Beyond efficiency and renewables

Abstract

Efficiency and renewables are not silver bullet solutions. They are essential to green hospitality, but they have their own costs and complexities that deserve our informed attention. Hospitality businesses must go further to meet their environmental targets. Rebounds and backfires often undo our savings gains. The complacency of ‘job done’ attitudes can dismantle all the gains of green initiatives. Savings don’t mean as much when people take them as license to waste. Carbon offsetting programmes do not absolve us of the responsibility to reduce emissions. Planting trees may feel good (and it is good!) but reducing carbon emissions demands a little more elbow grease than that. Carbon offsetting programmes should be but one piece in a broader green strategy. „„ Any plan worth its salt must be shaped around a site’s unique context. Beware the one-size-fits-all quick fixes. Every site is different and requires personalised sustainable solutions. Putting in the research reaps rich rewards. „„ Resource conserving is the crucial third piece in the puzzle. Behaviour should not just be included in sustainability strategies – it should be central. Staff and guests alike can transform green tourism; we just need to trust them. „„ This chapter will get you thinking differently about the foundations of sustainable hospitality, shining light on nuances we all need to understand and embrace. Only with that mindset can we hope to revolutionise the sector.