Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword in the hospitality industry—it’s fast becoming a necessity. On top of that, governments around the world are implementing strict environmental regulations.
But what does it truly take to become a green hotel? Before diving into sustainability, hoteliers must understand that “going green” isn’t just a marketing trend—it’s a strategic and operational shift.
At Green Suites Hotel Solutions, we partner with hotels of all sizes to help them navigate this transition, supplying eco-friendly hotel bathroom amenities such as shampoos, conditioners, handwash gel, shower gel, and lotions. Our mission is to promote green ethics and plastic-free practices in the hotel industry, all while driving profitability and enhancing the guest experience.
Here’s what every hotelier should know before fully committing to the green shift. Shop today.
1. Start with a Strategic, Holistic Approach
Going green starts with clarity and structure. Hoteliers should begin by conducting an environmental audit to evaluate their property’s current sustainability performance. This audit helps identify the hotel’s biggest environmental challenges—whether it’s water waste, energy consumption, or reliance on single-use plastics. From there, create an integrated action plan that includes achievable short-term goals and ambitious long-term objectives.
Education and training are also crucial. Your staff must understand the purpose behind sustainability measures to execute them effectively. This is why many successful green properties launch comprehensive training programs and appoint sustainability officers or a dedicated “green team” to oversee initiatives and ensure accountability.
2. Identify and Reduce Waste Hotspots
Waste reduction lies at the heart of any green initiative. Key areas of concern typically include excessive water usage, food waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, laundry accounts for a staggering 16% of water usage in the average hotel. Programs like towel and linen reuse helps conserve water, as well as extend the lifespan of these items, saving both resources and money.
Food waste is another major contributor. Hotels can mitigate this by donating leftovers to local charities, implementing composting programs, or offering smaller portion sizes. Even energy use can be optimized through LED lighting, smart thermostats, and motion sensors in public areas.
3. Budget for Impactful Initiatives
Sustainability doesn’t always require a large financial expenditure, but some upgrades will come with upfront costs. Whether it’s switching to refillable hotel soap dispensers and using eco-friendly shower products or installing smart technology, it’s important to assess ROI. Special eco-packages, creative pricing strategies, or limited-time offers can help offset these costs while appealing to environmentally conscious guests.
Green Suites, for instance, offers a straight-install wall-mounted hotel dispensers’ program that is both cost-effective and labor efficient. These systems significantly reduce single-use plastic waste while streamlining housekeeping operations—a win-win for both the environment and your bottom line.
4. Know Your Audience
Every hotel has a unique target market, and understanding what matters most to your guests is key. Research shows that 70-78% of global travelers prefer sustainable accommodations, but that preference can take many forms. Some guests may care more about supporting socially responsible sourcing, others value reduced energy use, while others more prefer eco-friendly hotel bathroom amenities.
Use guest feedback to prioritize green initiatives that resonate with your clientele. Then, market these efforts through social media, booking channels, and in-room signage. Transparency builds trust, and when guests see your commitment to sustainability, they’re more likely to return and recommend your property to others.
5. Build a Green Hotel Team
Forming a dedicated sustainability or “Green Hotel” team ensures your goals stay on track. This team should be tasked with tracking and measuring your environmental efforts, gathering feedback, and implementing new ideas. Empower your team to lead by example and inspire others. A culture of sustainability begins from within.
6. Embrace Creative Green Hotel Initiatives
Some of the most effective sustainability programs are also the most creative:
- Refillable Water Stations: Say goodbye to vending machines and single-use plastic bottles. Encourage guests to bring reusable bottles, or offer bottles -printed with your brand- for purchase in your gift shop.
- Towel Reuse Programs: Properties like Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas have saved more than 30 million gallons of water by simply encouraging guests to reuse towels.
- Eco-Friendly Keycards: Switch from traditional plastic cards to biodegradable or digital room keys. Not only are they better for the planet, but they also improve guest convenience.
- Green Dining Options: Offer organic or locally-sourced meals. Consider farm-to-table menus or host cooking workshops with sustainable chefs. Hotels like Choice Hotels have pledged to use 100% cage-free eggs by 2025—a unique selling point that sets them apart.
- Smart Hotel Technology: Implement smart lighting, thermostats, and showers with pre-set timers to limit energy use. These features also appeal to tech-savvy guests looking for convenience and efficiency.
- Wall-Mounted Hotel Shower Dispensers: Green Suites Hotel Solutions specializes in stylish, refillable hotel dispensers for shampoos, body washes, handwashing gels, and lotions. These hotel dispenser systems drastically reduce plastic waste, product overuse, and operational costs—making them ideal for eco-conscious hotels without sacrificing luxurious guest experience.
7. Build for the Future
Planning new construction? Go green from the ground up. Collaborate with architects experienced in sustainable design. Use renewable or recycled materials, incorporate natural ventilation or daylighting features, and install EV charging stations. Modern guests are often drawn to properties that visibly demonstrate their environmental commitment.
8. Upgrade Fixtures Thoughtfully
Even simple changes like installing motion-activated lights, low-flow faucets, and energy-efficient HVAC systems can have a big impact. Prioritize areas that consume the most resources and look for fixtures that offer long-term savings. Green Suites provides hotels with eco-conscious alternatives for hotel shower dispensers that blend seamlessly into modern guestroom aesthetics.
9. Improve Waste Management
Start with a comprehensive recycling program. Place bins in accessible areas and label them clearly. Reduce daily magazine or newspaper deliveries by placing a few communal copies in public spaces. Replace disposable items with reusable or biodegradable options wherever possible.
10. Stay Ahead of Legislation and Trends
Local laws are rapidly evolving. For example, New York City will ban single-use hotel toiletries in 2025, which could eliminate over 27 million plastic bottles annually. Hotels that fail to adapt may face steep penalties. Keep up with legislative changes and subscribe to green hotel news to remain informed.
Being proactive – not reactive – will position your hotel as a leader in sustainable hospitality.
Partnering for Green Success
Becoming a truly green hotel requires commitment, creativity, and collaboration. At Green Suites Hotel Solutions, we make this journey easier by providing practical, sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while improving operational efficiency.
Whether you’re retrofitting an existing property or building new, going green is not only good for the planet—it’s great for business. In today’s competitive hospitality landscape, sustainability is more than a differentiator – it’s the new industry standard.
Let Green Suites Hotel Solutions help you lead the way. Shop today.
