Skip to main content

Sustainable Hospitality Management: Green Building and Certifications

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on sustainable hospitality management, specifically focusing on green building and certifications. This topic is crucial for students pursuing degrees in hospitality management and those interested in sustainable tourism practices.

What is Sustainable Hospitality Management?​

Sustainable hospitality management refers to the practice of managing hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments in ways that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic benefits for local communities. This approach considers the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit.

Key principles of sustainable hospitality management include:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Water conservation
  • Waste reduction and recycling
  • Sustainable procurement
  • Employee development and well-being
  • Community engagement

Green Building in Hospitality Management​

Green building refers to the construction and operation of buildings in an environmentally responsible manner. In the hospitality industry, green building aims to reduce the environmental footprint of hotels and resorts.

Benefits of green building in hospitality include:

  • Reduced energy consumption
  • Lower water usage
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • Extended asset life
  • Enhanced guest experience through natural lighting and ventilation

Examples of green building features in hospitality establishments:

  • Rainwater harvesting systems
  • Greywater reuse systems
  • Solar panels and wind turbines
  • High-performance insulation and windows
  • Low-flow showerheads and toilets
  • LED lighting throughout the property

Certifications for Sustainable Hospitality Management​

Several certifications exist to recognize and promote sustainable practices in hospitality management. Some notable ones include:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)​

LEED certification is widely recognized in the hospitality industry. It covers various aspects of sustainability, including:

  • Energy efficiency
  • Water savings
  • Indoor environmental quality
  • Innovation in design
  • Regional priority

Example: The Four Seasons Hotel New York City achieved LEED Gold certification in 2016.

EarthCheck​

EarthCheck is a certification program specifically designed for tourism and travel. It assesses properti against rigorous environmental standards and offers three levels of certification:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold

Example: The InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort in Australia has been certified EarthCheck Platinum since 2008.

ISO 14001:2015​

While not exclusively for hospitality, ISO 14001:2015 is an international standard for environmental management systems. Many hotels incorporate this standard into their sustainability initiatives.

Example: The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong implemented an ISO 14001-compliant environmental management system in 2011.

Case Studies: Sustainable Hospitality Management in Action​

Let's explore some real-world examples of sustainable hospitality management practices:

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong​

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, achieved LEED Gold certification in 2011. Some notable features include:

  • Rainwater harvesting system collecting 100% of roof runoff
  • Energy-efficient HVAC systems
  • Low-flow showerheads and toilets
  • Recycling programs for paper, plastic, glass, and metal

The Oberoi Group​

The Oberoi Group, known for luxury hotels across India, has implemented several sustainability initiatives:

  • Solar-powered water heating systems
  • Organic farming practices in hotel gardens
  • Waste reduction and recycling programs
  • Energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems

The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii​

This resort has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability:

  • Uses solar power for 50% of its energy needs
  • Implements rainwater collection and greywater reuse systems
  • Maintains a marine sanctuary and conducts coral reef restoration projects

Conclusion​

Sustainable hospitality management, particularly focusing on green building and certifications, is crucial for the future of the tourism industry. As students pursuing degrees in hospitality management, understanding these principles and practices will give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Whether you're working towards a degree in hospitality management or simply interested in sustainable tourism, embracing these concepts will contribute to creating a more environmentally conscious and responsible travel industry.

Remember, every small step counts, and implementing sustainable practices in your own daily life and work can make a significant difference in promoting a greener hospitality sector.