Sustainability is already a top priority for many key stakeholders in hospitality, as most major brands are working to achieve internal environmental, social and corporate governance goals and three-quarters of global travelers are now making a conscious effort to travel more sustainably.

What’s more, 43% of today’s travelers say they would pay more for certified sustainable travel options, according to Booking.com's 2023 Sustainable Travel Report.

As such, hotels are introducing a growing number of offerings, such as electric vehicle charging access and plant-based menus, to make it easier and more affordable for guests to travel responsibly. Global hospitality leaders are also empowering groups with sustainable options for meetings and events, including locally sourced and low-emission food choices, digital keyless entry, carbon-neutral meetings and opportunities to give back to hosting communities.

As more hotels lean into sustainable options, here are some strategies to support your hotel on the road to responsible tourism and travel.

It’s vital to remember that in hospitality, if we’re providing a service that isn’t resonating with our customers, our revenue walks out the door. Sustainability is currently one of the top trending priorities for travelers around the world, and investing in responsible, low-impact and low-waste offerings is imperative to keep your property top of mind for today’s guests. Suggestions include:

• Offer electric vehicle charging access. In less than a decade, it’s estimated that EVs will account for more than half of new car sales in the U.S. And, in 2023, we’re seeing EV charging become the second-highest-ranked feature among guests when converting searches to stays. By installing EV charging stations at your property — or partnering with a local vendor offering equipment rental or monthly subscription services — you can spark higher booking interest in your hotel while making it easier than ever for guests to travel sustainably.
• Make the move to full-size bath amenities. Bulk amenity programs aren’t just better for the planet; they can also generate substantial cost savings and enhance operational efficiencies on-property, as well as appealing to the modern guest’s demand for greater product integrity. In some states, such as California, individually sized bath amenities are now prohibited by law, so be sure to brush up on your local legislation and make the transition to full-size amenities a top priority.
• Install hydration stations around your property. Many travelers are forming sustainable hydration habits, carrying refillable water bottles rather than purchasing single-serving bottled water. Hydration stations are popping up everywhere, from major airports to convention centers, and you can uplift the guest experience while reducing your environmental impact by installing hydration stations at your property.
• Switch to LED bulbs for all interior and exterior hotel lighting. LED bulbs last up to seven times longer than traditional incandescent lighting, translating to significant long-term savings for owners and greater operational efficiencies for hotel engineering teams. The transition to LED bulbs also means a marked reduction in emissions and energy use for your property — a vital step toward more sustainable stays.
• Invest in renewable energy sources. Looking for more environmentally conscious and cost-effective ways to run your hotel? Explore renewable energy options in your area, such as community solar and green power options offered by local utility companies, which can be added to new contracts at time of renewal. Additionally, consider Renewable Energy Certificates and on-site solar options.
• Invest in high efficiency. At the end of equipment life, explore making the move to more energy-efficient equipment, such as chillers, cooling towers, PTACs and heat pumps, with thermostats and building automation systems that allow for programming to reduce your overall energy usage. Investing in an energy infrastructure upgrade can pay dividends in the long run, as well as significantly reduce your property’s carbon footprint.

According to the International Energy Agency, the agriculture industry accounts for approximately 17% of annual greenhouse gases emitted. By following the suggestions below, your hotel can help address this challenge, while simultaneously increasing positive social impact.

• Add plant-based options to your menu. A growing number of consumers are gravitating toward plant-based diets and hotels that expand their offering and cater to these guests are likely to expand their customer base. By incorporating a selection of vegan and vegetarian menu offerings — including plant-based breakfast meats with your hot breakfast fare — you can capture a greater share of the guest market while reducing food-related carbon emissions.
• Make it easy for groups to gather sustainably and reduce waste. When hosting meetings and events, offer interactive buffets served on reusable dishware rather than in individually packed boxes to reduce waste, and provide water refill stations with reusable cups rather than plastic water bottles. You can also prioritize plant-based menu options, eliminate plastic straws, serve snacks and condiments in bulk, and source organic or certified produce when possible to reduce your event’s environmental impact without compromising on quality. In fact, most if not all of these changes are likely to increase attendee engagement and enjoyment — especially for the fast-growing number of consumers who are seeking out sustainable dining options. To help group customers achieve their own social impact goals, you can also team up with area nonprofits targeting food insecurity to reduce food waste by redistributing any leftover portions, where allowable by law.
• Set internal goals around responsible sourcing. From pork and poultry to coffee and cotton, responsible sourcing is an increasing area of emphasis for properties around the globe. Take the necessary steps to embed ESG due diligence within your property’s supply chain, establish a strong network of local food-and-beverage suppliers, and set internal goals — particularly around commodities such as sustainable seafood and locally sourced produce — to keep your team focused on obtaining products that were ethically produced and responsibly sourced.

Wherever you are on your path toward delivering a more sustainable stay for your guests, you’ll be well served to identify the best next steps to keep your property moving forward. Travelers are seeking out responsible lodging options, and you can rest assured your competitors are not resting in this space.

For hotels and management groups that may be newer to the conversation around sustainability and responsible sourcing, you may want to consider partnering with a third-party ratings agency to provide you with a snapshot of your sustainability progress in real time. These organizations can offer a reliable benchmark for ethical and environmental standards across hospitality and many other industries, helping you to establish the right goals, processes and protocols to move your organization forward and shore up your commitment to sustainability.

Anu Saxena is the president and global head of Hilton Supply Management.

The opinions expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hotel News Now or CoStar Group and its affiliated companies. Bloggers published on this site are given the freedom to express views that may be controversial, but our goal is to provoke thought and constructive discussion within our reader community. Please feel free to contact an editor with any questions or concern.

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