By Zenoyise John:
The global hospitality industry is making significant strides to cut its environmental footprint, with hotels worldwide increasingly prioritising sustainability. Out of the estimated 36.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide released globally in 2021, hotels contributed around 363 million tons. In response, 85% of hotels have adopted energy-efficient technologies, while 78% have introduced advanced waste-reduction programmes and 72% are implementing water-saving measures.
“Sustainability goes far beyond good PR; it’s about future-proofing our business. The climate crisis has underscored the importance of making smart, responsible choices. Like many others in the industry, we’re seeing firsthand how prioritising people, the planet, and profits leads to a stronger, more resilient business,” says Chris Godenir, General Manager at Dream Hotels & Resorts Peninsula All-Suite Hotel in Cape Town.
Water consumption is a particularly pressing concern in tourism-heavy destinations, where hotels can use up to 1,500 litres of water per guest per day – nearly eight times more than the local average. Dream Hotels monitors utility use per bed night sold, offering a clearer picture of guest-related consumption. Over the past three years, the group has averaged the following figures:
Electricity: 17.47 kWh (2022), 16.67 kWh (2023), and 18.56 kWh (2024)
Water: 327 litres (2022), 246 litres (2023), and 228 litres (2024)
While precise figures are difficult to calculate, experts estimate the accommodation sector contributes 1% to 3% of global carbon emissions, with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance placing the figure at around 2–3% in 2021. This highlights the urgency of improved tracking, lower consumption, and industry-wide innovation to achieve net zero.
However, simply reducing resource consumption is not enough. A holistic approach is needed, addressing everything from greywater reuse to solar power installations.
“Guests are asking smarter questions and pushing us to make smarter choices. The results are benefiting everyone involved. That is why we have invested so much in greywater systems, sustainable water usage initiatives, solar power, smart waste management and other initiatives. With that said, more still needs to be done,” explained Godenir.
Part of this sector-wide transformation involves circular economy initiatives. For example, some hotels collect discarded hygiene products and single-use amenities, recycle them into new products, and distribute them to communities in need. These programmes help divert waste from landfills, create new resources, and prevent further carbon emissions, offering a scalable model for other hotels to follow.
Technology is also playing a crucial role. From artificial intelligence to smart room automation and digital check-ins, hotels are using innovation to provide more efficient, personalised guest experiences while reducing material waste.
By tracking resources in real time, reducing waste behind the scenes, and adopting circular practices, hotels are reshaping how they operate to build a more sustainable industry. These efforts also encourage travellers to become more conscious of their own impact on the environment.
“Building a better world is ultimately not about doing everything perfectly. It’s about being transparent, making better choices every day and bringing people along for the journey,” Godenir concludes. – @NewsSA_Online
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