As the global hospitality industry pivots towards sustainability, eco-friendly hotels have become more than just a trend, they are almost an expectation. Modern travelers are increasingly seeking accommodations that reflect their environmental values, with 76% of travelers saying they want to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months. For hotels, this means finding tangible ways to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. One approach to this is earning recognised certifications that are awarded for undertaking and completing sustainable initiatives.
One of the most impactful and often overlooked strategies is preventive maintenance. When implemented effectively, preventive maintenance doesn’t just ensure operational efficiency; it also plays a critical role in aligning with green certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Green Key, and EarthCheck.
As hoteliers, it is important to understand the relationship between preventive maintenance and sustainability, and how it can position your property as an eco-friendly leader in the hospitality industry. It is also important to highlight these once fulfilled as 73% of travelers are more likely to choose accommodation providers that advertise their sustainability practices.
Green certifications validate a property’s commitment to sustainable practices. They set measurable standards for energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and overall environmental impact. These can vary by country or region but some are also recognised internationally and many serve the same purpose.
Here are some key certifications:
• LEED focuses on energy-efficient buildings and sustainable design. Properties certified by LEED save an average of 25% in energy costs and have 19% lower maintenance costs than conventional buildings.
By incorporating sustainable practices required for a LEED certification, such as energy-efficient guest rooms or renewable energy sources, these properties reduce operational costs while creating a healthier and more attractive environment for guests.
More than 6,000 hotels and other establishments in 70+ countries are Green Key certified. It assures guests that certified establishments, such as hotels, campsites, and restaurants, meet strict eco-friendly criteria through rigorous documentation and audits.
There is strong emphasis on eco-friendly operations, targeting water use, waste management, and staff training.
One of the key strengths of EarthCheck is its emphasis on continuous improvement. Hotels are not only assessed based on their current sustainability practices but are also encouraged to set and achieve more ambitious goals over time. This fosters a culture of ongoing environmental responsibility and supports long-term sustainability objectives.
EarthCheck Certification helps hotels meet global sustainability directives, attract clients, and reduce operating costs, all while maintaining quality. Beyond business benefits, it enables companies to demonstrate leadership in climate action, positively impact local communities, and align with the growing demand for sustainable tourism, ensuring long-term environmental preservation.
Ecosmart Greenage also incorporates advanced monitoring tools that track real-time data on energy, water, and waste, enabling properties to make immediate adjustments and continuously improve. The program’s emphasis on employee engagement and staff training further sets it apart, ensuring that sustainability becomes deeply embedded in daily operations. This certification is ideal for businesses seeking a more hands-on, results-driven sustainability program with a strong focus on both long-term improvements and immediate, measurable outcomes.
Green certifications demonstrate a hotel’s commitment to sustainability, offering benefits such as reduced operating costs, enhanced guest appeal, and long-term environmental improvements. Certifications like LEED, Green Key, EarthCheck, and Ecosmart Greenage validate eco-friendly practices in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management while encouraging continuous improvement and employee engagement. These certifications help hotels meet growing consumer demand for sustainable tourism, differentiate themselves in the market, and align with global sustainability goals.
Preventive maintenance refers to the routine inspection, upkeep, and repair of equipment and infrastructure to prevent breakdowns and inefficiencies. It’s a proactive approach that minimizes resource wastage, extends the lifespan of assets, and reduces the environmental footprint. Let’s dive into specific areas where preventive maintenance supports sustainability.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of energy consumption in hotels. Poorly maintained systems can lead to excessive energy use and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that properly maintained HVAC systems can reduce energy use by 15-20%. Additionally, implementing a building management system (BMS) to monitor HVAC performance can further optimize energy use, reducing costs and emissions.
Water is one of the most precious resources, and hotels use vast amounts daily for guest services, cleaning, and landscaping. Leaks and inefficient fixtures can result in significant wastage.
From food waste in restaurants to discarded amenities, hotels produce large volumes of waste. Inefficient systems or poorly maintained equipment can exacerbate this issue.
A report by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlights that nearly 40% of all food we produce is wasted. By maintaining equipment that supports portion control and storage, hotels can significantly reduce waste.
Replacing equipment prematurely due to wear and tear not only strains budgets but also contributes to landfill waste and resource depletion. Preventive maintenance extends the lifecycle of assets, reducing the need for replacements.
Extending the life of equipment through preventive maintenance can reduce expenditure, enabling hotels to reallocate funds toward other sustainability initiatives.
Green certifications often include specific requirements related to the efficient use of energy, water, and materials. Here’s how preventive maintenance helps meet those criteria:
As the first net zero carbon hotel in Ireland, Wren Urban Nest is highly focused on sustainability and has implemented engineering equipment that requires specialized care, making reactive and preventative maintenance crucial to the hotel’s success.
The team at Wren Urban Nest is passionate about the environment and believes in taking steps towards a better planet. Wren Urban Nest has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, winning the best energy achievement award in tourism and entertainment at the Business Energy Awards 2023 and named a winner in the energy in buildings category of the 2022 SEAI Energy Awards.
The entire Wren team uses Snapfix on their mobile devices to report, track, and complete issues faster and schedule planned maintenance to prevent future issues. The introduction of Snapfix has seen a dramatic decrease in negative online reviews from maintenance issues.
Read the full case study here.
Preventive maintenance is more than a cost-saving measure; it’s a cornerstone of sustainability in the hospitality industry. By integrating it into your operations, you not only reduce your environmental impact but also enhance your eligibility for prestigious green certifications. These certifications, in turn, attract eco-conscious travelers and position your property as a leader in the green hospitality movement.
The path to sustainability isn’t always easy, but with preventive maintenance as a guiding strategy, it’s achievable—and the planet will thank you for it.
Are you ready to take the next step in your hotel’s sustainability journey? Embrace the power of preventive maintenance and lead the way in eco-friendly hospitality.