Actions to take for more eco-friendly accommodation

In the face of the environmental crisis and growing ecological concerns, more and more travellers are looking for environmentally friendly accommodation options. For hoteliers, adopting green practices is not only an ethical necessity but also an opportunity to stand out and attract a growing clientele of responsible travellers. In this article, we will explore why it is crucial to make your accommodation more eco-friendly, the concrete actions you can take to get there, and the eco-labels to aim for to formalize and promote your sustainability efforts. With the practical tips and resources provided, you will be able to turn your property into a model of sustainability, while strengthening your brand image and attracting loyal, environmentally conscious guests.

Why make your accommodation more eco-friendly?

Adopting green practices in your hotel offers many benefits, both for the environment and for your business. Here are three main reasons why it is crucial to make your hotel more eco-friendly.

Showing your environmental commitment

Adopting green practices is a powerful way to demonstrate your hotel’s commitment to protecting the environment. This approach can take the form of a multitude of visible and measurable actions that reflect your determination to reduce your ecological footprint.

• Visible initiatives: installing solar panels or rainwater harvesting systems are concrete examples of green actions. Not only do these installations reduce your consumption of natural resources, they also show your guests that you are taking tangible steps to protect the environment.
• Transparency and communication: according to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), transparency in your environmental actions is essential. Clearly communicate your green initiatives on your website, in your brochures and through signage in your hotel. For example, displaying sustainability certificates and information about your green projects in the hotel’s common areas can strengthen your credibility and reputation.
• Ongoing commitment: setting up an environmental management program that includes regular audits and continuous improvement shows that your commitment is not limited to one-off actions but is an integral part of your business strategy.

Meeting growing demand

Today’s consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their choices on the environment. They actively seek to support businesses that share their ecological values.

• Consumer trends: studies show a significant increase in the number of travellers looking for eco-responsible accommodation. According to a Booking.com report, 87% of travellers want to travel sustainably, and 39% say they have already chosen accommodation because of its sustainable practices.
• Loyalty and referrals: guests who feel aligned with your hotel’s sustainability values are more likely to return and recommend your property to their friends and on social media. This increased loyalty translates into long-term profits and a stronger reputation.
• Attracting new guests: by meeting this growing demand, you can attract a new, environmentally conscious clientele. These travellers are often willing to pay a little more for services that respect their values, which can also improve your profitability.

Standing out from the competition

In a competitive hotel market, adopting green practices can be a key factor in differentiating your property from others.

• Competitive advantages: hotels that adopt green practices can stand out on online booking platforms and in eco-travel guides. These distinctions can attract guests who are specifically looking for sustainable accommodation.
• Brand image: integrating sustainable practices into your brand strategy not only strengthens your brand image but also makes you more attractive to business partners and investors. A strong, eco-responsible brand image can open up new opportunities for collaboration and financing.
• Long-term success: hotels that invest in sustainability are better prepared to face future environmental regulations and rising consumer expectations. This proactive preparation can reduce the risks and costs associated with new environmental legislation.

In conclusion, making your hotel more eco-friendly offers many benefits: demonstrating your environmental commitment, meeting growing demand from eco-responsible travellers and standing out from the competition. Adopting these practices can not only improve your brand image and attract more guests, but also strengthen the long-term economic viability of your business.

Concrete actions for more eco-friendly accommodation

To turn your hotel into an eco-responsible property, several concrete actions can be implemented. These initiatives cover resource management, the choice of your partners and raising awareness among your staff and guests.

Sustainable resource management

Efficient and sustainable management of natural resources is essential to reduce your hotel’s environmental impact. Here are some quick and effective ideas to implement in your accommodation.

• Install water-saving taps and low-flow showers (these devices can reduce water consumption by 30 to 50%);
• replace plastic cups with glass and use bamboo toothbrushes;
• offer a zero-waste cosmetics solution (for example, refillable soap);
• choose non-toxic cleaning products;
• use solar panels;
• replace conventional light bulbs with LEDs and install motion sensors for lighting in common areas;
• improve the insulation of your buildings to reduce heating and air-conditioning needs, in line with ADEME recommendations;
• install sorting bins in rooms and common areas;
• set up composters for organic waste;
• use wooden key cards;
• do not change towels automatically, let guests choose;
• for the restaurant, use local and seasonal products;
• choose products that come from fair trade;
• choose bulk products rather than packaged ones;
• avoid food waste with table service instead of an all-you-can-eat buffet;
• wash linen at 30°;
• install a water recovery system.

Choosing your partners

The choice of your partners and suppliers plays a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices within your hotel. Selecting eco-responsible partners not only strengthens your own environmental commitment but also ensures the consistency of your green actions throughout the supply chain. Here are some key strategies for choosing and working with partners committed to sustainable practices.

Selecting local and eco-responsible suppliers:

• Local products

Favouring local suppliers reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods. By choosing local, seasonal food products for your restaurant, you support the local economy and reduce your environmental impact. For example, buying fruit and vegetables directly from local farmers limits CO2 emissions and ensures optimal freshness.

