5 Sustainable Practices in Hotel Management that will Reduce the Environmental Footprints

Environmental Footprints

The term "environmental footprint" is a multi-criteria measure used by both scientists and corporations to assess the environmental impact of a product, service, or organisation. It considers the entire supply and demand of goods and services, assuming a standardised lifestyle. This estimation accounts for land, water, or sea resources required for various needs, varying by region due to ecosystem differences known as "biocapacity." The results are often expressed regarding how many "planet Earths" would be needed to sustain humanity with the estimated lifestyle. The carbon footprint, representing 54% of the total, is the fastest-growing component of the environmental footprint.

Hotels leave a big environmental footprint due to their energy use, water consumption, waste generation, and reliance on chemicals. From powering lights and air conditioning to laundering sheets and running showers, hotels consume significant resources. This can strain local water supplies, contribute to climate change, and pollute the environment with waste and chemicals. The good news is that hotels can adopt sustainable practices. It is the duty of top MBA colleges to ensure that the students with a Bachelor of Hotel Management degree are mindfully educated. By going green, hotels can save money, reduce their environmental footprints, improve their reputation, and be part of a more sustainable travel industry.

5 Sustainable Practices in Hotel Management

The hospitality industry has a significant role to play in environmental consciousness. By adopting sustainable practices, hotels can reduce their environmental footprint and attract eco-conscious guests.

Here are five key areas where hotels can make a difference:

Combating Food Waste: Buffets are a staple in many hotels but often lead to significant food waste.expand_more Here's how hotels can tackle this:

Plan smarter buffets: Analyze guest preferences and adjust menu offerings to avoid overstocking.
Embrace smaller, more frequent buffets: Fresher options with smaller quantities encourage responsible consumption.
Composting: Implement composting programs for food scraps, diverting waste from landfills and creating nutrient-rich compost for gardens.expand_more
Donate leftovers: Partner with local charities or food banks to donate excess edible food.

Sustainable Toiletries: Single-use toiletries contribute to plastic waste.expand_more Here are some eco-friendly alternatives:

Bulk dispensers: Install refillable dispensers for shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. Opt for eco-friendly brands that use recycled materials and biodegradable formulas.
Offer guest-sized toiletries upon request: This caters to those who prefer individual products while minimising waste.
Partner with local, sustainable brands: Support companies that align with your eco-conscious values.

Extending Equipment Life: Replacing appliances and furniture frequently is resource-intensive. Here's how to extend equipment life:

Preventative maintenance: Implement regular maintenance schedules to keep equipment functioning optimally and avoid premature replacement.
Invest in high-quality, durable products: While the initial cost may be higher, these products last longer, reducing long-term expenses and waste.
Repair and refurbish: Explore repair options for existing equipment before opting for replacements.

Keeping Tabs on Water Usage: Hotels consume a significant amount of water.expand_more Here are some ways to monitor and reduce usage:
- Install low-flow fixtures: Invest in water-efficient showerheads, faucets, and toilets.
- Educate guests: Provide information on water conservation and offer opt-in programs for towel and linen reuse.
- Leak detection and repair: Regularly check for and address leaks to prevent water loss.
Eco-Friendly Architecture: Building design plays a crucial role in resource consumption. Here are some sustainable architectural elements:

Energy-efficient design: Utilize natural light and ventilation and invest in energy-efficient appliances and lighting systems.
Renewable energy sources: Explore options like solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean energy.
Water-saving landscaping: Choose native plants that require minimal watering and utilise rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation.

By implementing these practices, hotels can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, operate more efficiently, and cater to the growing demand for sustainable travel experiences.

Manipal University Jaipur’s Contribution

The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Manipal University Jaipur understands the importance of nurturing hospitality professionals and sustainable hospitality professionals. Their focus on high teaching standards integrates environmental consciousness into the curriculum. This, combined with their strong industry connections that prioritise sustainable practices, ensures students gain exposure to cutting-edge eco-friendly operations during placements. This unique approach equips graduates with the knowledge and experience to become valuable assets in the evolving hospitality landscape, where sustainable practices are no longer a niche but an essential standard.

Conclusion

Sustainability isn't a trend; it's the cornerstone of a viable future. Our planet's resources are finite, and our current consumption patterns are unsustainable. Climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are stark realities demanding a shift. Embracing sustainable practices across all aspects of life, and mostly by educational institutions as a part of their curriculum, is the need of the hour. Manipal University, being one of the top universities of India, is doing its bit. Ideas like prioritising renewable resources, minimising waste, and protecting ecosystems can ensure a healthy planet for ourselves and those to come.

Synopsis

The blog explores how hotels can reduce their environmental footprints through sustainable practices. It covers five key areas: combating food waste, adopting eco-friendly toiletries, extending equipment life, managing water usage, and implementing eco-friendly architecture. It also highlights Manipal University Jaipur's efforts in fostering sustainability in hospitality education. Overall, it emphasises the importance of sustainable practices for a viable future.