By Joe Vargas
SVP & General Manager, Infor Hospitality
In 2023, the World Tourism Organization spotlighted an impressive trend: a significant 73% of global travelers now prefer hotels that adopt sustainable practices. This shift is driving hotels to incorporate green technology extensively in their operations. According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, by 2025, green technology will distinguish industry leaders in the hospitality sector.
However, despite these advancements, the hotel industry still struggles with achieving environmental sustainability. It remains a significant contributor to global carbon emissions and waste. A 2023 Sustainable Journal Tourism study uncovered that the global hotel industry accounts for approximately 1% of the world’s total carbon emissions—a troubling statistic given the industry’s growth. Additionally, the study noted that an average hotel guest generates around 1kg of waste daily, exacerbating global waste management issues.
The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance warns that hotels must reduce carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030 and 90% by 2050 to meet essential sustainability targets. Despite this pressing need, data from Cornell University’s Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index reveals only modest progress since 2017, with notable reductions including:
- 3.3% decrease in energy use
- 3.73% reduction in water use
Hotels face the unique challenge of balancing their large footprint needed to provide guest comfort and exceptional experiences with the imperative for sustainability. To address this, hotel operators are increasingly turning to innovative tools and cutting-edge technology to bolster their green initiatives.
Going Green
The rapid move towards digitalization significantly transforms hotel operations and minimizes dependence on paper. With hospitality-specific technology, everything from check-in procedures to booking amenities can now be streamlined. By integrating with the PMS, hotels can communicate digitally with guests and improve staff communications. This transition not only minimizes paper waste but also enhances operational efficiency. In-room services and hotel details are frequently accessible via in-room tablets or mobile apps, providing guests with all the information they need at their fingertips.
Leveraging cloud-based platforms to integrate various hotel systems is also crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, improving guest satisfaction, and promoting sustainability. By harnessing IoT and AI technologies through cloud computing, hotels can evolve into smart, sustainable establishments.
Centralized cloud technology supports advanced water management and waste reduction systems to enhance sustainability through smart irrigation, leak detection, and rainwater harvesting. Hotels are even turning to Ssolar panels to cut reliance on non-renewable energy and smart waste tracking that optimizes food procurement. There’s also been an increase in electric vehicles and charging stations support eco-friendly transport.
Beyond taking these green initiatives, hotels are actively communicating their sustainability efforts through dedicated website sections and virtual reality tours to engage guests and showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship.
A Win-Win
While the ethical reasons for sustainability—preserving the planet for future generations—are important, hotels also have strong business incentives to embrace sustainability. A recent survey shows that 71% of travelers want to travel more sustainably, and many choose hotels based on their sustainability efforts.
Additionally, adopting sustainable practices reduces costs. Sustainable hotels achieve at least 20% greater resource efficiency, significantly lowering their energy and water expenses, as the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance states. It ensures compliance with local and state green building regulations, which helps to prevent last-minute compliance issues.
Today’s guests are increasingly looking for brands committed to sustainability, and hospitality organizations embracing sustainable practices are reaping significant benefits. The travel and hospitality industry has a golden opportunity to enhance the efficiency of its operations.
Cloud-based hotel management systems support operators in achieving their sustainability goals with solutions tailored to their business needs. Embracing sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it also cuts costs and boosts organizational agility, achieving a win-win for everyone involved.
This synergy benefits Mother Earth and elevates the guest experience. As your hotel aims to boost sustainability, the role of advanced technology becomes critical, unlocking new levels of efficiency and memorable guest engagement.
