Eco-sustainable hotel industry: 5 rules to make your tourist facility greener
Eco-sustainable hotel business is possible: here's how to reduce the environmental impact of your tourist facility in five steps
Eco-sustainability it is a topic that is receiving more and more interest and attention in all sectors, including the hotel industry. Tourism certainly has a significant environmental impact, but there are some actions that operators can implement to make their business lighter on the planet.
From the choice of materials, to the promotion of sustainable mobility, to the use of renewable energy sources, to the promotion of biodiversity and the creation of green experiences for your guests, here's how you can make the difference and contribute to protecting the environment without sacrificing the quality of the services offered.
A greener structure: five tips for eco-sustainable hotels
1) Helps biodiversity
Encourage biodiversity in and around your resort, regardless of its size. A simple but effective way to do this is to plant flowers and trees which attract bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects, thus contributing to the reproduction of plants and the survival of these species, which are very important for the ecosystem. Additionally, you can create small “oasis” for wildlife, adding houses and feeders for the birds and providing them with food and water. These simple interventions will not only make your outdoor space more colorful and welcoming, but will also contribute to the well-being of thelocal ecosystem and its prosperity.
2) Eco materials for flooring and outdoor furniture
I would choose right materials for flooring and outdoor furniture it is an important step to make your tourist facility more eco-sustainable. Priority should be given to natural, recyclable materials and, if possible, recovery. For furnishings, consider using handcrafted pieces, restored or made with ecological materials, such as wood, rattan or bamboo. For flooring, such as the entrance driveway or the pool edge, opt for materials environmentally friendly and recyclable, as the architectural concrete. Some materials can release pollutants, so make sure you choose products that are eco-friendly and safe for your health. Furthermore, check that the selected materials are not classified as special waste, to avoid problems disposal. All the products used for Terra Solida flooring, for example, are totally recyclable, do not release polluting substances and are not classified as special waste. By following these tips, you can create an outdoor space elegant, functional and environmentally friendly, which will satisfy even the most environmentally conscious customers.
3) Promote slow and green mobility
Encourage the sustainable mobility within your tourist facility. Even though electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, few tourist facilities still offer charging points for these vehicles. To install charging columns for electric cars is an excellent idea to attract customers who are attentive to the environment and sensitive to sustainability issues. Furthermore, if the location allows it, you can promote the rental of traditional or electric bicycles, or even organize walking tour to allow your guests to discover the beauty of the place in an ecological and relaxing way. By doing this, you will help reduce air pollution and encourage a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for your guests.
4) Focus on energy efficiency and clean energy
Invest inenergy efficiency and the use of sources of renewable energy to make your tourist facility more sustainable, such as solar energy, to power external and internal lighting. You can also replace traditional light bulbs with low energy consumption ones, thus reducing electricity consumption. Furthermore, the water it is a precious and limited resource, therefore it is important to adopt solutions that allow you to reduce consumption, such as the installation of low flow faucets , rainwater collection to water the garden. If your facility has one swimmingpool, you can choose green solutions for lighting and heating and make sure to cover it when not in use to limit top-ups. With these small measures, you will not only reduce the environmental impact of your tourist facility, but also the operating costs.
5) Offer your guests green experiences
Offer your guests experiences unforgettable and sustainable promoting local activities and products. Work with local artisans and producers to organize immersive and educational experiences, such as self-production of cosmetics lessons or workshops to learn how to make bread. In this way, your guests will be able to learn about the traditions and culture of the place in an authentic and sustainable way. Furthermore, by promoting local producers and artisans, you will help support the community economy and to reduce the environmental impact of tourism by encouraging the use of zero km products.
