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 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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
“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
Wren Urban Nest, Ireland’s first net-zero carbon hotel, is setting a new standard for eco-friendly hospitality. By using Snapfix to streamline maintenance and reduce inefficiencies, they’ve improved both their sustainability performance and guest satisfaction.
“As a fully sustainable hotel, we have to operate in the most sustainable manner possible—so when it comes to our maintenance, Snapfix aligns perfectly with our ethos.”
— Darren Newman, General Manager, Wren Urban Nest
Wren Urban Nest features a wide range of specialized systems—all of which require consistent and precise upkeep. With Snapfix, the team can easily schedule and track planned maintenance for this advanced equipment, ensuring optimal performance while staying true to their sustainability mission.
Want to see how this forward-thinking hotel is putting sustainability into practice—without compromising on guest experience?
Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury hotels, is proving that heritage and sustainability can go hand in hand. With a legacy dating back centuries, the castle is now making just as strong an impression with its environmental leadership—thanks in part to forward-thinking initiatives led by Sustainability Officer Fiona O’Shea Stack.
In a recent Snapfix-hosted webinar, Fiona shared how the team at Dromoland is achieving measurable progress on ambitious sustainability goals, all while delivering the world-class guest experience the castle is known for. From energy management to biodiversity initiatives and guest engagement, their journey offers practical lessons for hospitality teams everywhere.
Whether you manage a historic property or a modern boutique hotel, this on-demand session is packed with real-world strategies to help your team embrace greener practices—without compromising on luxury or service.
Watch the full webinar on demand and discover how sustainability is redefining success at Dromoland Castle.
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.