Page 37 - CIJ Aug 2024 - Digital Edition
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SUSTAINABILITY




                  Comprehensive Approach to
                  Sustainability in Hospitality Housekeeping


                         ustainability has become    usage without compromising
                         a critical focus for        guest comfort.
                         industries worldwide,
                         and the hospitality      2. Energy
                 S sector is no exception.        Efficiency
                  Housekeeping, a fundamental
                  component of hotel operations,    Energy consumption in
                  presents significant opportunities   hotels is substantial, with
                  for implementing sustainable    housekeeping operations
                  practices. By rethinking        contributing a significant
                  traditional methods, hotels can   share. Implementing
                  reduce their environmental      energy-efficient practices is
                  footprint, enhance guest        crucial for sustainability:
                  satisfaction, and improve       a.   Lighting: Transitioning to
                  operational efficiency. This       LED lighting throughout the
                  article deep dives to explore      property, including guest rooms,    Tatjana Ahmed
                  various strategies for achieving   hallways, and common areas,
                  sustainability in housekeeping     reduces energy usage. Motion
                  within the hospitality industry.   sensors and timers can ensure   plastic, glass, and metals is
                                                     lights are only on when needed.  essential. Clear signage and
                  Reducing Water                  b.   HVAC Systems: Energy-         convenient recycling bins in
                  Consumption                        efficient heating, ventilation,   guest rooms and common areas
                                                                                     encourage participation.
                   Water is a precious resource, and   and air conditioning systems   b.   Composting: Organic waste
                  its conservation is paramount in   are essential. Regular          from kitchens and dining areas
                                                     maintenance of these systems
                  sustainable housekeeping. Hotels   ensures optimal performance     can be composted. This reduces
                  can adopt several measures to                                      the amount of waste sent to
                  minimize water usage:              and reduces energy waste.       landfills and provides nutrient-
                                                     Smart thermostats in guest
                  a.   Linen and Towel Reuse         rooms allow guests to control   rich compost for landscaping.
                     Programs: Encouraging guests    temperatures, which can be set   c.   Minimizing Single-Use
                     to reuse linens and towels can   to default energy-saving levels   Plastics: Replacing single-use
                     significantly reduce the amount   when rooms are unoccupied.    plastic items, such as toiletries
                     of water used in laundering.                                    and water bottles, with reusable
                     Informational signage in rooms   c.   Equipment: Housekeeping   or biodegradable alternatives
                                                     carts and equipment can be
                     can prompt guests to consider   upgraded to more energy-        significantly reduces plastic
                     the environmental impact of                                     waste. Bulk dispensers for
                     daily linen changes.            efficient models. For example,   shampoo, conditioner, and body
                                                     vacuum cleaners with Energy
                  b.   Efficient Laundry Practices:   Star ratings use less power    wash in bathrooms eliminate
                     Upgrading to high-efficiency    without sacrificing performance.  the need for individual plastic
                     washing machines that use                                       bottles.
                     less water per load is a critical   3. Waste Management
                     step. Additionally, using cold                               4. Eco-Friendly Cleaning
                     water washes and eco-friendly   Effective waste management   Products
                     detergents can further conserve   is a cornerstone of sustainable
                     water and reduce energy      housekeeping. Hotels can          Traditional cleaning products
                     consumption.                 implement several strategies to   often contain harmful chemicals
                  c.   Low-Flow Fixtures: Installing   minimize waste:            that can impact both the
                                                                                  environment and human health.
                     low-flow showerheads, faucets,   a.   Recycling Programs:    Switching to eco-friendly cleaning
                     and toilets in guest rooms and   Establishing comprehensive   products offers multiple benefits:
                     public areas helps reduce water   recycling programs for paper,


                                                                               Clean India Journal•AUGUST 2024  37
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