Introduction to sustainable hospitality

In an age marked by increasing concern for environmental conservation and social responsibility, the concept of sustainability is having an impact in many industries. One sector undergoing a significant transformation toward sustainable practices is hospitality. Travel, leisure and accommodation are all moving into the area of sustainable hospitality, which seeks to blend exceptional guest experience with ecological and societal well-being.

Why is sustainability important?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it is necessary for the protection of our planet. The hospitality industry is a massive consumer of resources and can have a substantial impact on the environment and local communities. The importance of sustainable practices in this industry cannot be overstated. From curbing climate change and conserving natural resources to promoting responsible tourism, sustainability is a way that businesses, and each of us, can make changes that can make a big difference.

Overview of the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, resorts and event venues, all of which offer services that cater to travelers, tourists and locals. This industry’s economic and social significance is undeniable, as it contributes significantly to local economies and employment opportunities.

However, this impact often comes at an environmental cost. As the industry grows, so do its ecological footprints, prompting the need for a shift toward sustainable practices. According to the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, tourism contributes about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions — a figure expected to rise by 130% by 2035.

What is sustainable hospitality?

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Sustainable hospitality involves integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of the industry’s operations. This encompasses reducing waste, conserving energy and water, sourcing local and organic products and adopting responsible tourism practices. By doing so, the industry can reap a multitude of benefits, including reduced operational costs, improved brand reputation, enhanced guest loyalty and, most importantly, a positive impact on the environment.

Environmental impact on the hospitality sector

Carbon footprint

The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to energy consumption, transportation and waste generation. The adoption of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient technologies and carbon offset programs can make a significant contribution to reducing the carbon footprint. This can be as simple as a hotel installing solar panels.

Water consumption

Water scarcity is a growing concern worldwide and the hospitality industry’s high water consumption exacerbates the problem. Implementing water-saving measures, such as low-flow fixtures, water recycling systems and guest education, can mitigate this issue. One of the most frequently seen examples is the small notices you might see in hotel bathrooms asking guests to place towels in the bath if they want them washed rather than having them washed automatically every day. Small changes such as this can make a big difference.

Food waste

The hospitality sector is responsible for a substantial amount of food wastage, from production to consumption. By minimizing food waste through careful planning, portion control and donation initiatives, hotels and restaurants can significantly reduce their food waste. It’s also now common for hotels and restaurants to focus on local and seasonal produce, supporting local producers and reducing food miles on imported items.

Single-use plastics and other disposables

Single-use plastics have garnered global attention due to their detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems. The industry can transition to biodegradable alternatives, promote reusable options and implement recycling programs to combat this issue. Some cafes are already offering reduced prices for drinks served in cups and containers you bring from home rather than in a single-use receptacle.

Negative impacts of the tourism industry

Unregulated tourism can lead to overcrowding, environmental degradation and cultural insensitivity. Sustainable tourism practices aim to preserve natural and cultural heritage while ensuring local communities benefit from the industry’s growth.

Sustainable initiatives in the hospitality industry

From switching to renewable energy sources to enabling customers to make more sustainable choices like recycling, there are many ways in which the hospitality industry can incorporate sustainable initiatives.

Renewable energy utilization

Hotels and resorts can harness solar, wind and geothermal energy to power their operations and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. It’s also often possible to select an energy provider that delivers green or renewable energy.

Waste reduction strategies

Implementing recycling programs, composting and waste-to-energy technologies can divert waste from landfill and minimize environmental impact. Ideas such as conserving water or reusing cooking and laundry water in garden areas can help cut back on water usage.

Positive hospitality practices

Encouraging guests to reuse towels and bed linens, reducing paper usage through digital communication and offering eco-friendly amenities are small changes that collectively make a significant impact.

Many guests these days are actively seeking out hotels where they know they aren’t contributing to any environmental damage and even small changes can improve sustainability and guest experience. According to a sustainable travel report issued in 2022, 81% of global travelers said traveling sustainably is important to them, with half citing climate change as their influence on making better choices for the environment.

Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (SHA) and its impact

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The SHA is a collective effort by industry leaders to promote sustainability in the hospitality sector. Its objectives include reducing carbon emissions, promoting responsible consumption and production and fostering social inclusion.

SHA programs and initiatives for sustainability

The alliance collaborates with its members to develop initiatives that address various sustainability challenges, from carbon reduction targets to ethical sourcing of products, for example supporting independent, local artisans rather than purchasing mass-produced items, in turn decreasing carbon footprint.

Collaboration with industry stakeholders

The SHA works closely with governments, NGOs and local communities to ensure sustainability efforts are holistic, impactful and aligned with global sustainability goals.

Examples of sustainable hospitality practices

• Sustainable hotel design and construction: green building practices, such as utilizing recycled materials, optimizing energy efficiency and incorporating natural lighting and ventilation, are becoming the norm in the construction of eco-friendly hotels. You can really make a mark in changing how hotels are run more sustainably with a career in hotel management.
• Locally sourced and organic food options: offering locally grown food not only supports farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint from transporting food over long distances. Dishes can also taste better and deliver more value, as the food is fresh and in season. Even better are restaurants and hotels that have their own kitchen gardens.

Challenges of implementing sustainable practices in the hospitality industry

Mandarin Oriental CEO James Riley has talked about the challenges and steps being taken in the luxury hospitality space to improve sustainability and embed practices. As he says, changes like this aren’t immediate and it’s more of a mindset shift rather than introducing policies such as just reducing plastic usage.

There are often financial and cost barriers because implementing sustainable practices often requires an upfront investment, which can deter businesses due to concerns about profitability. There can also be resistance to change and a lack of awareness, so educating stakeholders about the benefits of sustainable practices is essential to overcoming this challenge.

What are the career opportunities in sustainable hospitality?

If you’re interested in a career in hospitality, you have many choices. Let’s explore the options if you have a passion for sustainability in the tourism and hospitality industry.

• Sustainability coordinator/manager: you’ll be responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies within hospitality establishments.
• Eco-tourism specialist: focuses on promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices, ensuring the local environment and communities benefit from tourism activities.
• Green event planner: organizes eco-friendly events, incorporating sustainable practices into event logistics, catering and waste management. Find out more about careers in event management.

Conclusion

In the realm of hospitality, sustainable practices are no longer a luxury but a necessity. As the world grapples with environmental concerns, the industry must embrace its role in promoting responsible consumption, conservation and social responsibility. The journey toward sustainable hospitality has challenges, but with industry collaboration and innovative strategies, the hospitality sector can pave the way for a greener, more responsible future.

If you’re interested in making a difference, why not take a look at the options available for hospitality degrees, or internships in the hospitality industry? Studying at a hospitality school in Switzerland is the best way to kickstart your career by learning from the best. Swiss schools now account for around 70% of the top 10 institutions in the Hospitality & Leisure Management category of the QS World University Rankings. There’s no better way to drive the eco-friendly management of tourism and hospitality than by being part of the new generation of sustainability-conscious hospitality leaders.

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Main image: Maskot/Maskot via Getty Images