The hospitality industry is becoming increasingly sustainable as a response to its historically energy-intensive operations, excessive water usage and waste generation. This transition aims to go beyond superficial upgrades, instead representing a deeper effort to embed sustainability in hotel architecture and throughout a building’s complete life cycle.
Understanding Sustainable Hospitality
Sustainable hospitality involves applying eco-friendly principles across the industry to meet environmental, social and governance goals. It touches on more than just visible design choices and concerns itself with construction methods, material selection, daily operations and long-term upkeep. These facets must be improved with low-impact and environmentally conscious practices before a hotel can be truly sustainable.
The need to adopt more sustainable practices in the hospitality industry is due to the sector’s heavy environmental impact. The hospitality sector accounts for approximately 3% of global carbon emissions, one-third of which is generated by daily hotel operations. Additionally, many complimentary items are single-use and compound material waste. With hotels being so resource-intensive, improving energy efficiency through building design can also help cut costs.
Renovations can also lead to significant emissions if construction is not properly managed.
Hotel renovations to enhance sustainability actually add to the 37% of global emissions that the construction industry already contributes. Responsible sourcing of materials ensures sustainability is embedded into the structure, long before the hotel opens its doors.
Entering a New Era of Hotel Architecture
A truly sustainable hotel incorporates circular architectural design. Instead of following the traditional linear take, make, dispose model, circular methods reimagine buildings’ value during their life and even after operations have ceased. Materials used in construction should outlive the structure and be reconceptualized into elements that other projects can benefit from. The result is a valuable structure that stands the test of time.
Key principles of circular architecture in the hospitality industry include:
Designing for Longevity
Hotels built with durable, high-quality materials that stand the test of time require fewer renovations and replacements, reducing the waste typically generated by frequent overhauls.
For example, bamboo siding and other wood types have a lower environmental impact and can last over a hundred years if maintained well. These materials also lower the frequency of renovations and significantly cut down on waste, energy consumption and the carbon footprint associated with the disposal of outdated building materials.
Reusability and Adaptability
Circular design advocates for flexibility in hotel spaces, ensuring that the building can adapt to different needs over time. Instead of tearing down structures to make way for new trends, circular architecture focuses on repurposing existing materials.
Hotels can benefit from adaptable floor plans and modular systems — such as adjustable beds, movable partitions and flexible seating — to make it easier to modify interiors without substantial waste. This approach allows for long-term sustainability without closing hotels temporarily or sacrificing guest experience with major renovations.
Material Sourcing and Waste Reduction
Choosing renewable, responsibly sourced and locally available materials helps reduce hotel construction’s carbon footprint. Using recycled steel can save up to 72% of the energy needed to produce new steel. Reclaimed lumber is also gaining popularity due to its lower environmental impact compared to virgin wood. Low-impact concrete uses various recycled materials to reduce the need for cement — an industry responsible for 8% of carbon emissions worldwide.
Sourcing methods also play a key role. In one case, the deconstruction of a home in Vancouver preserved 84% of its materials, wasting only 16 percent. Applying similar methods in hotel deconstruction allows materials to be reused in future projects when a building reaches the end of its life. This process helps close the loop, supporting a fully circular model for hotel design.
Energy Efficiency and Low-Impact Technologies
Sustainability also includes a hotel’s operational efficiency. Hotels should rely on energy-efficient technologies like LED lighting and design strategies that respond to local weather, sunlight patterns and wind flow. These renewable energy sources can support high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.
Together, they help reduce energy consumption and minimize the hotel’s environmental impact over time.
This approach brings nature closer to guests by incorporating natural breezes and local plant life into the hotel’s interior and exterior design.
The Business Case for Sustainable Hospitality
Many hoteliers see adopting sustainable practices as an upfront cost. However, the long-term financial benefits of sustainable design are becoming clear. Hotels that adopt energy-efficient systems and durable materials tend to see a reduction in operational costs, such as energy bills, maintenance and waste management.
Additionally, 81% of travelers prefer sustainable accommodation, with younger generations representing even higher percentages. This signals a steady stream of business for environmentally aware hotels. Hotels must align with the values and preferences of eco-conscious guests to remain competitive.
A hotel’s commitment to sustainability can elevate its marketability, making it a preferred choice for eco-conscious guests who want their accommodations to align with their values. Various recognitions are also given to hotels that meet environmental standards, including the Sustainable Luxury Awards — which celebrate eco-innovation within the luxury experience industry — and the Green Seal Hotel Certification Standard, which helps travelers identify sustainable accommodations.
Make Sustainability the Standard for Hospitality
Hotels that prioritize sustainability create a higher-quality experience for their guests. Those that respond to the evolving expectations of travelers can position themselves as conscious, forward-thinking spaces. These hotels will continue attracting environmentally aware guests, securing their role as businesses that deliver lasting value to the planet and the people they serve.
