Sustainable operations initiatives - Pre-opening phase eco hotels
eco hotel Room2 Hometels entrance, Chiswick, London
The sustainable hotel consultant perspective
There is a short window of opportunity in the pre-launch phase of a new eco resort or eco lodge for example when we can work with the Operations Team to implement a series of sustainability initiatives that will set the eco hotels property up for minimal operational environmental impact from Day One. Here is a quick overview of some of the main points, followed by a more detailed breakdown.
Eco friendly cleaning in eco resorts
First up is an eco-friendly cleaning policy throughout the hotel, that means sourcing green, non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning products, likely some degree of staff training will also be required to raise awareness around Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for housekeeping aimed at reducing water and energy use.
Sustainable supply chain for greening hotels
This is also the time to build out a sustainable supply chain more generally, from office supplies to bathroom amenities, kitchen ingredients eco friendly materials and staff uniforms, it’s all about finding ethical suppliers with a sustainability policy and ideally, a certification or two to their name already.
Waste management in a luxury eco resort or hotel
Implementing a waste reduction and recycling program pre-opening is crucial, by doing the thinking upfront, installing recycling bins and training staff how to sort waste properly, is exactly the kind of thing the pre-opening phase is made for.
Staff training in sustainable tourism
Staff sustainability training more generally also raise awareness amongst the entire hotel or resort staff about the company wide sustainability objectives, amongst them we’d look to pick out a cross-departmental Green Team who become our green eyes and ears on the ground, post-opening.
Implementing sustainability initiatives during green hotels pre-opening
In the pre-opening phase of a new luxury eco resort development, you have the opportunity to establish sustainable operations initiatives that will set the foundation for eco-friendly sustainable practices and a commitment to wellness real estate and healthy building principles from day one of opening.
Eco Cleaning Policies in sustainable eco hotels
Develop and implement eco-friendly cleaning policies and practices:
Use green cleaning products that are non-toxic and biodegradable.
Encourage housekeeping staff to minimize water and energy use during cleaning.
Employ microfiber cloths and mops that require less water and detergent.
Promote waste reduction by using reusable cleaning materials like washable mop heads.
Train staff on the proper disposal of cleaning waste, such as used cleaning cloths and mop heads.
Food and Beverage Planning in the best eco resorts:
Emphasize sustainable and locally sourced food and beverage options:
Collaborate with local farmers and producers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Offer vegetarian and vegan menu options to reduce the environmental impact of food choices.
Minimize food waste through portion control and donation programs for excess food.
Implement energy-efficient kitchen equipment and appliances.
Encourage reusable or compostable tableware and cutlery in dining areas.
Biodiversity Plan for a sustainable eco lodge:
Develop a biodiversity plan to enhance the natural environment around the hotel:
Preserve and protect local ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, or coastal areas.
Create wildlife-friendly landscapes with native plants and habitats.
Educate guests about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Implement bird-friendly building design features to reduce bird collisions with glass surfaces.
Collaborate with local conservation organizations and participate in habitat restoration projects.
Supply Chain initiatives for a sustainable eco hotel:
Establish a sustainable supply chain by partnering with environmentally responsible suppliers and companies:
Source products and materials with eco-friendly certifications, such as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood or Fair Trade for ethically produced goods.
Ensure suppliers adhere to fair labor practices and ethical sourcing.
Collaborate with suppliers that prioritize sustainable packaging and transportation practices.
Track and evaluate the sustainability credentials of suppliers on an ongoing basis.
Waste Reduction and Recycling in the best eco resorts:
Develop a comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program:
Install recycling bins in guest rooms, public areas, and back-of-house spaces.
Promote the responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).
Train staff to sort and manage waste properly.
Set waste diversion goals and regularly monitor progress.
Energy Efficiency in eco resorts and eco hotels:
Design and plan for energy-efficient operations from the start:
Incorporate energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and appliances.
Invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
Implement energy management systems to control and optimize energy use.
Staff Training and Engagement in eco friendly hotels:
Provide sustainability training to all staff members, from front-line employees to management.
Engage staff in sustainability initiatives and encourage their active participation.
Recognize and reward employees for innovative ideas that contribute to sustainability goals.
