Table of Contents
- Why invest in sustainable technology?
- What are some technologies that can help a hotel operate more sustainably?
- What is the revenue impact of sustainable technologies?
- Can sustainable tech be beneficial for different types of hotels?
The demand for sustainable technology in the hotel industry is growing rapidly across the UK and Europe, as it is worldwide. In a recent survey, more than half of hoteliers indicated that interest in sustainable products and services presents a significant opportunity for business development. Guests and governments alike expect hotels to minimise their environmental impact. By embracing innovative technology, hoteliers can meet these expectations while cutting costs and enhancing guest satisfaction.
Becoming more sustainable isn’t a matter of ticking boxes. It’s an ongoing process of examining your operations to determine where you can improve. This can mean finding ways to use less water, changing how staff clean guest rooms, donating excess toiletries, implementing paperless check-in/check-out, or reusing materials.
Reducing consumption and waste should always be the first step in improving sustainability. Sustainable technology can also help hotels move toward this goal. But is sustainability important enough for you to invest in?
Why invest in sustainable technology?
One important reason to invest in technology solutions for sustainability is guests’ experience and perceptions. Younger travellers especially are becoming more environmentally conscious. As travellers learn to incorporate sustainable practices in their lives, they increasingly seek accommodations that align with those values. In fact, more than 75% of guests in recent studies indicate that they want to travel more sustainably.
The more your property demonstrates sustainable practices, the more likely that guests will choose your property and leave positive reviews. They may even pay more to stay with you – nearly half of guests in recent studies say they’d be willing to pay more for sustainable travel options.
Staying at a property that employs sustainable practices isn’t only about social responsibility and environmental impact. Sustainable practices often contribute to healthier indoor environments; this is desirable for guests who prioritise health and wellness.
In addition to guest expectations, government regulations across the UK and Europe increasingly demand that hotels comply with sustainability standards. Sustainable technology can assist hotels in meeting these requirements by tracking and managing energy and water use and monitoring waste.
What are some technologies that can help a hotel operate more sustainably?
If your property isn’t already thinking about sustainability, you needn’t start on a grand scale. While solar farms, geothermal energy, water recycling systems, green roofs, and wind turbines are all excellent options, there are a variety of widely available technologies you can use in your hotel starting today. Those most commonly in use now include:
- Smart thermostats – There are many options to update your heating and cooling systems and other energy solutions to more efficient options. One way to improve them even further is to incorporate smart thermostats. When used with sensors that detect whether a space is in use, smart thermostats can adjust the temperature so you’re not heating or cooling a space when no one is there.
- Smart lighting – While LED bulbs are widely used in the UK and Europe, smart solutions can make lighting even more efficient. Sensors can detect whether a space is in use, and the system can then turn lights on or off as needed.
- Leak and water sensors – Smart solutions for preventive maintenance can detect problems such as leaky faucets or toilets. Not only does this improve sustainability, but it can also lower your operating costs. A single leaky toilet can be very costly in terms of water usage and damage, so monitoring can save money and prevent headaches!
- Digital signage – Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing services for guests. Options such as digital signage help provide up-to-date information for guests that can replace printed materials, reducing waste and improving convenience. This can help create a more memorable guest experience while minimising resource use.
- Air quality monitors – Air quality is less a factor for sustainability but is nonetheless an ecological issue. And with more guests now indicating wellness is important to them, improving your air quality is crucial. Air quality monitors can help you maintain a healthy indoor environment for your guests and staff.
- EV charging stations – UBS Bank forecasts that, by 2025, 20 per cent of all new cars sold globally will be electric. As the demand for electric vehicles soars, EV chargers have become a sought-after amenity, highlighting your commitment to sustainability initiatives.
- Waste reduction – Digital waste-tracking systems help hotels monitor waste generation and set reduction targets. This technology can pinpoint waste sources such as kitchen or housekeeping, making it easier to spot opportunities for targeted waste reduction.
- AI-based solutions – Using smart solutions with AI-powered predictive analytics and insights can help hotels reduce energy consumption and save money. For example, Building Management Systems (BMS) centralise control of a hotel’s facilities, including heating, lighting, water, and more. This approach helps spot improvement opportunities throughout your property for greater effect.
What is the revenue impact of sustainable technologies?
While initial costs are associated with implementing sustainable technologies, there can be beneficial impacts on both short- and long-term revenue. Potential benefits include:
- Cost savings – Improving energy efficiency can lead to reduced resource consumption and operating costs and, thus, higher profit margins.
- Market differentiation – Implementing sustainable technologies can set your property apart in the market. This may attract environmentally conscious guests willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly accommodations.
- Guest loyalty – Establishing a reputation for environmental responsibility can encourage guest loyalty and repeat business. It’s also likely to increase positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals.
- Corporate demand – Businesses in many sectors prioritise sustainability, leading them to choose hotels and event spaces that share their priorities. Offering eco-friendly amenities may make your property more appealing for corporate events and boost revenue from business clients.
- Government incentives – In some locations, there may be tax breaks, grants, or other incentives to adopt sustainable technologies.
Can sustainable tech be beneficial for different types of hotels?
Indeed, it can! Of course, the solutions you choose to implement will need to account for your budget, your market, and what makes sense for your specific property. But implementing sustainable technologies can make a positive impact on a variety of properties:
- Budget hotels – Sustainable technologies can help reduce operating costs and thus make pricing more competitive. Also, budget hotels can draw additional guests by promoting themselves as affordable, eco-conscious options.
- Hotels catering to business travellers – Corporate clients who share a focus on sustainability may appreciate energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly amenities. Technologies such as electric vehicle charging stations also help cater to business travellers.
- Luxury hotels – Sustainable technologies can be a draw for high-end guests who appreciate the combination of luxury and sustainability, especially when combined with a health-and-wellness angle.
- Resorts – Sustainable technologies can help resorts cooperate rather than compete with their natural surroundings. For example, solutions that help resorts use energy and water more efficiently can help preserve the local environment. They can also help attract guests seeking a destination that is both relaxing and eco-conscious.
- Boutique hotels – Sustainable technologies provide a unique selling point, helping boutique hotels stand out in a competitive market. This can be tied to a hotel’s distinctive brand identity to attract eco-conscious travellers.
- Urban hotels – Sustainable technologies can benefit both urban hotels and their neighbourhoods, for example, by reducing energy consumption and combating the heat island effect.
It’s clear that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also a business advantage that resonates with modern travellers.
With a growing number of sustainable technologies available to help hotels “go green” and increasing benefits to doing so, now is an excellent time to investigate what options might work well for your property. WorldVue provides the reliable connectivity needed to support sustainable technology. We also work with a variety of partners experienced in the implementation of sustainable technologies. Contact us today to help you find ways to make your hotel more sustainable and more attractive to guests.