The hospitality industry incorporates hotels & lodging, food & beverage and events management and plays a significant role in the global spectrum. However, hospitality operations have substantial environmental, social, and economic impacts. As awareness on climate change, resource scarcity and social inequalities increases, hospitality companies are increasingly prioritizing sustainable and eco-friendly practices and integrate corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their operation strategies. The hospitality industry needs to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals , the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the UN are a global blueprint to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.
Understanding Sustainability in Hospitality
According to Brundtland (1987) “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainability in the hospitality industry involves a balanced approach toward environmental sustainability, social well-being and economic viability. The primary areas of focus include:
Energy Efficiency: In order to use less energy, implementing energy-saving technologies like using led lightings, optimizing lighting with moving censors, utilizing geothermal for heating systems, and utilizing renewable energy sources like solar panels and windmills. The use of ecofriendly equipment like ovens, dishwashing machines is crucial in practicing sustainability. A new trend also is creating restaurant menus that are using less energy to be prepared, something close to omophagia – the consumption of raw food.
Water Conservation: Reducing water consumption through efficient fixtures including water saving dishwashing machines, wastewater recycling in the bathroom, using shower timers, collecting rainwater and employee training to use less water in operations.
Waste Management: An important part of sustainability is implementing different recycling programs that include reduce, reuse, recycle, redo, rethink, composting, used oil recycling, reducing single-use plastics and promoting food waste practices.
Sustainable Sourcing: Procuring locally produced, and ethically sourced materials and food products are essential for every company that wants to practice sustainability.
Green Building Standards: Designing eco-friendly hotels and resorts adhering to LEED -Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or other certification standards like Green Key and ISO4001 (Environmental management systems). Those certifications will lead to creating a sustainable environment and at the same time will save money to the organization. The term D4S – Design for Sustainability means that new businesses will design their facilities, products, and services to be sustainable right from the beginning.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Hospitality
According to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development “Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large”.
In hospitality, CSR initiatives often focus on:
Environment: Utilizing sustainable and ecofriendly practices to conserve the ecosystem and its resources.
Community Engagement: Supporting local economies through employment, training, partnerships with local suppliers, giving back to the communities, helping local foundations.
Fair Labor Practices: Ensuring safe working environment and conditions, fair wages, equal advancements, career planning, training & development and respect for human rights.
Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting inclusive practices within the workforce and providing equal opportunities for all.
Charitable Contributions: Partnering with Non-Governmental Organizations, Non for Profit Organizations and charities to support social causes, disaster relief efforts.
Ethical Marketing: Ensuring truthful and ethical advertising, providing products and services of value, protecting customer privacy.
The Connection of Sustainability and CSR
Sustainability and CSR are two linked concepts within the hospitality industry. While sustainability focuses on environmental impact and resource efficiency, CSR emphasizes on ethical, social, and community aspects. The integration of both is critical and the end results will be:
Enhancing Brand Image: Guests are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible accommodations increasing the loyalty rates.
Achieving Cost Savings: Energy efficiency and waste reduction practices often result in financial savings over time and companies can be offered to funding opportunities from government agencies and grants.
Differentiate from competition: CSR will help organizations to enhance industry influence, get media interest and increase good reputation including WoM and E-WoM.
Employee Satisfaction: Creating a positive work environment through fair labour practices and diversity initiatives increases the attraction and retention of workforce.
Case Studies
Several leading hospitality companies have successfully integrated sustainability and CSR into their operations:
Marriott International: Implemented the “Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction” program, focusing on 4 pillars – Nurture , Sustain, Empower and Welcome.
Hilton Hotels: Introduced “Travel with Purpose,” which aims to cut the company’s environmental footprint and spread into Environment, Social and Governance.
Accor Hotels: Launched the “Planet 21” program to promote positive hospitality by reducing energy use, water consumption, and food waste.
Ritz Carlton: Launched in 2003 the “Community Footprints” that focuses on Ecosystems, Education and Economy.
Other examples of CSR and sustainability practices that can be observed are:
- Soap and shampoo dispensers instead of single used soaps or single used room amenities
- Soap recycling
- Offering to guests the option of changing linen and bath towels every other day
- Planting a tree for every reservation
- Direct donations to local charity organizations with every booking
- Hiring locals, long time unemployed and in some cases refuges
Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability and CSR, the hospitality industry faces challenges such as high implementation costs, lack of standardization, and the need for greater stakeholder engagement. Future efforts should focus on developing innovative technologies, training employees, enhancing transparency in reporting, and strengthening collaboration with local communities, partners, governments and stakeholders.
Hospitality sustainability and CSR are no longer optional but essential components of modern business practices. As consumer demand for responsible lodging and tourism grows, hospitality companies must continuously improve and enhance their sustainability practices and CSR initiatives. This will assist them to remain competitive and fulfil their pledge to a more just and environmentally friendly & sustainable future, in alignment with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
