Sustainability in hospitality is hot on the agenda, with many companies aiming to reduce waste and improve general eco standards across the board. Here at London Serviced Apartments, we believe steps towards greater sustainability in your travel accommodation won’t just help the planet and communities, but it improves your stay too. Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking.com has said that travel can be:
“a powerful force for good, bringing enhanced cultural understanding, socio-economic opportunities for communities and the potential to help rejuvenate and protect our planet for future generations.”
We agree! Here we look at sustainability in hospitality and how it matters from a guest’s perspective.
What is Sustainable Hospitality?
Sustainable hospitality refers to the practice of operating hotels, resorts, and other accommodations like serviced apartments, in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. It involves minimising and actively reducing negative impacts on the environment, conserving resources, promoting local community engagement, and supporting ethical business practices. Sustainable hospitality aims to balance economic success with environmental stewardship and social well-being, ensuring a positive and long-lasting impact on both the industry and the planet.
What are the 3 Ps of Hospitality Sustainability?
The three P’s of hospitality sustainability are People, Planet, and Profit. These pillars represent the core principles of sustainable hospitality practices. ‘People’ emphasises social responsibility, promoting fair employment practices and supporting local communities. ‘Planet’ focuses on environmental stewardship, including reducing carbon footprint, conserving resources, and implementing eco-friendly initiatives. ‘Profit’ highlights the importance of economic viability, ensuring that sustainable practices are financially sustainable and contribute to long-term profitability.
If you’re interested in sustainability in hospitality, it’s worth considering different travel options, such as accommodation, against the 3Ps.
Why is Sustainability Important in Hospitality?
The hospitality industry has a huge impact on our planet and local communities. Traditionally, this has been characterised by a wasteful attitude, for example laundering towels daily. Sustainability in hospitality is vital for helping protect our planet, through steps such as reducing waste, conserving resources and mitigating hospitality’s ecological impact. Furthermore, travellers are becoming more conscious of their impact on the planet and want to travel with sustainability in mind. This means hospitality businesses must prioritise sustainability as a corporate objective for reputational reasons, while reducing operating costs helps profitability too.
What Should You Look for in your Accommodation?
Hotels are notorious for being wasteful. In many ways, it’s par for the course with the nature of hotel stays. Serviced apartments are generally a more sustainable option. However, whatever accommodation you choose, there are certain things you can consider in your accommodation when you are trying to assess their sustainability.
- Water conservation
How is water managed in the accommodation? Is it reused or recycled? Are there mechanisms on toilets and showers to reduce water consumption? Are you encouraged to leave your towels for daily washing, or can you opt to reduce water consumption by laundering towels only when needed? - Sustainable packaging
It’s possible to still have luxury touches, like complimentary toiletries, without single use packaging. Look to see if the bathrooms have reusable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and hand soap. Consider if disposable cups are provided, or whether there are higher quality glasses. - Efficient appliances
You should expect your accommodation to have energy efficient appliances. For example, in many of our serviced apartments, you’ll find energy efficient dishwashers and washing machines. You should expect energy-saving light bulbs or LED lighting. - Smart systems
Do they have automated systems for temperature control to optimise energy usage? For example, are lights automatically switched off when you leave the property? Technology can enhance your serviced apartment stay in many ways, but sustainability is an important one. - Waste management
How does the accommodation handle waste? Are there recycling bins available? Do they have a waste management system in place to minimise landfill contributions? Are efforts made to reduce overall waste production through initiatives like composting or food waste reduction? Are you able to prepare and store your own meals? - Renewable energy
Many accommodation providers are gradually making greener choices when it comes to energy provision. It’s worth finding out if the accommodation uses solar panels, geothermal heating/cooling, or other more sustainable renewable energy sources. - Local and sustainable sourcing
Consider if the accommodation supports local suppliers and uses sustainable products. For example, some serviced apartments have restaurants on site. You can find out if they serve locally sourced food. Many serviced apartment owners and operators leave welcome hampers containing locally produced and sourced treats or starter items to enhance your stay.
- Community engagement
Look for accommodations that actively engage with and support the local community. Do they support local charities or participate in community projects? Serviced apartments make guests part of the community and this can be very positive.
By considering these factors, you can make more informed choices and support accommodations that prioritize sustainability in their operations, ultimately contributing to a more eco-friendly and responsible travel experience.
Choosing a Serviced Apartment is a Step Towards Sustainability
Choosing a serviced apartment is a step towards sustainability. Serviced apartments generally offer more sustainable features and practices compared to traditional hotels. They often have a greater focus on water conservation, with mechanisms to reduce consumption and encourage towel reuse. Sustainable packaging is emphasised, energy-efficient appliances, smart systems, waste management initiatives, and a commitment to local and sustainable sourcing further contribute to the sustainability aspect.
Find out more about sustainability in hospitality when you choose your next serviced apartment by calling us on +44 (0) 208 004 0007.
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