Sustainability Meets Luxury: A Hotel Managers Guide to Harmonizing Both

Better for guests & the planet

Throughout the hospitality industry, there’s a growing focus on sustainability. As organizations like Green Key Global provide certifications and resources to help hotels and resorts go green, owners and managers are exploring new ways to do the same. The challenge is addressing environmental concerns while still maintaining the level of comfort their guests expect.

The good news is that sustainability and luxury aren’t mutually exclusive. Here are some ways hotel managers can reduce their resort’s carbon footprint without negatively impacting the guest experience.

Reduce energy & water consumption 

Research shows that electricity expenses account for more than 50% of hotels’ total utility costs. Hotel owners and operators can boost sustainability and their bottom lines by taking steps to reduce energy consumption. You can start by switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs, which, according to the Department of Energy, use at least 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. 

Even with the installation of more environmentally friendly lights, it’s still a good idea to ensure they don’t remain on throughout the day. Motion-sensor technology placed in each room could keep lights off while guests are out. In addition, it could prevent guests from having to search for light switches in dark rooms, providing a more hospitable experience. Similarly, connecting an occupancy sensor system in each room to the HVAC system can prevent the air conditioning from remaining on when guests are away. 

Water consumption is just as crucial as energy consumption in sustainability efforts. Consider placing reminders in bathrooms for guests to turn off the water when not using it. The Environmental Protection Agency also recommends using WaterSense-labeled sinks, showers and toilets, which are at least 20% more efficient while performing as well or better than standard models.

Minimize waste 

Managing waste requires a partnership between both the hotel and its guests. Create ample opportunities around the hotel for guests to recycle appropriately, including signs and clearly labeled, frequently emptied bins.

It’s also important to invest in hotel essentials that aren’t single-use items—swapping out washable mugs for paper coffee cups is just one example. You could even take advantage of this initiative to create a more premium hotel experience through access to higher-quality products—think silverware instead of plastic, glass instead of styrofoam and so on.

Prioritize reusable or natural decor

Decorations are a significant part of a luxury hotel experience—which means they provide a highly visible chance to flex sustainability muscles. For example, environmentally conscious furniture is a great way to partner luxury and sustainability. Headboards, lobby chairs and even outdoor bars can be made from repurposed or sustainably sourced wood. Reusable concrete and stones, which can be used for walkways or in pools, are also becoming popular alternatives to less sustainable materials.

Investing in bedding and bath linens made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo is another way to enhance your hotel’s aesthetics. This way, guests can enjoy a sustainable and comfortable sleep experience.

Practice sustainable guest services 

Stellar guest services are what make some hotels more than just a place to spend the night. They also represent another opportunity to make your business more sustainable. For example, if you offer car or shuttle services, consider investing in electric vehicles (EVs). In addition to lowering emissions, most EVs provide quieter, softer rides for passengers. 

In an increasingly digital world, using a keyless entry system gives your hotel a high-tech edge. Some hotels now use digital room keys which allow guests to open their room doors through an app. This allows your hotel to minimize its plastic use while offering guests an intuitive way to get into their rooms. In some instances, it can even provide hotel guests with an increased level of security. 

Finally, this may feel counterintuitive, but don’t feel the need to change the sheets and towels daily if the guest doesn’t request it. After all, none of us change our sheets every day at home; do guests really need fresh bedding every night? Not doing so helps minimize water and electricity consumption. 

Make sustainability fun & collaborative

You can also find engaging ways to include your guests with your sustainability initiatives. For example, Blue Apple Beach in Cartagena, Colombia, hosts dinners catered by celebrity chefs. Every dinner benefits Green Apple Foundation, a partnered charity that specializes in glass recycling. 

Hosting a well-catered dinner or party for guests with a specialized, sustainable theme can make them feel pampered while supporting a worthwhile cause. It can be something as general as recycling awareness or as targeted as supporting a local organization with an environmentally friendly mission. 

Everyone benefits when sustainability meets luxury

According to a Deloitte survey, more than 50 percent of respondents were worried about climate change. This suggests that many guests will prioritize hotels with environmentally conscious practices.

If you’re looking to uplevel sustainability initiatives at your hotel, turn to Walmart Business. We offer a plethora of environmentally friendly hospitality must-haves, and hotel owners can take advantage of free shipping on orders of $35 or more.¹

If you already have an account, consider upgrading to a Walmart Business+ membership. You’ll earn 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards on purchases over $250,² allowing you to reinvest in your business. Combined with no-minimum free shipping¹ and free delivery from local stores on orders over $35,³ you could save over $500 a year.⁴ Click here to start your membership today.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply. 

³ Restrictions apply.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).