{"id":51,"date":"2025-02-12T17:13:30","date_gmt":"2025-02-12T17:13:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/juzztalk.net\/?p=51"},"modified":"2025-02-15T17:14:01","modified_gmt":"2025-02-15T17:14:01","slug":"how-independent-hoteliers-can-cut-operational-costs-and-run-a-sustainable-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/juzztalk.net\/?p=51","title":{"rendered":"How Independent Hoteliers Can Cut Operational Costs and Run a Sustainable Business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Sustainability in the hotel industry is progressing at varying paces. While some hotel owners are still lagging behind\u2014failing to install basic energy-efficient solutions like LED lights\u2014others are fully embracing comprehensive sustainability programs such as B Corp and BREEAM certifications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Gregor MacNaughton, Chief Technical Officer at RBH Hospitality Management, the approach to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments differs significantly among hotel owners. However, the recent surge in construction costs has led to a renewed focus on refurbishing and extending existing properties. \u201cThis is the first year at RBH in my memory that we have no new builds in progress,\u201d MacNaughton notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy-Saving Measures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many hotel owners are now investing in energy-saving technologies, such as voltage optimization and in-room occupancy sensors. Major global hotel brands have also adopted sustainable practices at different rates. In 2021, IHG was the first to set median monthly and annual energy targets for operators, followed by Hilton. Meanwhile, Accor and Marriott have yet to implement similar policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MacNaughton explains, \u201cWe took the best bits of the IHG and Hilton targeting systems and extrapolated that across all our hotels. Now, we provide all our hotels with monthly and annual energy targets and incentivize our general managers to meet those goals. It has become part of our ethos and culture.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating the Sustainability Landscape<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The lack of industry-wide mandates can make the path to sustainability complicated. Independent hoteliers face numerous decisions regarding the best technologies and data sources to utilize. Ben Harper, CEO of Watergate Bay, Another Place & Beach Retreats, emphasizes, \u201cWe\u2019re hotel people, not environmental scientists. It\u2019s a minefield out there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Harper, adopting the B Corp certification program has streamlined the process. \u201cB Corp has been really helpful for us because it forces the issue, making it less of a decision and more of a mandate.\u201d However, debates continue about whether it\u2019s more environmentally friendly to renovate an old building or demolish it for new construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Future-Proofing New Builds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When new builds do occur, they must be designed for longevity. Steve Walford, Vice President at Cedar Capital Partners, stresses the importance of avoiding past mistakes, such as using RAAC concrete. New buildings should feature easy-to-remove facades and minimal structural columns to facilitate future conversions into offices, hotel rooms, or residential spaces. \u201cWhy knock it down? We should not still be having this conversation in 50 years,\u201d Walford argues. \u201cThere\u2019s a huge cost to demolition and new construction. We need to build the right buildings for the future now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy Efficiency in Operations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For existing hotels, there are various straightforward energy efficiency measures that can yield significant savings. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n