EarthCheck green hotel standard certification process
How to align an eco resort pre-opening with green hotel certification
Green hotel standards like EarthCheck (see our podcast with the Founder and CEO of this standard here), Green Globe, and Green Key set specific requirements and criteria related to hotel operations to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
These standards help hotels reduce their environmental impact, improve their social responsibility, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Here are some common requirements and areas of focus that these standards typically address in relation to hotel operations:
1. Energy Efficiency measures in the best eco hotels:
- Implement energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and occupancy sensors.
- Set and monitor energy reduction targets.
- Utilize renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines.
- Conduct regular energy audits and assessments.
2. Water Conservation in sustainable luxury villas or hotels:
- Install low-flow fixtures and water-saving technologies.
- Monitor and reduce water consumption through leak detection and efficient water management practices.
- Educate staff and guests about responsible water use.
- Implement rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses.
3. Waste Reduction and Recycling:
- Develop comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs.
- Set goals for waste diversion and reduction.
- Promote responsible disposal of electronic waste (e-waste).
- Minimize single-use plastics and encourage the use of reusable or compostable alternatives.
4. Sustainable Procurement working with the local community:
- Source products and sustainable materials with recognized eco-labels and certifications.
- Prioritize local and sustainable sourcing practices.
- Collaborate with suppliers that adhere to ethical and sustainable business practices.
- Maintain records of sustainable product sourcing.
5. Guest Engagement and protection of local communities:
- Educate guests about the hotel's sustainability initiatives and encourage responsible behavior, such as towel and linen reuse.
- Provide information about local sustainability and cultural experiences.
- Offer eco-friendly amenities and services that align with sustainability goals.
6. Biodiversity and Natural Habitat Conservation:
- Create wildlife-friendly landscapes with native plants and habitats.
- Preserve and protect local ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, or coastal areas.
- Collaborate with local conservation organizations for habitat restoration projects.
- Implement bird-friendly building design features to reduce bird collisions with glass surfaces.
7. Local Community Engagement and Social Responsibility:
- Engage with and support local communities through job creation, skills development, and cultural exchange programs.
- Contribute to community development and social projects.
- Promote fair employment practices and ethical supply chain management.
- Encourage staff volunteering and involvement in local initiatives.
8. Sustainable Food and Beverage:
- Source local, organic, and sustainably produced food and beverage products.
- Offer vegetarian and vegan menu options to reduce the environmental impact of food choices.
- Minimize food waste through portion control and donation programs for excess food.
- Implement energy-efficient kitchen equipment and appliances.
9. Health and Safety for true eco resorts:
- Prioritize guest and staff health and safety through emergency response plans, safety protocols, and sanitation standards.
- Promote indoor air quality through the use of low-VOC materials and effective ventilation systems.
10. Certification and Reporting:
- Pursue and maintain certification from recognized green hotel standards, such as EarthCheck, Green Globe, or Green Key.
- Provide regular sustainability reporting to demonstrate compliance with standards and track progress.
These requirements and areas of focus reflect the commitment of green hotel standards to integrating sustainability and responsible practices into hotel operations.
Compliance with these standards not only benefits the environment but also enhances the guest experience and helps hotels meet their sustainability goals.
Room2 Hometels recycling bins, UK
What is the role of a hotel sustainability consultant in the pre-opening phase?
A hotel sustainability consultant plays a crucial role in delivering a hotel sustainability plan during the pre-opening phase and throughout the hotel's lifecycle.
Their expertise and guidance are essential for ensuring that sustainability goals are integrated into all aspects of the hotel's operations, from the initial planning stages to ongoing management.
Here are the key roles and contributions of a hotel sustainability consultant during the pre-opening phase:
1. Assessment and Planning:
- Assuming he/she is just becoming involved at this point, the first step is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the hotel project to identify any and all opportunities for sustainability improvements.
- Collaborate with the hotel's development team to first assess, then prioritize and ultimately integrate sustainability goals into the initial project plans as soon as possible.
- Develop a sustainability strategy and action plan tailored to the hotel's unique needs and goals. This may have a 1-3 year timeline for example.
