Sustainability, Climate Change & Carbon Literacy

Aileen Williamson, Founder, AC-Eco, an expert in hotel operations and Housekeeping with many years of experience behind her, has followed her passion for introducing and implementing sustainability into housekeeping departments of the hospitality industry and educating their staff on climate change and carbon literacy.

Climate change is having a significant impact on the hospitality industry. From changing guest dynamics, damage to infrastructure, and increasing transportation issues for customers, staff and supply chains, hotels are faced with the challenge of adapting and it is only through adopting more sustainable approaches as an industry can we make a difference.

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The hospitality industry is a significant contributor to carbon emissions, with hotels being one of the largest consumers of energy and water though many have committed to reducing their carbon footprint and implementing sustainable practices to help combat climate change.

In order to reduce emissions and promote sustainability within hotel housekeeping departments, there are several key strategies that can be implemented. Firstly, reducing energy use and utilising renewable energy sources where possible is crucial. By implementing advanced building management systems and ensuring that housekeeping staff turn off lights and appliances when leaving rooms, hotels can significantly reduce their energy consumption. Additionally, using heavy drapes, and closing curtains can help to maintain a comfortable temperature in rooms without relying on excessive energy use. Many hotels are now removing fridges from rooms.

Just consider how much energy 100 fridges in 100 empty rooms use, then think about all the empty fridges in all the empty guest rooms around the world.

When it comes to implementing a sustainability plan, one of the key aspects to consider is reducing water use and minimising water waste. Housekeeping departments play a significant role in this effort. By utilising low-flow showers and flow restrictors, hotels can drastically decrease the amount of water used.

Promptly reporting leaks helps to minimise water waste, while choosing chemical-free or eco-friendly cleaning products and efficiently managing towels and linen can further reduce water usage and lessen the environmental impact of laundry operations. These are essential ways to reduce water consumption and minimise waste within hotel housekeeping departments.

Lastly, reducing waste to landfill is a key aspect of promoting sustainability within hotel housekeeping departments. By eliminating single-use items in rooms, using bulk amenities, and implementing circular purchasing practices, hotels can significantly reduce their waste output. Offering guests opportunities to recycle and properly dispose of waste can also help to promote sustainability and encourage environmentally conscious behaviours.

By implementing strategies to reduce energy use, water consumption and waste generation, hotels can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable approach to housekeeping operations.