• Green supplies

Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products and building materials that are certified organic or carry recognized environmental labels. HD Fragrances recommends using biodegradable, non-toxic products to minimize the impact on the environment and on the health of your staff and guests.

• Sustainable partnerships

Work with companies that share your values and are certified for their sustainable practices. For example, working with linen suppliers that use environmentally friendly manufacturing processes and sustainable raw materials such as organic cotton can significantly reduce your ecological footprint.

Partner commitment:

• Environmental charter

Establish an environmental charter that your suppliers must comply with. This charter can include specific criteria such as the use of recycled materials, the reduction of plastic packaging, and eco-responsible transportation practices. By including these criteria in your contracts, you ensure that your partners meet your environmental standards.

• Regular audits

Carry out regular audits of your partners to make sure they are meeting their sustainability commitments. These audits can include site visits, assessments of their environmental and social practices, and verification of their certifications. ADEME recommends annual audits to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Collaboration and innovation:

• Jointly developing green solutions

Work closely with your suppliers to develop innovative solutions that meet your needs while being environmentally friendly. For example, you can work with a guest amenities supplier to develop compostable packaging or refill systems to reduce plastic waste.

• Sharing best practices

Encourage your suppliers to share their environmental best practices and take part in sustainability initiatives. For example, organizing workshops and seminars with your partners to discuss sustainability innovations can lead to continuous improvement and better integration of green practices.

Communication and transparency:

• Transparency of practices

Ask your partners to provide detailed reports on their environmental and social practices. This transparency not only builds trust between the parties but also demonstrates your commitment to your guests and stakeholders.

• Promoting partner initiatives

Highlight your partners’ sustainable initiatives in your marketing communications. For example, mentioning on your website that you work with local, eco-responsible suppliers can strengthen your brand image and attract environmentally conscious guests.

In conclusion, choosing eco-responsible partners and suppliers is essential to ensure the consistency and effectiveness of your green initiatives. By selecting committed partners, setting strict environmental criteria and working closely with them, you can strengthen your sustainability commitment and improve your hotel’s overall environmental impact. It also helps strengthen your reputation, attract loyal guests and support sustainable practices throughout your supply chain.

Raising awareness among your staff and guests

Raising awareness and involving your staff and guests are essential to the success of your green initiatives. Here are some practical ideas for actively engaging all stakeholders in your sustainability approach.

Raising staff awareness

You can help your staff in 3 different ways.

1.Ongoing training programs

• Regular training sessions: organize monthly or quarterly workshops to inform your staff about new green practices and sustainability techniques. These sessions can include outside experts, visits to eco-friendly sites or hands-on demonstrations.
• Green manuals and guides: provide detailed documents on the sustainable practices your hotel adopts, including specific instructions for each department (housekeeping, food and beverage, front desk, etc.).
• E-learning: set up online training modules that can be accessed at any time so that staff can learn at their own pace.

2.Environmental responsibility

• Green team: create a sustainability team made up of staff members from different departments. This team will be responsible for implementing and monitoring green initiatives.
• Goals and rewards: set environmental goals for each department and introduce a reward system for employees who meet or exceed these goals (for example, bonuses, extra days off, public recognition).

3.Incentives

• Internal competitions: organize competitions between departments to encourage green initiatives, such as reducing energy consumption or improving recycling.
• Innovative ideas: create a suggestion box where employees can propose green solutions. The best ideas can be implemented and their contributors rewarded.

Raising guest awareness

5 practices to implement to raise awareness among your guests.

1.Informative displays

• Eco-labelling: display information about your sustainable practices in rooms and common areas (for example, how you manage water and energy, your recycling initiatives).
• Signs and posters: use signs and posters to make guests aware of the small things they can do to contribute, such as reusing their towels, turning off the lights when leaving the room or using the sorting bins.

2.Eco-responsible activities

• Hikes and guided tours: offer local excursions that showcase the region’s biodiversity and green initiatives (for example, organic farm visits, nature hikes with an eco-guide).
• Workshops and events: organize workshops on topics such as organic gardening, waste reduction or sustainable cooking. Invite local experts to lead these workshops and share their knowledge.
• Community projects: encourage guests to take part in local activities such as beach clean-ups, tree planting or wildlife conservation programs.

3.Reward programs

• Green loyalty program: offer points or rewards to guests who actively take part in your sustainable initiatives, such as reusing towels or participating in green activities.
• Discounts and special offers: offer discounts on future stays or hotel services (spa, restaurant) to guests who adopt eco-friendly behaviour during their stay.

4.Proactive communication

• Social media and website: use your online platforms to share your green initiatives, inform people about upcoming events and raise awareness among a wider audience. For example, short Instagram videos showing sustainable practices in action or blog posts detailing your green projects.
• Newsletter: send regular emails highlighting your sustainable actions, eco-tips for guests and updates on your environmental progress.

