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Housekeeping has long been perceived as the backbone of hotel operation. However, in today’s hospitality environment, housekeeping is no longer just about clean rooms. It sits at the intersection of guest experience, environmental responsibility, employee engagement, and ESG performance. Prabhat Shukla, Director of Housekeeping & Quality, Hotel Experience Champion, InterContinental® Doha The City, who has years of hands-on experience, explores the latest trends in housekeeping.
ne of the most significant shifts in recent years is the move from sustainability as a ‘nice-to-have’ initiative to a measurable operational key performing indicator (KPI) within housekeeping. In a hotel setting, sustainability now influences brand audits and certifications, guest satisfaction and loyalty, cost optimization and employee pride and retention.
Sustainability targets were integrated directly into daily housekeeping routines. By embedding sustainability into standard operating procedures (SOPs) and not treating it as a side project, housekeeping teams became active contributors to the hotel’s environmental goals rather than passive followers.
Switching to biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning chemicals significantly reduced environmental impact while maintaining hygiene standards. Partnering with responsible suppliers ensures safer working conditions for colleagues, reduced indoor air pollution, and compliance with global sustainability benchmarks.
Common Good
Process optimization saw the introduction of microfiber systems reducing water and chemical usage; color-coded cleaning tools minimized cross-contamination and task-based cleaning schedules improved efficiency and quality.
The result was a triple win: Better cleaning outcomes, healthier employees, and reduced environmental footprint.
” Clear communication helped bridge the gap with feedback from environmentally conscious guests being actively encouraged. Rather than imposing restrictions, the focus was on inviting guests to participate in shared responsibility.”
— Prabhat Shukla
Housekeeping also plays a critical role in recycling because it manages waste where it is generated. A clear and color-coded segregation system was introduced for all kinds of waste and training was imparted to stewards, public area teams, and supervisors to ensure consistency too.
One of the most impactful sustainability actions implemented was linen and uniform recycling with end-of-life linens being sent for textile recycling and damaged uniforms being reused for cleaning cloths or donated through approved channels. This approach reinforced the idea that waste is often just a resource in the wrong place.
Minimising Waste
Discarded guest soaps were collected, sanitized, and recycled into new hygiene products through certified partners. These were later distributed to deserving communities.
Add to this the elimination of single-use plastic amenities, and I will proudly say that sustainability shifted from a policy into a human story.
The introduction of robotic cleaning solutions in specific areas (such as pool or hard-to-reach zones) enhanced efficiency and reduced dependency on chemicals, lowered manual labor strain, and ensured consistent cleaning quality. Technology, when implemented thoughtfully, became an enabler—not a replacement—of skilled housekeeping professionals.
Salute To Guests
Modern guests expect hotels to act responsibly and with honesty. A clear communication helped bridge the gap with feedback from environmentally conscious guests being actively encouraged. Rather than imposing restrictions, the focus was on inviting guests to participate in shared responsibility.
Housekeeping is no longer just maintaining standards—it is shaping the future of hospitality. As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: The greenest hotels of tomorrow will be led by the smartest housekeeping teams today.
