Sustainability has worked its way to the forefront of most industries, including the hospitality industry. As Earth Day (April 22) approaches, we’re going to take a look at how sustainability efforts are happening, and why more hospitality companies should take on sustainability efforts to attract and retain guests and employees. 

How can Hospitality Companies be more Sustainable? 

Although the pandemic has slightly altered what amenities or priorities hospitality companies currently have, there are many ways hotels and restaurants can add sustainability practices to their properties. 

Conserving Energy

Organizations can start by training and reminding staff to take on behaviors that reduce energy use, like turning off lights behind them or changing settings on laundry machines, or checking thermostat temperatures while they are cleaning guest rooms, little things add up to having a bigger impact and are easier to remember during shifts. 

Properties can also look into green technology, such as solar panels or LED lightbulbs. Hotels can continue adapting the housekeeping schedule by only cleaning rooms when requested or after the guest check-out instead of daily. This will hopefully reduce laundry loads. St. Regis Atlanta integrated tech in guest rooms with an iPad, on which guests can program with an away mode that lowers the room temperature while guests are away. 

Reducing Waste

Hotel and restaurant properties should aim to reduce their food waste and utilize local growers or grow what they can on-site. Many organizations over the pandemic created grocery boxes from employees or their community to avoid their food going to waste due to lockdowns. Menus can also include more vegetarian or vegan offerings to reduce meat consumption.

Properties should have recycling options readily available, and also utilize reusable dishes, silverware, and drinkware where possible. They should also aim to reduce as much single-use plastic as possible, such as using bath products that use biodegradable packaging or bamboo toothbrushes. Installing water-bottle filling stations will also encourage guests to avoid plastic water bottles. 

Many properties explored keyless entry into guest rooms or a digital key during the pandemic for safety but they are also more sustainable than having plastic key cards. 

Why do Sustainability Efforts Matter? 

In order for hospitality companies to continue staying relevant, attracting top talent, and continuing to be a destination guests choose, they must make sure they are implementing as many sustainable practices as possible. 

80% of hotel guests say sustainable practices are important to them when choosing where to stay and most are willing to avoid a hotel that engages in greenwashing. As hotel companies build their budgets for the future, they should allocate funds towards investing in greener technology and amenities where possible. This will help not only keep their guests coming back but also attract more guests who want to support sustainable organizations. 

A recent poll on LinkedIn surveyed 1,500 respondents about what role the environment and sustainability play in their careers- in any industry- and over 60% answered that it matters a lot with 27% answering it matters some. Globally, there is an emphasis on moving towards a greener and more sustainable future, especially among younger generations.

87% of millennials stated they would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental causes and nine in 10 millennials stated they switch brands to one associated with a cause. A Nielson study also found that an overwhelming majority (75%) of millennials and Gen Z will take action to support companies that share concern and efforts towards the causes they feel strongly for.  

Millennials are an important market for the hospitality industry because experts stated millennials were on track to make up 50% of all hotel guests in 2020 and spent $200 billion on travel in 2018. They also eat out more than any other generation, therefore are a huge market for the industry.