2. Certification and Compliance:
- Identify and recommend relevant green hotel sustainability certifications and standards, such as EarthCheck or Green Globe, that align with the hotel's objectives and are worth the investment in time, money and human resources - if only to give structure and objectives to the entire process.
- Guide the hotel in meeting the criteria and requirements for certification, with a clear roadmap from Day 1 through to an anticipated certification date and ongoing operational maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with local environmental regulations and sustainability standards.
3. Green Building Design and Construction:
- Work closely with architects, engineers, and contractors to incorporate green building principles and sustainable design features into the hotel's construction, in the time that remains before the hotel opens.
- Advise on energy-efficient building materials, renewable energy systems, water-saving technologies, and waste reduction strategies, again while respecting that some decisions may already have been taken and cannot immediately be re-worked without significant cost impacts.
- Monitor construction progress to ensure the agreed sustainability goals are met.
4. Supplier and Vendor Engagement:
- Assist in the selection of suppliers and vendors that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices, for example kitchen ingredients, housekeeping cleaning liquids, back of house stationery and staff uniforms, amongst many others.
- Establish criteria for sustainable product sourcing and ethical supply chain management so that there is some sense of the goal posts, this will allow staff members to do some of the pre-selection work themselves in future.
- Develop relationships with suppliers who can provide eco-friendly products and services, these various businesses will be crucial partners going forward and can easily become the focus of social media collaborations or articles in the hotel magazine or on its blog for example.
5. Staff Training and Engagement:
- Design and implement sustainability training programs for hotel staff at all levels to ensure there is a general awareness of what sustainability objectives have been agreed upon and how they are going to be achieved.
- Foster a culture of sustainability among employees and encourage their active participation in green initiatives, this will likely include selecting a small Green team of sustainability champions from a range of different departments.
- Provide ongoing support and education to ensure staff members are aligned with sustainability goals.
6. Waste Management and Recycling:
- Develop waste management plans and recycling programs for the hotel in collaboratio with each relevant department for example the Food & Beverage team will have very specific requirements around cooking oils, organic food waste, packaging used for food deliveries and so on.
- Implement strategies to minimize waste generation during construction and daily operations, leaning on the on-site team wherever possible while also making their lives easier by providing the facilities needed to ensure waste is sorted at source .
- Monitor waste diversion rates and continuously improve waste reduction efforts.
7. Energy and Water Efficiency:
- Advise the engineering and maintenance team on energy-efficient technologies and systems for the hotel's HVAC, lighting, and appliances.
- Recommend water-saving measures and technologies for guest rooms, kitchens, and landscaping, be that occupancy sensors, low irrigation landscaping or low-flow faucets.
- Monitor energy and water consumption and implement optimization measures; this will likely require some initial investigation to ensure sub-meters are set up allowing for a detailed breakdown of the data by floor or building if possible.
8. Guest Experience and Education:
- Assist in the creation of guest engagement programs that educate and involve guests in sustainable practices.
- Develop informative materials and signage to communicate the hotel's sustainability initiatives.
- Encourage guests to participate in eco-friendly activities and practices.
9. Monitoring and Reporting:
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and data tracking systems to measure sustainability performance.
- Regularly assess progress toward sustainability goals and provide reports to stakeholders.
- Make recommendations for improvements based on data analysis.
10. Certification and Recognition:
- Guide the hotel in achieving and maintaining sustainability certifications.
- Seek recognition and awards from sustainability organizations to showcase the hotel's commitment to green practices.
11. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Foster partnerships and collaborations with local communities, non-profit organizations, and stakeholders to support sustainability initiatives.
- Participate in community outreach programs and sustainability-related events.
12. Continuous Improvement:
- Continuously evaluate and update the hotel's sustainability plan and initiatives to keep pace with evolving best practices and emerging technologies.
- Encourage innovation and the adoption of new sustainable practices.
A hotel sustainability consultant serves as a valuable resource and advocate for sustainability, helping the hotel not only meet its environmental and social responsibility goals but also enhance its reputation, attract eco-conscious guests, and achieve long-term sustainability success.
Their expertise ensures that sustainability is integrated into the hotel's DNA from the pre-opening phase and beyond.
