By Lea Mira, HTN Staff Writer – April 22, 2024
Today is Earth Day 2024, and the good news is that hotels around the world are increasingly adopting green technology solutions to become more sustainable. This change is being driven not only by hoteliers' growing awareness of environmental issues, but also by guests' growing expectations for eco-friendly accommodations.
In 2023, the World Tourism Organization reported that 73% of global travelers prefer to stay in hotels with sustainable practices. This statistic is driving hotels to incorporate green technology throughout their operations.
One of the most common green technology solutions employed in hotels is energy efficient systems. For example, the Marriott International chain has introduced an energy management system that uses artificial intelligence to optimize energy consumption. The system monitors and controls heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in real time, reducing energy waste.
For example, the Radisson Hotel Group is called “Think Planet.” The software allows hotels to monitor and manage their energy consumption in real time, leading to significant reductions in their carbon footprint.
Another example is the Hilton chain. The company recently introduced a water management system that uses sensors to monitor water usage and detect water leaks. This technology reduced water waste and contributed to the hotel's sustainability goals. The Wyndham Hotel & Resorts chain recently began using smart irrigation systems in its landscaped areas. The system uses weather data to adjust watering schedules and amounts, reducing water waste and promoting healthier plant growth.
Another example is ITC Hotels in India, which uses a waste management system that converts organic waste into biogas. This biogas is used to generate electricity, reducing the hotel's dependence on non-renewable energy sources. Meanwhile, Singapore's Shangri-La Hotel recently installed a rainwater harvesting system. The system reduces the hotel's water consumption by collecting and storing rainwater and using it for irrigation and other non-potable water needs.
Solar power is another green technology solution that is increasingly being implemented in hotels. For example, InterContinental Hotels Group installed solar panels on several of its properties last year. These panels generate the majority of the hotel's electricity, reducing its dependence on non-renewable energy sources. “The electricity generated by the solar panel project will be fed into the local power grid, and hotels will be able to subscribe to part of the project, receiving Green-e certified RECs and discounts on their regular electricity bills for the clean energy generated. ” explains the company in a press statement. “Through this model, registered hotels can confidently claim that they are powered by renewable energy, while new community solar projects create jobs and improve air quality in local communities. We can support the development of
Hotels are also implementing technology solutions to reduce food waste, a key issue in the hospitality industry. For example, Accor Group uses a smart waste tracking system that identifies and records food waste, providing data that helps hotels reduce waste and improve menu planning. For example, the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts chain has implemented a food waste tracking system called “LeanPath.” The system tracks and measures food waste, providing valuable data to help hotels reduce waste and improve food sourcing processes.
In-room technology is another area where hotels are implementing green solutions. Many hotels now offer digital check-in and check-out options, reducing the need for plastic keycards and paper. Some hotels, such as the Hyatt chain, have introduced smart rooms equipped with IoT devices that control lighting, temperature, and other functions based on the presence of guests. This precise control not only allows guests to customize their environment, increasing satisfaction, but also prevents unnecessary air conditioning of open spaces, resulting in significant energy savings.
The use of electric vehicles (EVs) for hotel transportation is also a trend we will see in 2023. Hotels like the Four Seasons have begun offering electric vehicle charging stations to encourage EV usage and help reduce carbon emissions.
In addition to these operational changes, hotels are leveraging technology to communicate their sustainability efforts to guests. Many hotels now have sustainability sections on their websites to share information about their green efforts and achievements. Some are using virtual reality tours to showcase sustainable practices.
In terms of in-room technology, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has introduced smart mirrors in the bathrooms. These mirrors incorporate displays that provide guests with information about the hotel's sustainability efforts, reducing the need for printed materials.
The implementation of green technology in hotels is not without its challenges. High start-up costs, lack of technical expertise, and operational disruption are some of the barriers hotels face. However, the long-term benefits such as reduced operating costs, increased guest satisfaction, and positive environmental impact make the investment worthwhile from an ROI perspective.
The trend towards green technology in hotels is expected to continue due to increased environmental awareness, evolving guest expectations and technological advancements. Green technology will become a key differentiator for the hospitality industry by 2025, according to a report by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
Although great strides have been made in implementing green technology, the hotel industry still has a considerable way to go in terms of environmental sustainability. The sector continues to make a significant contribution to global carbon emissions and waste generation. According to a study published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism in 2023, the global hotel industry accounts for about 1% of the world's total carbon emissions. This number is significant considering the industry's growth trajectory. The same study also revealed that the average hotel guest produces around 1kg of waste in his day, making solid waste management a growing problem around the world.
Furthermore, the 2024 report by the International Tourism Partnership highlights that the hotel industry's water consumption is also a concern. According to the report, the average hotel uses 218 gallons of water per day for each occupied room, contributing to water shortages in many areas.
While the introduction of green technology is a step in the right direction, it is clear that more comprehensive and far-reaching measures are needed to reduce the industry's environmental impact. That said, as we celebrate Earth Day, it's heartening to see more hotels taking the lead in implementing technology to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.
