Sustainable Practices in Hotel Operations and How Can a Hotel Management Degree Help

Sustainable Hotels

Sustainable hotels are facilities that have adopted mechanisms of protecting the environment to ensure that they do not harm it. Thus, by integrating the use of organic products and renewable resources in their daily practice, eco-hotels encourage environmentally friendly lifestyles. They emphasise minimising the impact of their emissions, and energy conservation measures, recycling procedures, and water-saving efforts are included. This also includes using organic products from the gardens or buying them from local organic farms.

These eco-hotels are indispensable in eco-tours; hence, they are located in areas such as forests, near waterfalls, or mountainous areas. They are located in stunning areas and calm surroundings to give the guests opportunities to enjoy the natural scenery and be amazed by the simplicity and stunning sense of nature without harming the environment.

They are often referred to as eco-lodges, friendly hotels, and green hotels based on their non-toxic surroundings. Tourists have become more conscious of their accommodation needs and are now looking for interesting and more environmentally friendly properties. Top universities of India, such as Manipal University Jaipur, offer degree programs like Bachelor of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, in which students are equipped with sustainable means to run a hotel.

Importance of Sustainability

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, hotels contribute to one per cent of global emissions. This percentage is expected to rise over time as the demand for more hotels rises, underlining the dire importance of environmental conservation undertakings to mitigate this vice.

The steps taken to integrate sustainability in hotels are crucial in presenting a smaller ecological impact for the hotels as business development moves to gain new customers. According to the latest report, while 68% of customers go looking for green hotels, 87% of global travellers want to travel responsibly.

Also, the practice of sustainability employment in the hotel business creates a bond with the immediate community and maintains the environment's environmental integrity and species richness. Incorporation of a local flare in the delivery of the services assists in the creation of a niche market to capture customers that would not consider other hotels, providing high-quality hotel services and thus aiding in the process of achieving a unique hotel brand.

Role of a Degree in Promoting Sustainability in the Hotel Industry

It is a burning issue in the hospitality industry for the sustainability of the organisation as a whole and long-term working. A candidate with a degree will be in a good position to understand and apply sustainable measures or green practices, which are crucial in operating a modern hotel.

Manipal University Jaipur’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is offering the best Bachelor of Hotel Management in Jaipur. It comprises a broad curriculum that includes Food Production, Food and Beverage Service, Front Office, Accommodation Management, and more. It also includes Hotel Sales, Marketing, Facility Planning, Training, and Development.

The Bachelor of Hotel Management course details entail sustainability as a part of the curriculum at MUJ. Students practise sustainable actions regarding food and beverage production, beverage management, front office, and accommodation operations. This encompasses utilising locally produced food items, optimising clients' consumption, applying efficient energy usage gadgets, and encouraging the construction of environmentally friendly structures.

Manipur University Jaipur gives graduates the tools to not only improve the hotel management industry but also implement sustainable practices. The Placements at MUJ ensure that students can achieve their professional aspirations while contributing to a more sustainable hospitality industry.

Ways of Promoting Sustainability in the Hotel Industry

Implement Energy-Efficient Solutions Energy consumption is one of the key human impacts on hotels. Switching to energy-efficient forms of lighting, such as LED bulbs, is one activity that can be easily implemented. Demand-side management is another factor that entails using efficient heating and cooling systems and programmable thermostats. Smart design that enables lighting of the heating/AC systems to be regulated through a guest’s app positively impacts energy efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Reduce Water Usage

Hotels are known to be among some of the biggest users of water; they use a large quantity of water daily. Low-flow showerheads and toilets are equally effective at reducing water consumption at a much lower cost. Eco-friendly practices like encouraging guests to reuse towels and linens also reduce the amount of laundry required, thus reducing the water used in washing clothes and energy used in heating water and washing machines.

Make the switch to renewable energy resources.

Other strategies that can significantly reduce a hotel's emission profile include using renewable energy, such as those generated from solar panels. Although it requires a lot of money initially, the returns in the long run are many times worth it, besides preserving the environment. This strategy also positions the hotel as a company consecrated to sustainability.

Minimise Waste

Moving to using larger dispensers for soap and shampoo rather than stocking small bottles, which are usually single-use, is one of the ways through which the Institution can avoid the use of single-use plastics. If possible, guests' and staff’s organic waste should be composted, and a recycling program for all guests and employees should be carried out to reduce the amount of waste. Purchasing food and other amenities from the local markets reduces emissions that are a result of transportation.

Offer Sustainable Dining Options

Some of the most popular trends among the guests are identified as the desire for healthy and eco-friendly meals. A menu that includes purchasing organic food, locally produced food, and vegetarian or vegan meals also caters to this need and decreases the environmental effect. Control portioning, where appropriate, and trying to plan menus that are in accordance with the different seasons can all work in a bid to reduce wastage.

Educate and Engage Staff and Guests

Education is deemed to be a key factor in the roll-out of sustainable strategies. It compels the staff to embrace environmental conservation and determines if and how the firm explains the essence of conservation to its staff. Moreover, it can attract guests’ attention and influence them to take an active part in saving the environment.

Seek Green Certifications

Getting a Green Certification gains customers’ trust. Standards like the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Key or the EarthCheck point out that the hotel being used complies with environmental conditions. These certifications assist in marketing the hotel while also evaluating its efficiency regarding the applicable standards.

Monitor and Report Progress

Regularly monitoring the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives and reporting findings promotes efficiency in evaluating the impact of sustainability arrangements. This encourages loyalty from people who are concerned with protecting the environment, hence improving the hotel’s image.

In conclusion, sustainable practices are pivotal in shaping the future of the hospitality industry. A degree in hotel management, such as the one offered by Manipal University Jaipur, equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to implement these eco-friendly strategies effectively.