Room2 Hometel green roof, UK
What else is happening during an eco hotel pre-opening phase?
The pre-opening phase of a new hotel is a critical period that involves a wide range of activities and preparations to ensure a successful launch and seamless operations once the hotel opens its doors to guests.
Here are the main activities typically included in a new hotel's pre-opening plan:
1. Project Management:
- Appoint a pre-opening project manager or team to oversee all pre-opening activities and timelines.
- Develop a detailed project plan with clear milestones and deadlines.
2. Budgeting and Financial Planning:
- Finalize the pre-opening budget, including expenses for marketing, staffing, training, and operations.
- Secure financing and allocate funds for each pre-opening activity.
3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Obtain all necessary permits, licenses, and certifications required for hotel operations.
- Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulations and standards.
4. Staffing and Recruitment:
- Recruit and hire key management personnel, including the general manager, department heads, and supervisors.
- Conduct staff recruitment for various positions, from front-line staff to administrative roles.
- Develop job descriptions and employee contracts.
5. Training and Development:
- Design and implement a comprehensive training program for all staff members.
- Train employees on standard operating procedures, guest service, safety protocols, and other relevant topics.
6. Marketing and Sales:
- Develop a marketing and advertising plan to create awareness and attract potential guests.
- Create a website and promotional materials.
- Establish partnerships with travel agencies, online travel agents, and corporate clients.
- Plan and execute a pre-opening marketing campaign.
7. Reservations and Distribution:
- Set up reservation systems and distribution channels.
- Ensure that reservation staff are trained to handle inquiries and bookings.
8. Technology and IT Infrastructure:
- Install and test the hotel's IT infrastructure, including property management systems (PMS) and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
- Set up Wi-Fi and internet access for guests and staff.
- Ensure that phone systems and communication tools are in place.
9. Procurement and Supply Chain:
- Source and procure all necessary furnishings, equipment, and supplies for the hotel.
- Establish relationships with suppliers and vendors for ongoing procurement needs.
10. Interior Design and Furnishing:
- Complete the interior design of guest rooms, public areas, and restaurants.
- Furnish and decorate the hotel spaces according to the chosen design concept.
11. Health and Safety Protocols:
- Develop and implement health and safety protocols, including COVID-19 safety measures if applicable.
- Conduct safety inspections and tests for all equipment and systems.
12. Food and Beverage Operations:
- Design menus, establish kitchen procedures, and hire culinary and service staff.
- Conduct menu tastings and staff training.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene standards.
13. Quality Assurance:
- Establish quality control processes and standards for all hotel operations.
- Conduct mock service runs to identify and address potential issues.
14. Guest Services and Amenities:
- Plan and organize guest services, such as airport transfers, concierge services, and special arrangements.
- Arrange for amenities and in-room services, including toiletries and guest welcome packages.
15. Sales and Pricing Strategy:
- Develop pricing strategies, packages, and promotions to attract guests during the initial period.
- Set revenue management practices to optimize pricing and availability.
16. Soft Opening:
- Conduct a soft opening or trial period to test operations, systems, and staff readiness.
- Gather feedback and make necessary adjustments based on guest experiences.
17. Staff Orientation and Team Building:
- Host orientation sessions and team-building activities to foster a positive work environment and camaraderie among staff members.
18. Guest Feedback Mechanisms:
- Set up feedback mechanisms for guests to provide comments and suggestions.
- Use feedback to make improvements before the official opening.
19. Final Inspections and Certifications:
- Conduct final inspections of all areas and systems to ensure readiness.
- Seek certifications from relevant industry bodies, such as green hotel certifications or safety certificates.
20. Grand Opening:
- Plan and execute a grand opening event or ceremony to celebrate the hotel's official launch.
- Invite key stakeholders, local dignitaries, and media.
21. Ongoing Training and Monitoring:
- Continue staff training and monitoring during the initial post-opening period to address any issues and ensure consistent service quality.
The pre-opening phase of a new hotel requires meticulous planning, coordination, and attention to detail to create a strong foundation for successful operations.
A well-executed pre-opening plan helps establish the hotel's reputation, build guest loyalty, and set the stage for long-term success in the hospitality industry.