HOTEL BUSINESS REVIEW

May FOCUS: Eco-Friendly Practices

 
May, 2022

Eco-Friendly Practices: A Moral Imperative


A recent study found that 72% of global travelers are inclined to make sustainable travel choices, and are more likely to book an accommodation if they know it is eco-friendly. Obviously, hotels must take action to address these issues-not only because it's a moral imperative but because it makes good business sense. One leading hotel chain recently committed to only buying furniture from reclaimed wood. Another replaced their mini-fridges and coffee machines in each room and instead, provide them in a communal area to reduce electricity usage. One hotel chain collects their food waste and converts it into biofuel, and another became the first to make use of environmental blockchain technology to offset its carbon footprint. Guests can spend their credits on initiatives that "develop, protect and conserve natural ecosystems." The May issue of the Hotel Business Review will document what some hotels are doing to integrate sustainable, eco-friendly practices into their operations.  


This month's feature articles...

Bill Michell

See how New York Marriott Marquis, a 49-story hotel spanning an entire city street at the epicenter of Times Square, goes green every day, nurturing guests who are making sustainable hotel choices. In this new era of travel, sustainable hotel choices have increased in response to guest preferences. From energy conservation to eco-friendly amenities to food on the table, this hotel shows how to operate sensibly in a space that spans a full city block and is an icon on Broadway since 1985. READ MORE

Ewald Biemans

It's not necessary to explore, theorize or debate the moral imperatives of green hotels because our guests are already demanding it. When it comes to travel trends for 2022, the world is literally searching for responsible travel. In this article discover how furthering your sustainability efforts helps remedy the moral obligation to protect our shared environment while also making great business sense. READ MORE

Matt Page

Catering to today's mindful travelers who aim to tread lightly, get off-the-beaten-track, and fully immerse in the destination, hotels are moving beyond typical "bricks and mortar" design with environmentally conscious, sustainable spaces that positively impact the locale and the community. Exploring architectural and landscape design and the growing sector of experiential travel, this article explores "light-on-land" approaches to hotel design. READ MORE

Hans Pfister

Is Sustainability just a trend or is it going to catch on for real this time? If it is a real factor in decision making on which hotel to choose, what are the ways you can tell the ones that really walk the talk from others that just jumped on the bandwagon of greenwashing? This article will give you some tips on what to look for in a sustainable hotel operation. READ MORE

Bonnie Knutson

Guests have always wanted everything, although they have not necessarily wanted to pay for it. But is it different for sustainability? Are guests talking the talk but not walking the walk? Or are they now walking the walk? Globally, about four out of five travelers indicated they would like to stay in a hotel that practiced sustainability. So why aren't more guests staying in environmentally friendly hotels? READ MORE

Chang Huh

There are multiple ways hotels can work with their guests to combat extraordinarily high utility costs. A study conducted by the author, in conjunction with two colleagues, suggests that it's possible to engage guests in "the nudge," a time-tested method employed by utility companies to enlist the help of their customers to managing home heating/electrical and air conditioning costs. READ MORE

Joseph Ricci

New consumer research from TRSA measures guest sentiment for daily linen changes and environmentally friendly laundering. These two coexist when water and energy conservation practices are used and greater professionalism in linen management is practiced, supporting hotel profitability. Economies of scale reached by larger laundries that smaller on-premises laundries (OPLs) cannot achieve are highlighted here. Green benefits of renting linen as part of outsourcing laundry service are described. READ MORE

Douglas  Gatlin

Over-cleaning and disinfecting continue to expose guests and employees to hazardous chemicals while doing little to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Now, travelers are looking for more transparency around the cleaning practices of lodging properties. Hotels can address these concerns by choosing certified green cleaning and disinfecting products; adopting more sustainable protocols; and promoting equity for housekeeping staff. READ MORE

Steve Newman

Sustainability, well-being and purposeful stewardship have been core pillars for Banyan Tree Group since our inception in 1994. Through the comprehensive Stay for Good program – a structured framework aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – we focus on action for well-being, culture, climate, resource and biodiversity conservation to create a better world for all stakeholders now and in the future. (61 words) READ MORE

Neha Jaitpal

Sustainability is a critical factor for successful business, and the hospitality industry is no exception. Expecting a full recovery this year following the pandemic, hotels need to reevaluate their sustainable initiatives starting in the guestroom. From climate control and occupancy sensors to lighting and indoor air quality, there are a myriad of technologies to help hotels achieve their sustainability goals. READ MORE

Jessie Burns

Evaluating and exploring ways a brand may invest and expand its eco-friendly, sustainable, and regenerative programs is vital in today's competitive market. Taking a wholistic approach to developing an effective brand strategy and integrating it across multiple touchpoints is paramount for a successful foundation. The future of travel depends on the decisions that brands are making now with important elements that should be considered. READ MORE

Joshua Zinder

Guests now have more choices for their stays, and wellness is a major factor driving their decisions. Trends show more owners making modest investments in design coupled with strategic communications, paying off in word-of-mouth, brand loyalty and repeat business. Integrated design approaches can provide reductions in operating costs, water use and energy consumption, making the venue simultaneously greener and healthier. READ MORE

Margit Whitlock

What is sustainable development? According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development, "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." As guests demand more environmental and social efforts, brands need to take action. Hoteliers must now demonstrate that they are purposeful about sustainability, hold strong ethical standards and operate responsibly in everything they do. Here is some guidance to move in the right direction. READ MORE

Jared Meyers

Sustainable practices within hotels are tending, but without intentionality and a tangible positive impact they can be meaningless. At Legacy Vacation Resorts, benefitting people and the planet is paramount to our daily operations. We strive to do much more than a typical business overstating green initiatives and waste reduction, and instead, create real systems change through various programs and initiatives. READ MORE

