8 Sustainable Goals for Hotels

In today’s world, sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all kinds, including hotels. In our recent post on “Training Hotel Staff in Sustainability Practices” we explored the benefits of setting clear sustainability goals and objectives, promoting sustainable practices, and monitoring progress.

In this article, we will explore eight specific examples of sustainability goals that hotels can set to reduce their environmental impact, promote social responsibility and create a more sustainable business. Whether you are an owner, manager, or staff member at a hotel, these goals can serve as a useful guide to help you make positive changes and contribute to a better future for our planet.

– Reduce energy consumption

Hotel management or ownership can set a goal to reduce its energy consumption by 20% in the next year. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can implement energy-efficient measures such as switching to LED lighting, using smart thermostats to control heating and cooling, and installing solar panels. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking its energy bills and measuring its energy usage.

– Reduce water consumption

Another goal hotels can set is to reduce their water consumption by 25% in the next year. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can implement water-saving measures such as installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, using drought-resistant landscaping, and reusing water for irrigation. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking its water bills and measuring its water usage.

– Reduce waste

Hotels can set a goal to reduce their waste by 50% in the next year. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can implement waste-reduction measures such as composting food waste, recycling paper, plastic, and glass, and donating leftover toiletries to charities. The hotel can then monitor its progress by weighing its waste and tracking its recycling and composting rates.

– Increase local sourcing

Hotels can set a goal to increase their use of locally sourced products by 30% in the next year. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can source its food and supplies from local farmers and producers, reducing transportation emissions and supporting the local economy. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking its purchases from local suppliers.

– Greenhouse gas emissions reduction

Hotels can set a goal to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in the next year. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can implement measures such as using renewable energy, promoting public transportation for guests, and offsetting emissions through carbon credits. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking its greenhouse gas emissions and measuring its carbon footprint.

– Sustainable tourism

Hotels can set a goal to promote sustainable tourism practices by educating guests about the local environment, culture, and community. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can organize eco-tours, offer sustainable transportation options, and encourage guests to support local businesses. The hotel can then monitor its progress by surveying guests and measuring their satisfaction with the hotel’s sustainable tourism practices.

– Employee engagement

Hotels can set a goal to engage their employees in sustainability initiatives by promoting sustainability awareness and training. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can organize sustainability training programs for employees, offer incentives for sustainable behavior, and recognize employees who contribute to sustainability goals. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking employee participation in sustainability initiatives and measuring employee satisfaction with the hotel’s sustainability program.

– Sustainable food and beverage

Hotels can set a goal to offer sustainable food and beverage options to their guests. To promote sustainable practices, the hotel can source its food and beverage products from local, organic, and fair trade suppliers, eliminate single-use plastics, and reduce food waste. The hotel can then monitor its progress by tracking its food and beverage purchasing practices and measuring guest satisfaction with sustainable food and beverage options.

In conclusion, hotels have the potential to be significant contributors to sustainable tourism practices. By setting clear goals and implementing sustainable measures, hotels can reduce their environmental impact, promote local economies, and engage their employees and guests in sustainable practices.

These efforts not only benefit the environment and local communities but also improve the overall guest experience and reputation of the hotel. It is crucial for hotels to prioritize sustainability and continue to innovate and improve their sustainability practices to create a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.