The balance between luxury and sustainability is no longer aspirational, it is essential writes Rajesh Pandey, Director of Services, Radisson Blu, Gorakhpur, who has over 14 years of experience in this sector. Luxury is measured by the environmental consciousness of the guest’s stay at the hotel. The housekeeping department must deliver uncompromising hygiene and comfort while significantly reducing environmental impact
One of the most immediate and impactful changes a hotel can make lies in its cleaning chemistry. Conventional cleaning agents often contain harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that adversely affect indoor air quality, aquatic ecosystems, and the health of housekeeping associates.
Through my operational experience, transitioning toward concentrated eco-certified chemicals, enzyme-based solutions, and ozone-treated water systems has proven to be a game-changer. These alternatives are biodegradable, safer for prolonged exposure, and often outperform traditional chemicals in breaking down organic matter.
If practically installed, automated chemical dilution systems ensure precise work; the elimination of manual mixing reduces human error and chemical overuse, and reusable spray bottles significantly reduce plastic consumption.
Invisible Conservation
Laundry operations and guest room servicing are the largest consumers of water and energy in any hotel. True sustainability lies in reducing consumption without compromising guest comfort.
While linen reuse programs are now industry standard, their success depends heavily on guest psychology. Messaging that frames participation as a shared responsibility toward the planet—rather than a cost-saving exercise—consistently achieves higher acceptance rates.
Energy Controls
The integration of occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, and automated lighting controls has delivered measurable energy savings across properties I have managed. Incredible results have been achieved. There has been a 20–30% reduction in energy consumption, lower HVAC load during unoccupied periods, extended equipment lifecycle due to optimized usage, etc.
The green revolution in hospitality is not coming—it is already here. And housekeeping is at its forefront.” — Rajesh Pandey
Waste Management
Waste, at its core, is a design flaw. Hotels are rapidly shifting from the linear ‘buy–use–discard’ model to a circular economy approach, where materials are reused, repurposed, or responsibly recycled.
One of the most visible transformations has been the elimination of single-use plastic amenity bottles. High-quality, wall-mounted dispensers—when paired with premium branding—are increasingly perceived by guests as a thoughtful, modern luxury choice, rather than a reduction in service.
Waste As Social Impact
One of the most meaningful sustainability initiatives implemented has been the Soap for Hope program, executed in collaboration with Diversey. Partially used guest soaps, which would otherwise be discarded, are collected by housekeeping teams, hygienically recycled through the program, and redistributed to rural and underprivileged communities. This prevents soap waste from entering landfills and improves hygiene awareness in rural areas.
Case Study
To demonstrate that sustainability can coexist seamlessly with luxury, I led the implementation of a ‘Pilot Green Floor’ initiative. The three main initiatives were complete elimination of plastic water bottles, introduction of in-house filled glass bottles, and replacement of disposable laundry bags with reusable cloth alternatives. Within six months it showed results: 90% reduction in plastic waste generated on the floor, significant reduction in procurement and waste disposal costs, and overwhelmingly positive guest feedback.
I will conclude by saying that sustainability in housekeeping is no longer just an ethical obligation—it is a sound financial strategy. While initial investments in eco-friendly systems, IoT technology, or alternative materials may appear significant, the long-term benefits are compelling.