Hotels have a unique opportunity to make significant impact on improving sustainability by adopting more green practices, starting with procurement. As travelers become more conscious of brands and their environmental impact, it is important to exhibit that effort is being made towards sustainable practices in your hotel. Here are some actionable procurement tips you can take to help reduce your hotel’s carbon footprint.
- Source Locally: Embrace the farm-to-table ethos and source local goods whenever possible. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and boosts the local economy.
- Prioritize Eco-Friendly Products: Put “eco-friendly” higher up on your list of priorities when seeking the right suppliers. Common products this can be implemented upon are toiletries, cleaning products, and linens. Opt for biodegradable or refillable options to minimize waste generation. Look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Cradle to Cradle to ensure sustainability credentials.
- Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances: There are energy-efficient solutions for kitchen equipment, lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, and so much more. They may require a higher upfront cost, but they often result in long-term savings on utility bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Look for ENERGY STAR ratings and consider lifecycle costs rather than just initial purchase price.
- Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Eliminate any single-use plastics from your procurement list that you can. Seek alternatives like compostable straws, cups, and takeout containers.
- Embrace Water Conservation: Bathroom technology has introduced low-flow faucets and showerheads for you to explore. Ask your procurement partner what kinds of irrigation systems for landscaping will prioritize water conservation.
- Procure Products in Bulk: When possible, it is always good practice to procure products in bulk to reduce packaging materials and reduce transportation emissions. This is considered a circular economy approach to procurement, which helps maximize resource efficiency.
- Engage Suppliers in Your Sustainability Initiatives: A helpful procurement partner will nurture partnerships with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Collaborate on initiatives that align with your sustainability goals for positive impact and industry-wide change.
Sustainable hotel procurement isn’t just about making environmentally friendly choices, it’s about creating a culture of responsibility and stewardship. Start working with a hotel procurement partner like Stroud Group today to help you stick to your goals of supporting our planet.
