Developers of large-scale building projects have the opportunity to break tradition and lead the way by making "luxury" mean ultra-low flow toilets, showerheads, and sink faucets, HVAC occupancy sensors, and smart scheduling. Even if capital costs are higher, a payback can be found during operations.
Sustainable hotels are receiving more attention and booking at higher rates due to the demand from their clientele for amenities such as free Wi-Fi, linens with high thread counts, HDTV, and premium liquors.
The largest and most recognizable global hospitality brands prioritize reducing energy, water and waste while educating their guests with in-room messaging. Newer players, such as Beyond Green Hotels, are breaking traditional operational models and pushing the boundaries of what a hotel is. Hotels across the U.S. and globally are upping their game by designing and building net zero hotels, tapping into geothermal energy, implementing smart building technology and using the Internet of Things.
Water savings are an important focus for high-end hotels, with bathrooms accounting for 30% of potable water use. The EPA estimates that typical water-saving measures can reduce operating costs by as much as 11%. Proven technologies such as water closets that use 1 to 1.1 gallons per flush, faucets that use 0.35 gallons per minute, and showerheads that use 1.5 gpm can help convert a facility from a water hog to a water star.
Hyatt hotels have set 2030 goals centered on climate change and water conservation, waste and circularity, responsible sourcing and thriving destinations. In 2021, Hyatt launched its World of Care program with new commitments to advance diversity, equity and inclusion and responsible business practices. In connection with the Pledge on Food Waste Certification Benchmarking System, the Grand Hyatt Singapore introduced zero-waste dishes and saved the equivalent of 21,000 meals in 2021. To address statewide drought challenges, Hyatt has installed an in-house water reclamation facility at the Miraval Arizona Resort & Spa in Tucson.
Beyond Green Hotels has set goals to demonstrate sustainable tourism leadership through actions and impact that also deliver a wonderful guest experience. Member hotels are vetted to ensure they will maintain and celebrate the brand's purpose and mission. They are committed to eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, maximizing renewable energy sources and reusing water, and forging local partnerships to restore habitats, build wells, educate youth and introduce guests directly to the local culture. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is an active member of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance and has Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified offices and other properties.
Wyndham's Green Program provides 570 certified hotels with best practice energy conservation programs and procedures to help them reduce their impact. Forty percent of Wyndham Green Certification Program elements are focused on energy conservation. Greenhouse gas emissions are being baselined at all owned, managed and leased properties for scope 1 and scope 2 emissions, and energy-management thermostats are being piloted in a small group of hotels. These small changes from large global companies are helping to address the climate crisis.
Sustainability initiatives have a return on investment and marketing benefits, but it is also about self-preservation and protecting the environment.
