Future Forward: Giving the green light to new sustainability ideas.

For most Kiwi accommodation providers, it is no longer a question of “when will we be enacting sustainability initiatives?” Rather, it’s “what is the next step on our journey to true sustainability?”. Guests increasingly want to see businesses going beyond recycling bins and laundry reduction, instead making meaningful contributions to sustainable practices with impactful changes in their business models and operating processes.

Most New Zealand businesses have now entrenched sustainability principles in their work. You’ll see these in everything from planning to procurement, operational to promotional. Focusing on a better future is no longer a gesture, but a necessary step for many businesses to thrive.

Sustainability is now being placed front of mind from the ground up. New hotels are created with passive heating and cooling, solar arrays, bike lockers, and much more. Businesses are taking steps to change the way they work, with many adopting paperless systems and composting methods. With more than 80% of travelers saying travelling sustainably is important to them, implementing and promoting your sustainability is more important than ever.

What do the stats say?

While these responses add up and do make a difference, larger scale change is still needed worldwide. A United Nations report in 2022 highlights the big picture. The Organisation’s World Tourism Barometer showed a tripling of international tourism arrivals in the first seven months of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021 when COVID still had its claws around much of global travel.

Yes, this is good news for the tourism industry. However, UN Secretary António Guterres stated the importance of aligning tourism practices with the Sustainable Development Goals and limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. He made this point in a message to mark World Tourism Day in 2022, emphasizing the need for governments, businesses, and consumers to take action.

“The very survival of this industry, and many tourist destinations, such as small island developing states, depends on it,” he said.

With hospitality contributing 1% of global carbon emissions, projected growth in the industry is not good news for the planet. Positive change needs to be delivered quickly and effectively.  

Smaller players can follow in the footsteps of these large corporations and government entities by boosting their own endeavours as much as possible. But, how do you do that?

Five ways to improve your sustainability

Water consumption: There are many ways to reduce water use and water waste. Hotels can promote guests staying multiple nights to reuse towels and bedding. Eco-friendly tap and shower fittings can be installed in rooms. Additionally, installing metering systems in many towns around New Zealand can save money in the long run.

Energy efficiency: Hotels can gradually move towards smart appliances as items need to be replaced, and use energy-efficient lightbulbs. Installing systems that turn off lights when guests leave the room can also help. Furthermore, installing a solar array can reduce the use of grid power and save money in the long run.

Looking outward: Start thinking beyond the walls of the hotel. The community that surrounds your accommodation is just as important in the quest towards sustainability. A united mission, such as planting a tree each month or volunteering staff hours towards a regular beach clean-up can be great ways to keep your town, and your business, healthy.

Reducing waste: Hotels can reduce waste in every corner of their business, such as by composting kitchen waste for hotel gardens or keeping hotel chickens that can supply eggs. Going paperless with the use of tablets for checking in and keycards made from compostable material can also help. Once the process begins, many ways to reduce waste will reveal themselves.

Re-using materials: To adopt a cyclical approach to production, hotels can use products made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles. For example, our DreamGreen bedding uses pillow and duvet fill made from finely spun plastic fibres derived from recycled plastic bottles, making it a sustainable option for buying new bedding.

What now?

With guests now expecting such changes, it is imperative more businesses follow this movement towards sustainability. The more you look into sustainable practice’s, the more you will find. This is not just to satisfy the consumer, but to also benefit the planet.

This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to environmental approaches and sustainable product purchasing ideas. Our team is always ready to discuss ways to help – get in touch and we can help your place cut waste and raise awareness. 

Contact us via phone on 0800 836 335 or flick us an email at [email protected].