Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles are becoming increasingly important in today’s business landscape, especially in sectors like hospitality that have a significant environmental impact.
A Strategic Opportunity for South East Asian Hotels
The global trend towards sustainable travel is undeniable, with 81% of travelers expressing its importance according to a recent study by Booking.com.
Half of them say that recent climate change news has influenced their travel choices, and 71% are eager to make more sustainable choices in the next year, a notable 10% increase from the previous year.
Furthermore, 40% have noticed sustainable accommodation options online, and 38% actively seek sustainability information before booking.
For South East Asian hotels, these statistics underscore a significant opportunity. By embracing sustainability, they can cater to the rising demand from environmentally conscious travelers.
Such an initiative is not merely an ethical commitment but a strategic move towards increased competitiveness and profitability in the growing hospitality market.
Successful Models of Sustainability in Global Chains
Leading global hotel chains, such as Accor, Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, have already taken significant strides towards sustainability with dedicated programs like Planet 21, Serve360, Travel with Purpose, and Hyatt Thrive, respectively.
Furthermore, corporations are also focusing on sustainable travel, setting the bar high for their partners and vendors, and emphasizing the crucial role of sustainable practices.
Siemens, for one, mandates that its employees stay in sustainable hotels. They calculate a hotel’s carbon footprint based on aspects such as energy consumption, water consumption and waste generation per occupied room night.
Technological Pathways to Sustainable Hotel Operations
Efficient backstage operations are indeed key to driving sustainability and reducing operating costs in the hotel industry. By leveraging advanced technologies, hotels can significantly reduce their energy consumption and costs.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) smart room energy management systems are one of the best ways to manage energy efficient.
SensorFlow’s SmartREM system, for example, intelligently adjusts HVAC settings based on room occupancy, ensuring no energy is wasted when rooms are unoccupied and saving the hotel up to 30% in energy costs.
Moreover, these systems are often equipped with analytics capabilities, providing insights that can further enhance energy efficiency.
Beyond HVAC, other smart systems can also contribute significantly to hotel sustainability. Intelligent lighting systems, for instance, can use sensors and timers to ensure lights are only on when necessary, conserving energy.
In the same vein, smart water management systems can monitor and control water usage, contributing to water conservation – a key aspect of sustainability.
In addition, smart waste management systems can help hotels reduce, track, and manage waste more effectively. By optimizing waste collection schedules based on actual waste levels, these systems can reduce the environmental impact and costs associated with waste management.
Guest-facing sustainability initiatives not only contribute positively to the environment but also drive revenue and brand differentiation. The use of such technologies, therefore, represents a win-win for hotel operators in the quest for sustainability and efficiency.
The Competitive Advantage of Sustainability
By aligning guest experiences with sustainability, hotels can tap into a growing market segment of environmentally conscious travelers and gain a competitive edge.
Achieving recognized sustainability certifications, like the Green Globe Certification or EarthCheck, signifies a hotel’s commitment to sustainable practices and can attract eco-conscious guests.
According to a report by Deloitte, sustainable practices are no longer a ‘nice to have’ in the hospitality industry, but a ‘need to have’ feature that directly impacts a hotel’s market positioning and revenue potential.
The Imperative of Sustainability for Future Growth
Indeed, sustainability is not just a fleeting trend; it is set to become the cornerstone of the hotel industry’s future.
With increasing regulatory pressures and evolving consumer expectations, a proactive approach towards sustainability is not just advisable—it’s essential.
For South East Asia’s hoteliers, embracing sustainability is not only a responsible choice but also a smart business decision for sustainable growth in the years to come.
In an increasingly eco-conscious world, being sustainable is being profitable.