What is a sustainable hotel? Here are 3 examples

A sustainable hotel seeks to achieve a balance between generating economic benefits, environmental protection and social responsibility. In other words, it seeks to have a positive impact on society and the environment, while maintaining its long-term financial profitability.

In this article, we'll help you discover the strategies, benefits and challenges facing sustainable hotels, and how you can make your hotel a sustainable operation. 

1. Main benefits of a sustainable hotel 

To begin with, we are going to explain why sustainability is a priority in the hotel sector and how it can make a difference in the present and future of your establishment. Among the main benefits are:

• Reducing costs and consumption: Implementing sustainable practices, such as the use of renewable energies and efficient resource management, can generate significant savings in operating costs. For example, a hotel that installs solar panels can considerably reduce its electricity consumption, reducing costs in the long term.
• Positive brand image: Being a sustainable hotel attracts a segment of customers that is increasingly aware of and committed to the environment. Guests who value sustainability will seek to stay in establishments that share their values and practices, generating a positive and differentiating brand image.
• Social and environmental responsibility: Hotels have a significant impact on local communities and their environment. By adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing the use of single-use plastics and supporting social projects, the hotel contributes positively to the well-being of the community and the care of the planet.
• Talent attraction and retention: Being a hotel committed to sustainability can also have a positive impact on talent attraction and retention. Employees seek to work in places that reflect their values and offer them a sense of purpose. A sustainable hotel that values its teams, protects their rights and promotes ethical practices will be more attractive to professionals committed to social responsibility.
• Respecting the human rights of workers: Corporate sustainability in hotels also includes looking after the rights and welfare of your workers. Ensuring a safe, fair and respectful work environment, where equal opportunities, non-discrimination and active participation of workers are promoted, is essential to achieve a more sustainable hotel.

2. Corporate sustainability strategies in the hotel sector.

Here are some strategies that will help you make your hotel a sustainable destination: 

• Use of renewable energy: The installation of solar panels, wind turbines or other renewable energy sources can generate a significant part of the energy needed for your hotel. In addition to reducing operating costs, this measure will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to reducing the impact of climate change.
• Efficient resource management: Implement measures to reduce water and energy consumption in your hotel. Train your employees in responsible resource use practices and promote the reuse and recycling of materials. For example, install water-saving devices in bathrooms and showers or implement a recycling program in all areas of the hotel.
• Promote responsible tourism: Offer your guests information and options to explore the region in a responsible and environmentally friendly way. Promote eco-friendly activities, such as hiking excursions, visits to nature reserves or cultural tours that respect local communities.
• Collaboration with social and environmental organizations: Establish alliances with organizations working on social and environmental projects in your community. Participate in reforestation initiatives, environmental education programs or support sustainable development projects that benefit the local population and the environment.
• Social responsibility and business ethics: To ensure respect for human rights, equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion in your operations and stakeholder relations, your hotel can implement social responsibility programs. For example, you may consider donations to charitable organizations or campaigns to encourage volunteering among your employees.

3. Examples of sustainable hotels in Spain

Here are some real examples of sustainable hotels in Spain that have stood out for their commitment to the environment and social responsibility:

• Golden Tulip Barcelona: With 158 rooms certified by Biosphere and Green Key, the Golden Tulip Barcelona stands out for its sustainable approach in all its facilities and services. It has an "A" energy efficiency certificate, thanks to its thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as the generation of electricity through photovoltaic panels. Its kitchen uses ecological and local gastronomic products, and manages waste through recycling and the use of biodegradable materials. They also promote water reuse through the use of water restrictors.
• Hotel Mas Pelegri: Located in Girona and surrounded by nature in the Garrotxa natural park, Hotel Mas Pelegri is an outstanding example of an eco-friendly hotel. This hotel has no connection to mains electricity, water and sewage, which allows them to calculate and minimize the use of resources to be more sustainable. They use seasonal and local food, and aim to be as self-sufficient as possible in terms of energy and water.
• Guitart Hotels: Guitart Hotels stands out for its sustainable initiatives promoted by the Climent Guitart Foundation, a non-profit entity linked to the hotel group and chaired by Cristina Cabañas Rodríguez. The foundation honors Mr. Climent Guitart, who led the hotel group for more than 30 years, and aims to promote and develop sustainable tourism, as well as to contribute to the welfare of vulnerable sectors of the population through social responsibility initiatives. In addition, the hotel works in the training and promotion of professionals in the sector.

niikiis, the all-in-one software for the HORECA sector

Now you know the main benefits and strategies to implement sustainable measures in your hotel and promote a culture of respect for the environment and human rights among your employees and guests. Sustainability is not only a smart approach to improve business profitability, but also a commitment to the future, to a more conscious and responsible tourism.

And if you are looking for tools to make this transformation happen, consider the support of software such as niikiis, which offers 360 training, work climate surveys, integrated social networking and internal communication to drive a more engaged team and ambassadors for your hotel. By automating routine processes, you will free your employees from workloads, which will boost their job satisfaction and contribute to a unique experience for your guests.

Remember that, together, we can create a sustainable future for the hotel industry and leave a positive footprint on the world!