There are many ways to make your hotel more energy-efficient and green. One example is installing solar panels. This can help your hotel reduce energy use while creating a brand image of being a sustainable business. It also helps you save money on operating costs.
Sustainable Practices in the Hospitality Industry
A La Quinta Inn & Suites in Connecticut, for example, installed 400 solar panels in 2015. This resulted in savings of $1,500 per month on their energy bills and sold $16,000 worth of electricity back to the grid.
Increasingly, hotels recognize the value of sustainability. They have taken steps to reduce their environmental impacts, such as removing single-use toiletries and sustainability hospitality. Some of these changes require significant capital investments, such as replacing HVAC systems.
However, others are simple and cost-effective. Hotels that adopt sustainable practices are helping the environment and earning their guests’ goodwill.
A recent report on consumer behavior found that 71% of consumers consider the environment when making decisions. This trend is consistent with other studies and is most pronounced among millennials, who comprise the most significant portion of the consumer market.
Furthermore, adopting sustainable practices in a hotel can enhance the customer experience, boost word-of-mouth marketing, and increase customer satisfaction. While going green doesn’t necessarily mean going green costs more money, it can make your hotel more profitable in the long run.
Increasing energy efficiency is another way to make your hotel more sustainable. The use of LED light bulbs is one way to increase energy efficiency. Another strategy is to offer reusable water bottles to guests. A hotel can even implement solar panels for water heating.