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Sustainability in hospitality: Simple steps to go green
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Sustainability is increasingly important for many of the UK’s hospitality businesses, with 93 per cent having a sustainability strategy either in place or in development. With more than a third of customers prepared to prioritise businesses that are sustainable even if they cost more, according to research by data consultancy CGA, it makes good business sense to go green.
And businesses across the industry are finding that it doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag either. Everyone from global hotel chains to independent cafes are embracing eco-friendly practices through small but significant changes that can enhance their reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and even save money in the long run.
Smart strategies and new technologies are also helping hospitality businesses make meaningful changes without breaking the bank. Here we look at some of the most cost-effective ways to help the environment and your business over the coming year.
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is often the first step and is something many businesses do now as a matter of course after a tumultuous few years of energy prices. By switching to LED lighting, for example, businesses can reduce energy consumption by up to 75 per cent, while the long lifespan of these bulbs lowers maintenance costs.
Many venues and particularly hotels are also turning to smart energy technologies, like automated thermostats and motion sensors, to optimise heating, cooling, and lighting. These tools adjust settings based on occupancy, ensuring no energy is wasted. For larger businesses, investing in solar panels or partnering with green energy suppliers can provide long-term savings while signalling a commitment to renewable energy.
Water conservation
Water conservation is another area where small changes can make a big impact, with the potential for significant savings too. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads is an affordable way to significantly reduce water usage. Addressing leaks promptly and implementing routine maintenance schedules can prevent thousands of gallons of water from going to waste for bigger hospitality chains.
Some businesses are even reusing greywater for landscaping or collecting rainwater for cleaning outdoor spaces, such as a Premier Inn in Faversham, Kent. Smart irrigation systems, which adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions, are particularly useful for venues with large outdoor areas.
Waste reduction
Waste reduction remains one of the most visible and impactful sustainability ways for the hospitality industry to reduce its footprint, with almost a million tonnes of food wasted annually. Conducting a waste audit is an effective way to identify areas for improvement, while many restaurants and bars are adopting technology like food waste tracking apps to monitor and analyse waste patterns, enabling them to adjust inventory and menu offerings accordingly. Composting organic waste can reduce landfill contributions while helping to create nutrient-rich soil for on-site gardens. And, of course, eliminating single-use plastics in favour of biodegradable or reusable alternatives is a simple but very effective step.
Eco-sourcing
Sustainable sourcing has become a defining feature of eco-friendly hospitality businesses in recent years, particularly for upscale restaurants. By prioritising locally sourced ingredients, restaurants and cafes can support nearby farmers while reducing the carbon footprint of long-distance supply chains, which often source from far-flung corners of the world.
Bars can also embrace the trend by featuring locally brewed beers and spirits, with many now becoming microbreweries in their own right. For those who need the carbon data to ensure they meet their own targets, advancements in blockchain technology now allow businesses to track the sustainability credentials of their suppliers, providing transparency and ensuring ethical sourcing.
Sustainability staff training
Engaging staff and customers in sustainability efforts is a key way to ensure that your efforts have a real impact. Educating employees about eco-friendly practices, such as minimising waste and conserving energy, makes sure these values are upheld at every level of the business, particularly if management lead by example.
Customers, too, are often eager to participate in green initiatives. Incentives like discounts for reusable cups or the option to opt-out of daily housekeeping encourage guests to make environmentally conscious choices. Digital tools, such as interactive menus that showcase sustainable options, can further enhance the customer experience while reducing paper waste.
Investment for long-term benefits
Some sustainability initiatives require upfront investments but offer substantial long-term benefits. For example, achieving green certifications like eco standard Green Key can attract eco-conscious customers and validate what a business is putting into practice. Energy management systems, like the smart energy tech used by hotels to optimise energy use based on real-time data, can drastically lower utility costs. Bigger hotel chains have been doing this for some years now and the results speak for themselves.
On-site gardens are another way to not only reduce food expenses but also provide fresh, hyper-local ingredients that appeal to discerning diners. Forward-thinking businesses are even exploring waste-to-energy solutions, converting organic waste into renewable energy to reduce costs and landfill contributions.
Sustainable solutions can drive success
As the hospitality industry’s sustainability efforts and practices continue to evolve, it has been driven not just by a sense of responsibility, but also a way to bring customers through the door while lowering costs.
Today’s consumers, particularly the younger generations, value businesses that align with their environmental priorities, and even modest changes can have a significant impact. Whether it’s through energy-efficient lighting, smart water conservation, or innovative waste reduction strategies, every step toward sustainability is a step toward a greener, more stable future. Embracing these practices is not just good for the planet – it’s a smart business move.