How to optimise sustainability in hotels

In view of the rapidly advancing climate change, hotels also bear a great responsibility in reducing CO₂ emissions. But not only that - their guests now also expect a certain level of sustainability. To meet this expectation, here are some tips on how to optimise sustainability in your hotel.

The most important thing in a nutshell:

• You can reduce your plastic consumption by avoiding disposable cutlery and plastic cups. The same goes for plastic bottles, plastic key cards and plastic packaging.
• Avoid synthetic cleaning agents, which are harmful to the environment and can lead to allergies and asthma.
• Save water and energy costs by not changing towels and bed linen every day.
• You can also save energy by using LED lamps and automatic lighting systems.
• Additionally, reduce your water consumption by using automatic sinks, water-saving shower heads and dual-flush toilets.

Reducing plastic waste

Even though plastic consumption has decreased significantly in recent years, you should implement these approaches in your accommodation:

• Avoid disposable cutlery, cups and straws. If this is unavoidable, go for biodegradable and recyclable alternatives.
• Instead of plastic key cards, use access codes, smart locks or even keyless systems.
• Instead of disposable plastic bottles, provide your guests with reusable bottles, as well as water dispensers around your hotel.
• If possible, buy products that have sustainable packaging.

Use natural cleaning products

Synthetic cleaning products contain pollutants that are harmful to both living organisms (including your guests) and the planet. They deposit high levels of toxic chemicals in the air, water and soil, which can lead to allergies and asthma, among other things - not to mention the damage they do to the environment.

Do not change sheets and towels every day

To save water and energy costs, many hotels have already introduced a programme to reuse towels and sheets. While you should always provide your guests with fresh sheets and towels - most guests don't change them at home every day or after every use anyway. In addition to saving water and money, your cleaning team will also benefit enormously from this measure.

Sustainable lighting

Conventional light bulbs are cheap to buy, but cost your hotel more money in the long run. In recent years, most companies have therefore switched to LED lamps. These are more expensive per bulb, but pay for themselves due to lower energy consumption and a much longer lifespan.

If you want to save even more energy, consider automatic lighting. Smart sensors detect when guests leave the room and automatically switch off the lights after a certain time. This not only helps reduce your hotel's energy consumption and environmental impact, but also helps you save on electricity costs.

Reduce water consumption

Excessive water consumption is one of the most common environmental impacts hotels cause. Therefore, besides reusing towels and bed linen, you should look for other measures to reduce your water consumption. Here are a few ideas:

• Automatic sinks that only run when someone washes their hands.
• Install water-saving shower heads
• Dual flush toilets use less water
• Encourage your guests to save water