Why Sustainability is the Future of Hospitality

Every year, hotels worldwide generate an estimated 289,700 tons of waste. Meanwhile, the annual carbon footprint of the hospitality industry as a whole is estimated at 3% of total global carbon emissions. These numbers highlight an urgent need for change across the board.

Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, serves as a global call to action for environmental responsibility. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is Our Power Our Planet and the goal is to unite people behind renewable energy, and to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030. For the hospitality industry, which relies heavily on natural resources, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative.

At Snapfix, we believe that change starts with action. As a company deeply connected to the day-to-day operations of hotels and facilities, we recognize both the responsibility and the opportunity we have to lead by example. Our goal is to empower hospitality teams to operate more efficiently and sustainably by simplifying maintenance, reducing waste, and supporting their journey toward green certifications—backed by real-time data and actionable insights.

As guest expectations evolve, regulations tighten, and cost savings become increasingly linked to green initiatives, hotels that embrace sustainability will gain a competitive edge. In this article, we’ll explore why sustainability matters more than ever and how hospitality leaders can take the  steps toward a greener future.

The Environmental Impact of Hospitality

The hospitality sector is a major contributor to global environmental challenges, with key areas of concern including:

With growing pressure from regulatory bodies and consumer demand, hospitality businesses must take sustainability seriously to remain competitive.

Why Sustainability in Hospitality Matters Now

1. Changing Guest Expectations

Today’s travelers actively seek eco-conscious accommodations. Studies show that 75% of travelers want to travel more sustainably, and 43% feel guilty when they make less  eco-friendly travel choices.

Eco-conscious guests look for tangible sustainability efforts, such as:

• Eliminating single-use plastics
• Energy-efficient lighting and smart thermostats
• Water-saving initiatives (e.g., towel reuse programs)

2. Regulatory Compliance & ESG Reporting

Governments and industry organizations are implementing stricter environmental policies. Many hotels must track and report sustainability metrics, such as carbon emissions and water usage, to comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.

Key regulatory movements include:

• EU Green Deal: Requires hotels to cut emissions and improve waste management.
• SEC Climate Disclosure Rules: US-based hospitality groups must disclose climate-related risks.
• Sustainable Hospitality Alliance Guidelines: A global standard for hotel sustainability.

3. Cost Savings & Operational Efficiency

Sustainability is not just good for the planet—it’s also good for business. Energy-efficient upgrades, such as LED lighting, smart HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures, can significantly lower operational costs. By investing in energy management systems, hotels can monitor and optimize energy usage in real-time, reducing unnecessary consumption and expenses.

The U.S. Department of Energy states that hotels can reduce energy costs by 20-30% through efficiency measures, leading to substantial long-term savings.

4. Brand Reputation & Competitive Advantage

A strong sustainability strategy enhances brand reputation and guest loyalty. Hotels that align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals are more attractive to investors and corporate clients.

How Hotels Can Become More Sustainable

 Energy Efficiency

• Install smart thermostats and motion-sensor lighting to reduce unnecessary energy use.
• Invest in solar panels and energy-efficient HVAC systems to cut carbon emissions.
• Install EV charging stations to encourage sustainable transportation.

Water Conservation

• Install low-flow faucets, showers, and toilets to reduce water consumption.
• Implement rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation and cleaning purposes.
• Offer guests opt-in towel and linen reuse programs to minimize laundry waste.
• Introduce water-efficient landscaping with drought-resistant plants.

Waste Reduction

• Replace single-use plastics with biodegradable or reusable alternatives in guest rooms and dining areas.
• Implement food waste tracking programs to optimize kitchen efficiency.
• Establish composting initiatives to handle organic waste responsibly.
• Partner with local food banks to donate surplus food instead of discarding it.
• Offer reusable guest amenities (e.g., refillable toiletry dispensers instead of small plastic bottles).
• Use digital menus and QR codes to minimize paper waste.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning & Maintenance

• Adopt green-certified, non-toxic cleaning products to minimize environmental impact.
• Transition to cloud-based task management systems like Snapfix to reduce paper waste and increase operational efficiency.
• Use microfiber cleaning cloths instead of disposable paper towels.
• Install air purifiers with eco-friendly filters to maintain indoor air quality.
• Provide eco-friendly uniforms made from sustainable materials for staff.

Sustainable Sourcing

• Use locally sourced, organic ingredients in hotel restaurants to cut down on food miles.
• Choose fair-trade coffee, teas, and sustainable seafood to support ethical suppliers.
• Partner with sustainable florists for event decorations.
• Use biodegradable packaging for takeaway food and beverages.

Leveraging Technology for Sustainability with Snapfix

• Real-time issue tracking: Quickly identify and resolve leaks, HVAC inefficiencies, and lighting faults.
• Paperless task management: Eliminate paper waste by using Snapfix for housekeeping, maintenance, and daily operations.
• Energy optimization: Use Snapfix’s task automation to schedule and track preventive maintenance, ensuring energy systems run at peak efficiency.
• Water conservation alerts: Detect and address leaks with instant reporting and response tools.
• Sustainability reporting: Track and log green initiatives, making ESG reporting easier and more transparent.
• Staff collaboration: Enable teams to coordinate sustainability tasks effortlessly through a centralized, easy-to-use platform.
• Use Snapfix in conjunction with other tools like EnergyElephant to make better energy and sustainability decisions with automation, AI & data.

“Snapfix has been instrumental in helping us implement more sustainable practices, positioning us perfectly for green certifications later this year.”

— Nathan Quinlan, Hotel Manager, Skyview Bangkok

Quick Wins for Earth Day

• Conduct a hotel-wide energy or waste audit.
• Host an Earth Day tree-planting event.
• Launch a plastic-free challenge for the month of April.
• Share your sustainability commitment on social media using #EarthDay2025 and #SustainableHospitality.
• Replace plastic water bottles with refillable glass or aluminum bottles.
• Set thermostats to an energy-efficient default setting in unoccupied rooms.
• Provide reusable shopping bags in guest rooms for local purchases.
• Add signage encouraging guests to turn off lights and AC when leaving the room.
• Eliminate plastic stirrers, straws, and individually wrapped condiments in the café and restaurant.
• Install a hydration station (filtered water refill station) in the lobby or gym.
• Offer discounts or perks for guests who arrive via public transportation or bike.
• Hold a sustainability briefing or short training session for staff.
• Partner with a local farm or bakery to feature sustainable, locally sourced food for Earth Day.
• Switch to eco-certified cleaning products in all areas.
• Encourage staff to bring reusable mugs or water bottles to work.
• Use Snapfix to log and assign sustainability-related tasks.

The Future Is Green—and It Starts Now

As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, the message is clear: sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s a necessity. From reducing waste and conserving resources to meeting ESG targets and exceeding guest expectations, hospitality businesses that embrace sustainability are not just protecting the planet—they’re building smarter, more resilient operations for the future.

Whether it’s switching to eco-friendly practices, leveraging smart technology like Snapfix, or learning from industry leaders like Wren Urban Nest and Dromoland Castle, there’s never been a better time to take action.

Let this Earth Day be the moment your team doubles down on sustainability—not just for your guests or your brand, but for the generations to come.