5.Feedback questionnaires

• Sustainability survey: include specific questions about your green practices in guest satisfaction surveys to get feedback on what works well and what could be improved.
• Encouraging suggestions: ask guests to suggest ideas for improving your green initiatives. Incorporating their suggestions can strengthen their sense of involvement and satisfaction.

By implementing these concrete actions to raise awareness and engage your staff and guests, you can create a culture of sustainability within your hotel. This will not only help reduce your environmental impact but also strengthen your brand image and build loyalty among environmentally conscious guests.

Which labels to choose for eco-friendly accommodation

Obtaining an eco-certification is an excellent way to formalize and recognize your hotel’s sustainability efforts. Eco-labels offer many benefits, including greater visibility, increased credibility with guests and partners, and a structured framework for the continuous improvement of your green practices. Here is a guide to the certification process and an overview of the main labels, with their pros and cons.

Certification process: 10 steps

The process for obtaining an eco-label can vary depending on the certification body, but here are the general steps you can follow to prepare your hotel for certification.

1. Environmental audit: start by carrying out an environmental audit to assess your current sustainability performance. Identify the areas where you excel and those where improvements are needed.
2. Expert consultation: hire sustainability consultants or certification experts for personalized advice and specific recommendations.
3. Action plan: develop a detailed action plan to implement the recommendations from the audit. Make sure this plan is aligned with the criteria of the label you are aiming for.
4. Training and awareness: train your staff in the new sustainable practices and make them aware of the importance of these initiatives.
5. Recording practices: document all the actions you implement, including processes, policies and results achieved. This documentation will be required for the certification process.
6. Monitoring and evaluation: set up monitoring systems to continuously assess the effectiveness of your green initiatives. Use performance indicators to measure progress and identify areas for improvement.
7. Audit preparation: prepare for the certification audit by gathering all the necessary documentation and making sure all sustainable practices are in place.
8. Audit by the certification body: an external auditor will come to check your practices, review your documents and make sure you meet the label’s criteria.
9. Receiving the label: if your hotel meets all the criteria, you will receive the certification. Proudly display your label in your communications and on your premises.
10. Continuous improvement: certification is often valid for a set period (for example, one or three years). Keep improving your practices to maintain and renew your certification.

The main labels

Here is an overview of the main eco-labels you can consider for your hotel, with an analysis of their pros and cons.

Green Key

Green Key is a recognized international certification program for tourism businesses, including hotels, hostels and campgrounds. The label is awarded to properties that meet strict criteria for water, energy and waste management, and environmental education.

Advantages:

• international recognition;
• strict criteria (the label sets high standards for water, energy and waste management and environmental education);
• ongoing support.

Disadvantages:

• certification costs;
• high requirements (the certification process is rigorous and may require significant investment in time and resources).

EU Ecolabel

The EU Ecolabel is an official European Union label that distinguishes environmentally friendly products and services. For tourist accommodation, this label guarantees that the property meets rigorous environmental performance criteria, covering aspects such as energy efficiency, water and waste management, and the use of chemical substances.

Advantages:

• official EU certification;
• comprehensive criteria;
• marketing benefits.

Disadvantages:

• lengthy certification process;
• potentially high costs.

EarthCheck

EarthCheck is a certification and benchmarking program for the tourism and hospitality industry. It is designed to help businesses improve their environmental and social performance while ensuring economic profitability.

Advantages:

• comprehensive support for sustainable development;
• detailed performance analysis;
• focus on innovation.

Disadvantages:

• rigorous requirements;
• significant initial investment.

Green Globe

Green Globe is an international sustainability certification for tourism and hospitality businesses. It assesses the environmental, economic and social performance of properties and sets out criteria for continuous improvement.

Advantages:

• covers all aspects of sustainability, including social and economic impacts;
• worldwide recognition;
• continuous improvement process.

Disadvantages:

• the criteria can be complex and require careful management to ensure ongoing compliance.

To sum up, choosing the right label for your hotel will depend on your priorities, available resources and long-term sustainability goals. Whether you opt for Green Key, the EU Ecolabel, EarthCheck or Green Globe, each label offers distinct benefits that can help strengthen your environmental commitment and attract a more eco-responsible clientele. By obtaining an eco-certification, you send a strong message to your guests and partners: your hotel is committed to a serious and ongoing sustainable development approach.

In conclusion, adopting green practices and obtaining certification for your hotel are not just environmentally friendly gestures, but also crucial strategies for meeting the expectations of modern travellers, reducing your operating costs and standing out from the competition. By integrating concrete actions such as sustainable resource management, choosing eco-responsible partners and raising awareness among your staff and guests, you can turn your hotel into a model of sustainability. Choosing the right label will depend on your priorities and resources, but every certification will bring additional credibility and valuable recognition to your environmental commitment. Ready to take the step towards a greener hotel and obtain a recognized certification? At Reservit, we understand the challenges and opportunities of sustainability in the tourist accommodation sector. Our booking management and distribution solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly with your green initiatives, helping you achieve your sustainability goals while improving your property’s operational efficiency.

Julie
Communication Manager
In partnership with Jennifer Therond