As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, hotels are stepping up their sustainability efforts. The hospitality industry is one of the largest consumers of energy and water in the world. In fact, hotels account for about 10% of global energy consumption. As a result, hotels have a responsibility to reduce their environmental impact and become more sustainable.
There are many ways that hotels can increase their sustainability efforts. Here are a few examples:
- Energy conservation: Hotels can save energy by using energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and by installing motion sensors and timers in guest rooms. They can also switch to renewable energy sources, such as solar panels.
- Water conservation: Hotels can save water by installing low-flow toilets and showerheads, and by fixing leaks promptly. They can also implement water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems.
- Waste reduction: Hotels can reduce waste by composting food scraps, recycling paper, plastic, and metal, and by reducing single-use plastics. They can also donate unused food and other items to local charities.
- Sustainable transportation: Hotels can encourage guests to use public transportation or walk/bike to their hotel, and they can provide electric vehicle charging stations. They can also partner with local transportation providers to offer discounts to guests.
- Eco-friendly cleaning supplies: Hotels can switch to eco-friendly cleaning supplies that are free of harmful chemicals.
- Responsible ecotourism: Hotels can promote responsible ecotourism by offering activities that are low-impact on the environment. They can also support local communities and businesses.
By implementing these and other sustainability measures, hotels can reduce their environmental impact and become more eco-friendly. Here are 10 of the top hotel brands in America that are leading the way in green travel:
1. Fairmont Hotels
Fairmont Hotels has been a leader in sustainability for many years. All of their hotels are LEED certified, and they have a number of other green initiatives in place, such as water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
Energy efficiency: Fairmont is committed to reducing its energy consumption and has implemented a number of energy efficiency measures in its hotels, such as LED lighting, water-saving fixtures, and smart thermostats.
Water conservation: Fairmont is also committed to water conservation and has implemented a number of water conservation measures in its hotels, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, and rainwater harvesting systems.
Sustainable sourcing: Fairmont sources its food and other products from sustainable sources whenever possible. For example, they source their coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms and their seafood from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood.
2. Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels is another hotel chain that is making a big commitment to sustainability. They have set a goal of reducing their environmental impact by 50% by 2030. Some of their specific initiatives include using renewable energy, reducing food waste, and recycling.
Energy Star: Hilton is the largest hotel company in the world to participate in the Energy Star program, which helps hotels save energy and money. Hilton has installed Energy Star appliances and lighting in all of its hotels, and has saved over 4 billion kilowatt hours of electricity since 2009.
Hilton is also a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). The GSTC is a leading international organization that sets global standards for sustainable tourism. Hilton is committed to meeting the GSTC’s standards, and is working to make its hotels even more sustainable in the future.
3. Hyatt Hotels
Hyatt Hotels is committed to “greening” their hotels and resorts. They have a number of sustainability initiatives in place, such as water conservation, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. They also have a program called “Care for Earth” that encourages guests to participate in sustainable practices.
Water conservation: Hyatt has a goal to reduce water usage by 20% by 2025. The company has implemented a number of water conservation measures in its hotels, such as installing low-flow faucets and toilets, fixing leaks, and using waterless urinals.
Waste reduction: Hyatt has a goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2025. The company has implemented a number of waste reduction measures in its hotels, such as composting food waste, recycling materials, and reducing single-use plastics.
4. Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton Hotels is a boutique hotel chain that is known for its commitment to sustainability. They have a number of green initiatives in place, such as using recycled materials, providing reusable amenities, and offering guests discounts if they choose not to have their towels and linens washed every day.
Waste reduction: Kimpton hotels have a number of waste reduction initiatives in place, such as recycling, composting, and reducing single-use plastics. They also have a program called “Turndown Service with a Purpose,” where guests can donate their used towels and linens to be recycled into new products.
Sustainable sourcing: Kimpton hotels source their food and products from sustainable suppliers. They also have a program called “Green Meetings,” which helps meeting planners to choose sustainable options for their events.
5. Marriott Hotels
Marriott Hotels is one of the largest hotel chains in the world, and they are committed to sustainability. They have a number of green initiatives in place, such as using recycled materials, reducing energy consumption, and supporting local communities.
Sustainable procurement: Marriott has a goal to source 90% of its food and beverage products from sustainable sources by 2025. The company has partnered with a number of organizations to source sustainable products, such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and the Rainforest Alliance.
These are just a few of the many hotel brands in America that are committed to sustainability. As travelers become more conscious of their environmental impact, these hotels are leading the way in green travel.