Climate change has put most industries on high alert, as the unpredictable weather conditions have a negative impact on many communities and industries. Conventionally, industries try to reduce fossil fuel consumption, but this seems inadequate. In the hotel industry, the need to reduce environmental impact is slowly becoming a big concern, as issues like increased waste, water pollution and poor air quality become more apparent.
Hotels are considered the most serious contributors to environmental degradation among commercial facilities. On average, a guest in a five-star hotel consumes at least 170 litres of water every night. A shift towards greener operations would certainly be welcome, whether the motivation is environmental or economical. Technological innovations are at the centre of many dynamics, so they might have a role to play in the industry.
1. Lighting Solutions
Hotels can reap many benefits aligned with customer experience and energy efficiency through efficient lighting solutions. There has been a marked shift towards LED bulbs because of their energy-saving potential. Hotels that are hesitant to take up the challenge should widen their scope and consider the social, financial and environmental impacts of their decisions.
If a lack of technical capability or knowledge is the hindrance, it might help if businesses hire qualified contractors to analyse the situation and suggest areas for improvement.
2. Energy and Heating
The carbon footprint coming out of hotels might not be as astronomical if there are alternative solutions to reduce energy consumption. From refrigeration and air-conditioning to water heating and conventional heating, making hotel rooms comfortable requires a lot of effort.
The first step is to conduct a thorough energy audit that helps identify where most of the utility costs are going. An audit focuses on many components, including machines that run the critical systems. It addresses all inefficiencies that contribute to machine failure and energy wastage. The audit itself could use various technologies, including an energy management system that monitors usage in certain areas.
3. Waste Management
The tons of waste that the hospitality industry produces annually is a huge waste management challenge. A lot of this waste can be controlled through better stock control and reduction. Technology can contribute in several ways, mostly by automated segregation, recycling technology and commercial sewage treatment. Some hotels are already using technology to monitor waste movement. Some hotels use software solutions that support sustainability through monitoring, management and reporting. Some also use a waste tracker that reveals wasted resources and promotes savings.
4. Modern Laundry Solutions
Hotels consume lots of water and energy on laundry, but that does not mean you should not attempt to save on these resources, especially with all the technological options available. Substantial energy goes into washing towels and bedding sheets. Laundry technology is now available, so hotel management may no longer need to ask their guests to use their towels for a little longer. Bead cleaning technology is probably the most popular as it reduces water and energy consumption significantly.
The hotel industry is growing, but providing comfort to their guest could hurt the environment. Technology and other modern innovations could help businesses lessen their impact on the environment but still provide the kind of comfort their guests expect. If the hotel industry wants technology continues to enhance user experience and make the business more manageable.