Franciska Rivera

Hotels at every level, branded, boutique, full-service, lifestyle, or luxury are focusing on more impactful and well-rounded sustainability initiatives. Highlighting the eco-friendly practices of three very different properties, all located in central North Carolina, demonstrates the importance of green travel and the different ways they all have contributed to reducing carbon emissions, offering their guests a cleaner and safer environment. READ MORE

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler

The hotel industry must take meaningful and thoughtful action to genuinely protect the environment and avert greenwashing. Alma is implementing an ambitious solar power project that proves lessening your carbon footprint makes good business sense. Engaging staff in sustainability measures, transitioning to paperless solutions, a back of house tour for guests and more help contribute to the "triple bottom line". READ MORE

David Williams

The road to hell…is paved with good intentions! Your CEO has announced the group's embarkation on a voyage of "sustainable hotel operations", effective immediately. How does this corporate aspiration translate into action at ground level in the operations? How does this lofty good intention not end up as an exercise in greenwashing? READ MORE

Robert O'Halloran

Honey (2008) noted that eco-tourism platforms include travel to natural destinations; minimizing impact; build environmental awareness; provide direct financial benefits for conservation; provide financial benefits and power for local people; respect local culture; and support human rights and democratic movements. Eco-tourism has a long history and a relevant story to tell. The lodging industry through eco-friendly and sustainable practices can add to that story. READ MORE

Mariam  Roberson

Can a posh estate be turned into one of Belize's most talked-about eco-resorts? Easily, say the owners of the San Ignacio Resort Hotel whose immodest mission, creating a place to sojourn that had no ecological equal, came to fruition. What separates this property from the ordinary? Iguanas. Impeccable personal service. And a commitment to Mother Earth that impresses even the most seasoned traveler. READ MORE

Raquel Noboa

Society is changing, according to the Travel Agent central statistics, over 70% of travellers say they want to travel more sustainably. We need to align the industry to our customer's values so we can create a type of industry that continues to evolve and thrive for years to come. Running a Green business is not just the "trendy" or "kind" thing to do, it is the "smart" thing to do. READ MORE

Wout Van De Broek

In the aftermath of Covid, designing public spaces to protect health and wellness has to be a priority. In all likelihood, health considerations will continue to be a priority in the years to come. These new priorities need not be seen as a burden, instead they're an opportunity to integrate healthy design into public spaces. READ MORE

Jan Peter Bergkvist

During the last decade sustainability has finally become mainstream and is being addressed by almost all actors in society. I you haven't started your hotel's sustainability work yet the timing is perfect to design a program that will add real value to your business. In this article I share my five top tips for success in this area, based on 30 years of practical experience with brands like Scandic, Hilton, Mövenpick and others. READ MORE

Alan Whittle

This article discusses how to reduce your carbon footprint when selecting your next hotel carpet. Points to consider are the materials used, the processes and the result as well as how it will biodegrade. There is no magic solution, but hoteliers need to be mindful of the impact on the planet of their fabric choices. READ MORE

Marci Zaroff

The modern traveler has new expectations for the social and environmental practices of the brands they support. This has created a substantial opportunity for the travel industry to not only attract business, but to do good in the process. We are witnessing an ECOrenaissance, whereby the time has come for all companies to step-up, create integrity around their sustainability efforts, and evaluate how they are regenerating the health of all living beings. READ MORE

Herman Van Den Wall Bake

Sustainable travel has become top of mind for major players in the industry as global travelers have become more attentive to the impact their decisions can have on the world. But it's the smaller players in remote destinations that can make the biggest strides in harnessing travel and tourism to positively impact the preservation of the environment and local communities. READ MORE

Shubhra Mashelkar

Civil suits against hotel and motel chains for allegedly benefitting financially from human trafficking are on the rise across the country. There were roughly 200 active civil human trafficking lawsuits in 2020. Of those civil cases, 91 were sex trafficking cases and 109 were forced labor cases. Hotels were by far the most common type of entity defendant in civil human trafficking cases. READ MORE

Jessica Blotter

Covid-19 decimated non-profit organizations as people had to brace for the unknown. The travel industry took a loss of $4.5 trillion in 2020, according to WTTC. While the numbers are jarring, hitting the floor provides a limitless ceiling to rebuild stronger and more consciously. With 700,000 hotels worldwide, impact-driven sustainability and community-impact initiatives in destinations can serve as a catalyst that builds resilience and sustainable futures for all. READ MORE

Robert Stoney

'If you build it, they will come', is now, 'if you build it green, they will come even more eagerly'. The hospitality industry is amid a sea change that's moving sustainable tourism from niche to mainstream, and it would be hard to find a better example than the unique & beloved beachside destination at Gulf State Park in the heart of coastal Alabama, USA, where you'd least expect it. READ MORE

Rebecca  Hawkins

We can no longer use the future tense when speaking about climate change. It is happening and will have an impact on all of us. We have choices to make: we could wait and hope that the Government, consumers or someone else will take the initiative. Or we could change what we do now. With energy prices at an all time high, there has never been a better time to take the initiative. The question is, will you? READ MORE

Lauren  Jones

Bicycles are a long-standing pillar of sustainability. For the hospitality industry, bicycles have become a popular amenity. Innovative hotels and resorts, that understand the new wave of elevated guest expectations, are leveraging bicycles and other sustainability practices for unforgettable experiences that further a core brand message and earn new customers. READ MORE

Joel Villalon

While renovations are dreaded by hoteliers for their high cost, imaginative design solutions with timeless appeal ensure the longevity of a redesign and limit the need for costly renovations down the line. Timeless design should integrate with its surrounding environment, showcase the unique personal history of a site, and connect with users on an emotional level throughout its lifecycle. READ MORE

Coming up in March 1970...