[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”HEADER – Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/Tree-Hotel-Balconies-Eco-Friendly-BANNER-WEB-1.jpg” parallax=”on” locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”%91%93″][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”The Rise of the Sustainable Hotel” subhead=”everything you need to know about the eco-friendly hotel trend” admin_label=”HEADER – Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ title_font_size=”61px” title_line_height=”1.7em” background_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.29)” background_enable_image=”off” z_index_tablet=”500″ global_colors_info=”%91%93″ button_one_text__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ admin_label=”ROW – Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Introduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]With the science surrounding the increased sustainability of planes, trains, and automobiles tending to dominate the eco-friendly news cycle, stories about the climate-conscious efforts of other industries within the travel world often go unnoticed.<\/p>\n
Take the rise in sustainable hotels for example. The hospitality industry is large and growing. Like any other global industry, it has a significant impact on the environment – from water and energy consumption to waste generation, hotels can leave a large carbon footprint on the planet.<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels are a growing trend that aims to minimise this impact. But what exactly is a sustainable hotel? What benefits do they offer? And how might they look in the future? In this article, we explore all of this and more…
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”#what-is-sustainable-hotel” button_text=”What is a Sustainable Hotel?” admin_label=”BUTTON – Read More” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Man-WOman-Business-Green-Hallway-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”550px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”4px||0px|||” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – Divider” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider admin_label=”DIVIDER” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – What is a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – What is a Sustainable Hotel” module_id=”what-is-sustainable-hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – What is Sustainable Hotel” module_id=”mattbondintroduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”48px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – What is Sustainable Hotel” module_id=”mattbondintroduction” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_2_font_size=”35px” background_layout=”dark” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
In its simplest form, a sustainable hotel is one that operates in a way that keeps its environmental impact at a minimum, while also supporting the social and economic well-being of the local community. This includes everything from the construction materials used to build the hotel to the level and method of its energy and water use. Some of the factors which make a hotel sustainable include:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – What is a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||101px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5,1_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ admin_label=”ROW – What Makes a Sustainable Hotel? (COLUMNS)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1600px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Energy” open=”on” icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”21px” open_icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”21px” admin_label=”TOGGLE – Energy” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels tend to use energy-efficient appliances and lighting, and may also invest in renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Water” open=”on” icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”21px” open_icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”21px” admin_label=”TOGGLE – Energy” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels use water-saving fixtures and practices to reduce their water consumption. This includes rainwater harvesting, dual-flush toilets, and aerators.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Waste” open=”on” icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”21px” open_icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ open_toggle_icon=”||divi||400″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”21px” admin_label=”TOGGLE – Energy” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels recycle and compost as much waste as possible. They may also offer programs to help guests reduce their waste such as removing single-use items.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Local Sources” open=”on” icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”21px” open_icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”21px” admin_label=”TOGGLE – Energy” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels can source food and other products from local businesses. This can help smaller businesses thrive while also allowing guests to experience local flavours.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”Community” open=”on” icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”21px” open_icon_color=”#5B8CB1″ open_toggle_icon=”||fa||900″ open_use_icon_font_size=”on” open_icon_font_size=”21px” admin_label=”TOGGLE – Energy” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Sustainable hotels support the social and economic well-being of the local community through inclusive hiring practices, philanthropy, and partnerships.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Benefits of Staying in a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#6D6E71″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(0,0,0,0.6) 0%|rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Rainforest-Hotel-Panoramic-WEB.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”ROW – Benefits of Staying in a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” admin_label=”DIVIDER” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_number_counter number=”81″ admin_label=”COUNTER – Statistic 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][et_pb_text admin_label=”CAPTION – Statistic 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-3%||5%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” admin_label=”DIVIDER” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_number_counter number=”60″ percent_sign=”off” admin_label=”COUNTER – Statistic 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][et_pb_text admin_label=”CAPTION – Statistic 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-3%||5%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” admin_label=”DIVIDER” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”25px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_number_counter number=”44″ admin_label=”COUNTER – Statistic 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_number_counter][et_pb_text admin_label=”CAPTION – Statistic 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_4_text_color=”#FFFFFF” header_5_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-3%||5%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Benefits of Staying in a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” header_3_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Benefits of Staying in a Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”]Unique and Authentic Experiences – <\/strong>Sustainable hotels often incorporate local culture and sustainability initiatives into their offerings. This can include providing opportunities for guests to learn about local conservation efforts, participate in eco-friendly activities, or enjoy locally sourced cuisine.<\/p>\n Health and Well-being – <\/strong>\u00a0Staying in a sustainable hotel can contribute to your overall health and well-being. Exposure to cleaner air, reduced noise pollution, and access to natural surroundings can have positive effects on your physical and mental health.<\/p>\n Cost Savings –<\/strong>\u00a0While sustainable hotels may sometimes have slightly higher rates, they can often offer long-term cost savings. By reducing energy and water consumption, these hotels can lower operational costs, which may be passed on to guests in the form of lower rates or complimentary amenities.<\/p>\n Peace of Mind –<\/strong> Knowing that your accommodation is committed to sustainability can provide a sense of satisfaction and peace of mind. By choosing a sustainable hotel, you are supporting businesses that prioritise environmental responsibility. [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” max_width=”1464px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.gdg.travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Man-Woman-Sustainable-Hotel-Lobby-Green-WEB.jpg” title_text=”Man-Woman-Sustainable-Hotel-Lobby-Green-WEB” admin_label=”IMAGE” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” max_width=”82%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – The Future of Sustainable Hotels 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The hotel industry is slowly but surely moving towards a more sustainable future. As travellers become more aware of the environmental impact of their choices, they are increasingly looking for sustainable hotels. This is driving demand for sustainable practices in the hotel industry, including operating premises that are powered by renewable energy, using water-saving technologies, and offering programs to help guests reduce their waste.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – The Future of Sustainable Hotels 2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In the future, we can expect to see more hotels opting to gain climate-conscious certifications. In the US, for example, hotels can be LEED certified<\/a> – a green building certification program that recognises hotels that are designed, constructed, and operated in a way that minimises their environmental impact. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”BODY – Top 3 Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” text_font_size=”20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Looking to stay in a sustainable hotel on your next business trip? Here are 3 unique offerings from some beautiful locations across the world.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”ROW – Treehouse Lodge, Costa Rica” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – The Future of Sustainable Hotels” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – The Future of Sustainable Hotels” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – The Future of Sustainable Hotels” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-0.1%||5.2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nThe Future of Sustainable Hotels<\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”SECTION – Landmarks Top 3″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f2f2f2″ locked=”off” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”ROW – HEADER” _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”HEADER – Top 3 Sustainable Hotel” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”_initial” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n3 Sustainable Hotels Across the World<\/h3>\n