There is a strong push for sustainability among businesses and organizations across various industries around the world. In fact, a survey revealed that almost three-fourth of respondents said their companies had put sustainability governance in place. For the uninitiated, sustainability means running a business without hurting the environment.
When it comes to setting sustainability in place, the hospitality industry is no exception. In fact, the industry heavily relies on the environment, specifically the natural and cultural resources. It’s good that some travel and tourism businesses have already considered having sustainability practices. Their goal is to grow and thrive in their businesses while helping save the environment.
If you own a resort, run a hotel, or manage a park, it’s crucial to have sustainability in mind in this time and age. That said, here’s how to promote sustainability in your travel and tourism business:
1. Conserve energy
When it comes to energy conservation, your travel and tourism business can resort to two measures: energy efficiency and reduction. To boost your energy efficiency, you can invest in energy-efficient appliances and devices as well as Smart technology. For instance, you can opt for LED fixtures for your hotel lighting. To reduce your energy consumption, your employees must follow certain practices like as simple as turning off the lights when not in use.
2. Embrace renewable energy sources
It’s a good idea for your travel and tourism business to turn into renewable energy sources. For the past years and up until now, we’ve depended so much on the use of fossil fuels. Now, you may consider alternative energy sources such as hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, biomass, and geothermal energy. Check to see what energy sources are available in your locality and how you can utilize renewable energy sources.
3. Repurpose and recycle materials for waste reduction
There’s no denying how the world is producing so many garbages each year. Global waste will most likely increase by about 70 percent in 2050. On a micro-level, your travel and tourism business must partake in global waste reduction. That said, you can consider recycling your waste instead of tossing them out into the landfill. Also, assess your materials and see if you can have them repurposed. Not only will these steps help reduce your waste products, but they will also help you save up on your operational costs.
4. Opt for organic materials for items and amenities
The hospitality industry contributes to about eight percent of the global carbon emission. Think of the carbon footprint caused by various modes of transportation for travel and tourism. That is not to mention the production of supplies like foods and drinks in restaurants and towels and linens in hotels. As such, your business should go for organic materials for the items and amenities you offer. That way, you can leave a minimal carbon footprint.
5. Source products from local vendors and sustainable suppliers
It’s a good idea to obtain your products from local vendors. Not only will you help them grow and succeed, but you’ll also push through with your sustainability initiatives. While you’re at it, consider partnering with sustainable suppliers. In the end, it takes a collaborative effort to uphold sustainability in your local community. With all our combined efforts, we can help save the environment while flourishing as a business.
6. Orient your employees on sustainability practices
Sure, the sustainability initiatives must come from the business owner and the upper management. However, it must reach the rank and file in a given organization or business. As such, you must get your employees involved in your sustainability strategies for your business. The initial step to take is to educate them on sustainability practices. From there, be sure that they comply with these practices and make them accountable for non-compliance.
7. Push for ISO certification
The last on the list is to have your business work toward getting International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. But what is ISO 9001 certification in the hospitality industry? Simply put, it is the international standard for a quality management system (QMS). This certification comes with a handful of benefits for your travel and tourism business. It means that your business exhibits quality, safety, and efficiency, thus making it sustainable for the long term.
At this point, you now know what it takes to promote sustainability in your travel and tourism business. Be sure to consider all the practical steps outlined above, from conserving energy to using organic materials to pushing for ISO certification. Ultimately, you must partake in upholding sustainability in hospitality.
