Rategang Moroke | Manager | Operations | Corporate Traveller | mail me |
In a welcome twist for South African businesses juggling cost pressures with environmental targets, sustainable hotels are emerging as an unexpected solution. Companies switching to green accommodation are discovering significant savings alongside meaningful reductions in their carbon footprint.
Fresh industry data reveals the scale of potential benefits. Organisations using green hotels have reduced their carbon footprint by 27% this year whilst spending 17% less on accommodation compared to traditional options, according to the latest HRS corporate travel report. In today’s economic climate, these savings are garnering serious attention.
What’s encouraging is that sustainability and cost savings are perfectly aligned. Companies are seeking both environmental responsibility and competitive pricing from their accommodation partners, and the market is responding brilliantly.
Green hotels and savings
Hotels are embracing sophisticated technology to enhance their green credentials. Major chains are implementing AI-powered energy management systems that optimise heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in real-time.
Smart water management systems using sensors detect leaks and monitor usage, while IoT devices in rooms control lighting and temperature based on occupancy. Some properties have introduced digital check-in options to reduce plastic keycard waste, and smart mirrors displaying sustainability information are replacing printed materials.
While load shedding concerns have eased recently, the resilience of green hotels remains a key consideration for corporate travel planners. Properties investing in solar power, water recycling systems, and energy-efficient operations offer peace of mind should power challenges resurface. Some hotels are even converting organic waste into biogas for electricity generation, reducing reliance on traditional power sources.
Price naturally remains a key factor in hotel selection, spurring technological innovations in the corporate travel sector. We have recently launched Hotel Source, which brings all hotel content into one platform for our travel managers. By incorporating inventory from Booking.com, Expedia, GDS systems and more, we ensure companies never miss out on value whilst meeting their sustainability goals.
Maximising the benefits of green hotels
While more firms are requesting sustainability reporting, many are still finding their feet with the data. Travel managers are increasingly partnering with travel management companies (TMCs) that offer detailed environmental metrics through reporting tools, helping to track and improve their environmental performance over time.
There are several steps for organisations looking to maximise the benefits of green hotels:
- Review current accommodation data to identify opportunities for switching to sustainable properties.
- Engage with TMCs to understand available sustainability reporting tools and metrics.
- Consider implementing a sustainable hotel policy that balances environmental impact with cost.
- Educate travelers about the benefits of choosing green hotels.
- Benchmark performance against industry standards and peer companies.
The next phase is helping companies move from measuring to meaningful action. When organisations can easily access sustainable options at competitive rates, making environmentally responsible choices becomes natural. It is about empowering to make better decisions for both their bottom line and the planet.
Related FAQs: Green hotels driving sustainability and savings
Q: What are eco-friendly hotels?
A: Eco-friendly hotels are accommodations that implement sustainable practices to minimise their environmental impact. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and using energy-efficient systems such as LED lighting. These hotels prioritise sustainability in their operations and promote sustainability efforts to their guests.
Q: How can a hotel demonstrate its commitment to sustainability?
A: A hotel can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability through various green practices, such as implementing recycling programs, using eco-friendly products and sourcing local ingredients. Additionally, hotels may obtain certifications like the Green Key to validate their sustainability efforts.
Q: What benefits do green hotels driving sustainability offer to guests?
A: Sustainable hotels often provide guests with a unique experience that emphasises environmental awareness. Guests can enjoy features like organic meals, eco-friendly amenities and the peace of mind that comes from staying in a hotel that prioritises sustainability and supports local communities.
Q: How do green practices benefit the hospitality industry?
A: Green practices benefit the hospitality industry by reducing operational costs, improving guest satisfaction and by enhancing the hotel’s reputation. By adopting sustainable practices, hotels can lower their energy consumption and waste management costs while attracting environmentally conscious travellers.
Q: What is the role of hotel management in promoting sustainable tourism?
A: Hotel management plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism by developing and implementing sustainability policies. This includes training staff on eco-friendly practices, engaging guests in sustainability initiatives and collaborating with local communities to support sustainable development.
Q: Why should every hotel consider going green?
A: Every hotel should consider going green because it not only helps the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also meets the growing demand from travellers for eco-friendly accommodations. Sustainable hotels can enhance their marketability and contribute positively to the hospitality industry’s overall sustainability efforts.
Q: What are some common sustainability practices in hotels?
A: Common sustainability practices in hotels include energy-efficient lighting, water conservation measures, waste reduction programs and sourcing local products. These practices not only reduce the hotel’s environmental footprint but also promote sustainability in the tourism sector.
Q: How do eco hotels support local communities?
A: Eco hotels support local communities by sourcing goods and services from local businesses, employing local staff and engaging in community development projects. This helps to create a positive economic impact while fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental sustainability.
Q: What is green hotels driving sustainability and why is it important?
A: Hotel sustainability refers to the practices and policies that hotels adopt to minimise their environmental impact and promote sustainable development. It is important because it helps to protect natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure that tourism remains viable for future generations.
Q: How can travellers identify hotels that prioritise sustainability?
A: Travellers can identify hotels that prioritise sustainability by looking for certifications such as Green Key or EarthCheck, checking for sustainability policies on the hotel’s website, and reading reviews that mention the hotel’s commitment to eco-friendly practices. Additionally, travellers can seek recommendations for eco-friendly hotels from sustainability-focused travel guides.
