The hospitality industry has witnessed a rapid boom in terms of growing demand for travel and accommodation in recent decades. Even though the vertiginous economic growth, surge and expansion has it’s own advantages in terms of financial profit, it also contributes to a wide range of environmental challenges. As the world makes remarkable progress in sectors like infrastructure, IT, healthcare and biotechnology, it is at the same time essential to take similar steps in the hospitality sector. Over a short span of time, the global reality has been shedding light on the pressing need for more sustainable practices within this sector to mitigate the environmental damage and ensure a more responsible and eco-conscious approach to hospitality. In this article, we’ll explore the five significant ways in which unsustainable hotels are adversely impacting the earth.
Firstly, the aspect that most designs should work on is an efficient waste management system. The waste here includes a vast range dealing from food, which is typical of lavish hotels and restaurants and plastic. Wasted food that ultimately reaches the landfill causes the production of leachate and methane gas which are both dangerous for the environment. Separation of waste based on the type forms the core of waste management and as an essential first step. Luxury hotels compensate on being thoughtful for the environment to provide a premium experience for its customers and thereby causing a lot of food wastage specially in buffets and events. Excess amount of products in washrooms and other areas tend to get wasted and a potential image of the hotel being an urban one is made at the expense of environmental degradation. Efforts should be made to use reusable and biodegradable products and materials that in turn, prove to be healthy.
The significant contribution of hotels to water pollution is another critical issue. Wastewater that contains dangerous residue, oils, chemicals and materials produced from hotel kitchens, pools, washrooms and other facilities is not eco-friendly. Water scarcity is not only a problem that arises from the hotels but is alarming at a global level. One sees lush grounds, tidy hotels, and clean laundry but fails to notice the procedure behind and the after-effects. This is also where luxury as a concept needs to step up and view the trajectory from a different point of view. Leaders and entrepreneurs should take help of ultra modern technology to put forth smart water-saving systems and contribute positively to the biosphere.
Moreover, a good source of energy provides healthy and eco-friendly benefits to nature. Traditional means like oil, natural gas, electricity and coal are unsustainable and pollute the air, producing co2 emissions. Modern-day energy efficient and energy-saving systems that are in place are much more eco-friendly than the traditional ones. IT energy consumption among hotels is also a major cause for e-waste which is why it is of utmost importance to switch to renewable and sustainable energy sources. Efforts should be made to put in place solar panels, use of biomass energy that uses organic material obtained from plants or animals including wood, sewage and ethanol and most importantly, can be used as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
The transportation system within hotels is often overlooked but constitutes a crucial factor in sustainability. Travel-related carbon emissions are produced with guests arriving and going around but these adversities can be avoided if the hotel takes action and does its bit for a better future. According to data, investment in electric vehicles or hybrid ones helps increase the life of vehicle and the costs of maintenance apart from being healthy for the environment. Fixed schedules and rides should encourage minimum optimisation, occupancy and decrease fuel and operational costs as well. The hotels should be a symbol of sustainable transportation that makes them stand out and prove to be a helpful example for others.
At last, one aspect that makes a hotel unsustainable is it’s exclusion of the local community. In order to provide a unique yet extraordinary experience to it’s customers, hotels tend to seek assistance from other communities. Makers turn a blind eye to the local craft and artisans and how they can prove to make the community around wealthier. Moreover, authenticity builds a niche for the brand and helps generate employment around too. Guests should be encouraged to visit local places, try out authentic cuisines and in turn value the cultural heritage sites. Steps like these make hotels inclusive and take account of sustainability, but at a greater level.
In summary, for the hospitality industry to truly overcome unsustainable practices, hoteliers must not only embrace sustainability themselves but actively lead the charge. Through a combination of innovative initiatives, educational efforts, and collaborative partnerships, they can shape a future where the hospitality sector is synonymous with environmental stewardship and a commitment to a healthier planet.
