Latest Industry News: Edition 38

Every Drop Counts – Reducing Water Waste in Hotels  

Water waste due to overconsumption within hotels is a significant issue that urgently needs addressing. In the hospitality industry, water usage is often much higher than in residential settings, primarily because guests tend to use more water when they are away from home.   

Factors contributing to this increased water use include taking baths, longer showers, frequent towel changes, or because of guests not being as mindful when they are not in their domestic setting.   

Addressing water waste is crucial for numerous reasons. Reducing water consumption can lead to substantial financial savings for hotels, who can utilise funds elsewhere.  

The positive environmental impact is another reason why managing water wastage in hotel settings is essential, as this reduces carbon footprint and increases sustainability.  

There are many steps hospitality businesses can take to reduce water wastage. This includes installing water meters, to identify areas of overconsumption, and changing guest behaviour, by educating them and making them more aware of their water use.  

Replacing bathtubs with showers in guest rooms, or installing low-flow showerheads, is another way to naturally reduce water usage.  

Transforming Education – GFI and Ashden Partner to Achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2030  

The Green Finance Institute (GFI) and climate change charity Ashden are collaborating to aid UK schools in their decarbonisation journeys.   

According to the Department for Education (DfE), the education sector contributes a significant amount to the UK’s overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with education buildings being responsible for 37% of the UK’s total public sector building GHG emissions.  

Ashden has revealed that the campaign’s ‘Innovative Finance Project’ will unite public and private financial resources, policymakers, and supply chain partners to develop and implement financial strategies for retrofitting school buildings.  

According to Ashden, more than 3,000 educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and nurseries, are now actively participating in the campaign.  

Measures to decarbonise include the implementation of LED lighting, building management controls, and rooftop solar PV, which will lead to reduced energy consumption and decreased operational costs.  

August 2024 – Most Impressive Advancements in Green Innovation  

In recent news, August 2024 has featured some of the most notable advancements in green innovation.   

One of the highlights this month is the successful elimination of a significant GHG from electricity grids, as Hitachi Energy's new SF6-free switchgear, the EconiQ 550 kV circuit breaker, begins replacing SF6emitting equipment, particularly in China, which accounts for 57% of global SF6 emissions.  

Lithium-free super batteries have been introduced for electric vehicles (EVs), enabling a more sustainable alternative to traditional battery technologies.  

A new plant-based pet food has been developed for cats and dogs, completely free of animal products and reducing carbon footprint.  

Yeast substitutes are now being used to replace palm oil, offering a more ecological alternative, as Dutch biotechnology company NoPalm Ingredients upcycles food industry waste into yeast-based oils through a fermentation process that requires 99% less land and produces minimal waste, enabling brands to transition away from palm oil efficiently.  

Heat-resistant, multi-coloured paints have been developed, allowing buildings to reduce indoor temperatures by 3°C-10°C by reflecting up to 99% of solar radiation and emitting heat through radiative cooling.  

Innovative recycling methods for black plastics have also been introduced, improving the efficiency of sorting and recycling materials that were once difficult to process.  

F1 Racing Towards Renewable Energy in Europe  

With ambitious goals to become a net zero operation by 2030, Formula 1 (F1) is set to switch its diesel generators for a range of renewable energies.  

The sustainable energy sources F1 plans to implement include onsite solar, bioenergy, and energy storage technologies.  

F1 established a collaboration with Aggreko, the off-grid energy solutions provider, back in 2023 to trial a centralised power generation compound at the Austrian Grand Prix.   

This innovative setup, which combines battery storage, solar panels, and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), significantly reduced operational emissions by over 90% in critical areas like the Paddock, Pit Lane, and broadcasting zones.  

Following successful trials at the Austrian and Hungarian Grand Prix in early 2024, the compound will be deployed at the upcoming Monza Grand Prix and extended to all European races for the 2024 season.  

IKEA’s Ingka Group Set to Trial New Digital Marketplace for Second-Hand Furniture  

The retail arm of Swedish multinational conglomerate IKEA, Ingka Group, is set to launch and trial a new digital marketplace for customers to purchase and sell second-hand furniture.   

The trial period will launch in Madrid and Oslo and will run until December 2024.  

This circular economy model has already proved to be very successful, with profitable e-commerce companies, such as eBay and Depop.   

The trend for pre-owned furniture, clothes and equipment is gradually increasing, so by entering the resale market, IKEA will enhance sustainability efforts.   

Customers will have access to high-quality products at a much cheaper price, resulting in significant cost savings.   

In addition, by diversifying its range of services, IKEA is promoting the reuse and recycling of furniture, which has a positive environmental impact.  

This initiative not only reduces waste but also aligns with the company’s broader commitment to ecological practices.  

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