Now the entire world is concerned and talking about it. The hotel industry is under growing pressure to adopt eco-friendly practices in an era of increasing environmental awareness and sustainability. Sustainable practices in hotel housekeeping not only benefit the environment but also contribute to cost savings and guest satisfaction. In this article, we explore the significance of sustainable housekeeping practices and their positive impact on the planet and the bottom line. Sustainable hotel housekeeping practices are both environmentally responsible and financially beneficial. Hotels that adopt eco-friendly cleaning products, implement water and energy conservation measures, reduce waste, and engage both staff and guests in sustainability efforts can achieve significant cost savings while minimizing their impact on the environment.

Here are some key trends and practices:

1. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

One of the foundational steps towards sustainability in hotel housekeeping is the use of eco-friendly cleaning products. Traditional cleaning chemicals often contain harsh ingredients that can harm the environment and pose health risks to housekeeping staff. By switching to green cleaning products, hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact. These products are biodegradable, non-toxic, and produced with minimal packaging and eco-certified cleaning solutions.

2. Water and Energy Conservation

Water is a precious resource, and hotels consume large amounts of it for cleaning and laundry purposes. Sustainable housekeeping practices involve the use of water-efficient equipment and the implementation of water-saving techniques. Low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets, as well as the reuse of linens when guests request them, can dramatically reduce water consumption.

The same goes for energy as well,

Energy-efficient practices are integral to sustainable housekeeping. Hotels can reduce energy usage by replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-saving LEDs, using natural lighting when possible, and implementing energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Housekeeping staff can also help by turning off lights and equipment when rooms are not in use.

   - Efficient Laundry Systems: Many hotels are investing in high-efficiency washing machines and dryers that use less water and energy.

   - Low-Flow Fixtures: Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets helps reduce water usage in guest rooms and common areas.

 - Energy-Efficient Lighting: LED lights and motion sensors in different locations of the hotels can help cut down on energy use. 

3. Waste Reduction

Hotel housekeeping generates a significant amount of waste, primarily from discarded amenities, packaging, and linens. Sustainable practices involve recycling bins in guest rooms and common areas, encouraging guests to separate recyclables from non-recyclables. Additionally, hotels can partner with local organizations to donate unused amenities to those in need, further reducing waste. 

   - Recycling and Composting: Hotels are setting up recycling and composting programs for paper, plastics, food waste, and other materials.

   - Reduced Linens Change: Many hotels are encouraging guests to reuse towels and bed linens to reduce the frequency of laundering, which saves water and energy. Implementing linen and towel reuse programs is a simple yet effective way to conserve resources. Hotels can encourage guests to reuse towels and linens during their stay by displaying informative cards in guest rooms. This reduces the frequency of laundering, saving water, energy, and detergent.

4. Sustainable Supplies

Sustainable supplies in hotels are essential for reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly practices.

  - Biodegradable and Reusable Items: Using biodegradable trash liners, and switching to reusable cleaning cloths and mops instead of disposable ones, helps cut down on waste.

   - Eco-Friendly Amenities: Providing guests with refillable toiletry dispensers rather than single-use bottles is becoming more common.

5. Staff Training and Engagement

Properly trained housekeeping staff are essential for the successful implementation of sustainable practices. Regular training programs can educate staff about the importance of sustainability, the correct use of eco-friendly cleaning products, and efficient waste reduction techniques. Staff engagement and empowerment are crucial in making sustainability a part of the hotel's culture.

- Sustainability Training: Housekeeping staff are being trained on sustainable practices and the importance of reducing environmental impact.

- Incentive Programs: Some hotels offer incentives for staff who implement or suggest sustainable practices.

6. Technology Integration

Integrating technology into sustainable hotel practices can significantly enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve guest experiences.

  - Smart Room Controls: Technology that allows guests to control room temperature and lighting helps manage energy consumption more effectively.

   - Automated Cleaning Equipment: Robotic vacuums and automated cleaning tools can help reduce manual labor and improve efficiency.

7. Guest Involvement

 Engaging guests in sustainability efforts is an essential aspect of sustainable housekeeping. Hotels can provide information about their green initiatives on their websites and in-room materials. Additionally, guests can be encouraged to participate in eco-friendly practices during their stay, such as turning off lights and using recycling bins.   

- Awareness Campaigns: Hotels are increasingly engaging guests in their sustainability efforts through signage and information about how they can contribute.

 - Sustainable Options: Offering guests the option to participate in sustainability programs, like opting out of daily linen changes, helps align guest behavior with the hotel's environmental goals.

An eco-friendlier approach to hotel housekeeping may be achieved by embracing green cleaning solutions, encouraging water and energy saving, putting in place efficient waste management and recycling programs, and applying sustainable laundry practices. Hotels can offer a stronger guest experience while improving the environment by putting a priority on sustainability.

About the author

Suresh Khadka is the Executive Housekeeper at InterContinental Muscat.