hoteliers who are following sustainability efforts.
- Risk management: By reducing their environmental impact, hotels can mitigate the risk of regulatory fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.
Sustainability for hoteliers is not just a trend; it is a smart move for a successful business strategy from a 360-degree view. By mentioning their sustainability focus on their portfolio, hoteliers can empower their brand image, stand out from the crowd, attract more corporate clients, and minimize risk.
